Head of REF Operations

Goldsmiths is a campus-based university in the London Borough of Lewisham and a leader in the arts, humanities, and social sciences. We are committed to making a difference through our teaching, research, and knowledge exchange, and we’re looking for inspiring, dedicated, and talented people to help build on our reputation as a research-leading institution.

Within the Department of Research, Enterprise and Knowledge Exchange, which drives our Research, Innovation and Knowledge Exchange Strategy, we support research bids, grant management, compliance, business enterprise, and our REF submission. We are now seeking a new Head of REF Operations to provide strategic and operational leadership for Goldsmiths’ REF 2029 preparations, submission, planning, and analysis.

Reporting to the Director of Research, Innovation and Knowledge Exchange and working closely with the Provost and Deputy Vice-Chancellor, you will manage the people, processes, and systems that underpin our REF submission. In this role you will serve as Secretary to the REF Strategy Board and chair the REF Operations Board, ensuring our internal strategies and procedures are aligned with national policies and positioned to significantly enhance Goldsmiths’ standing in the next REF.

We are looking for a motivated professional with a proven track record in a research environment. You will have strong strategic planning, analytical, and leadership skills, with a solid understanding of UK research policy and an understanding of the REF process. While direct experience with REF submissions is desirable, we welcome applications from candidates who demonstrate robust experience in strategic and operational leadership in higher education.

We are keen to attract candidates from diverse backgrounds who share our commitment to creating an inclusive culture where all staff and students can thrive.

For an information conversation about the role, contact our partners at GatenbySanderson: Maliha Ahmed: maliha.ahmed@gatenbysanderson.com or Ellie Hurst: ellie.hurst@gatenbysanderson.com.

Closing date: 9am, Monday 7^th April 2025