Last updated: / 11 December 2017

JOB DESCRIPTION

Post title: / Impact Framework Manager
Academic Unit/Service: / Research and Innovation Services
Faculty: / Professional Services
Career Pathway: / Management, Specialist and Administrative (MSA) / Level: / 5
*ERE category: / n/a
Posts responsible to: / Head of Research Performance, MSA 6
Posts responsible for: / Communications & Training Coordinator, MSA 4
Job purpose
The introduction of “impact” by the major funding bodies brings a challenging new dimension to the University’s research and enterprise activities. Demonstrating how these activities benefit society demands a more strategic approach to harnessing our substantial knowledge and expertise. This post provides a focal point for developing and implementing the University’s Impact Framework which sets out definitions of impact, a taxonomy of the pathways to impact, and the University’s impact objectives.
Key accountabilities/primary responsibilities / % Time
  1. Be an active and exemplary ambassador for “impact” amongst the University community and provide leadership and encouragement to those engaged in initiating, influencing and interacting with any of the numerous pathways to impact.
/ Items 1-5
75%
  1. Coordinate the University’s approach to impact through a network of Impact Champions (staff appointed in Faculties and Professional Services to lead on impact activities) and by facilitating collaboration across existing networks and teams e.g. Public Engagement Network, Impact Acceleration Team and Public Policy|Southampton.

Lead the development and implementation of the Impact Framework including the adoption of agreed principles and sharing of best practice to help embed an understanding of impact and the potential routes to delivering impact fromthe University’s research and enterprise activities.
Work with University staff and partners to explore the impacts of research, and design effective mechanisms for the delivery of impact and supporting evidence.
Support the University’s preparations for the impact element of REF by keeping abreast of the latest developments, providing expert advice and facilitating University-wide impact review exercises.
Enhance the public profile of the University’s impact by line managing a Communications & Training Coordinator and working with Communications & Marketing and Faculties / Items 6-9
25%
  1. Work in partnership with the Centre for Higher Education Practice (CHEP) and other teams as appropriate, to develop training programmes and events for academic staff to improve their understanding of impact and how they can engage to deliver impact.

Support the development and uptake of University-wide information systems to collect, manage and disseminate impact-related evidence and information to enable the production of case studies and other marketing materials.
Any other duties as allocated by the line manager following consultation with the post holder.
Internal and external relationships (including nature and purpose of relationships)
Key internal relationships are with Associate Deans (pathways to impact, faculty processes, REF preparations) other academic staff (training and communications), and Professional Services colleagues, particularlyCommunications & Marketing, iSolutions (business processes and systems), Centre for Higher Education Practice (CHEP)(training), Research & Innovation Services(pathways to impact, systems, communications) and leaders of thePublic Engagement and Public Policy teams.
Key relationships external to the University are to understand the needs of government, research funders, industry and commerce for impact-related information and to identify funding opportunities.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Criteria / Essential / Desirable / How to be assessed
Qualifications, Knowledge and Experience / Postgraduate degree or skill level equivalent to achievement of a professional qualification.
Experience of working in the higher education sector and particularly in research administration and support.
Experience of developing and enhancing communication practices in a large department or organisation.
Understanding of the complex policy and regulations supporting research and enterprise and the ability to translate these with respect to the impact agenda.
Understanding of the UK Research Councils Pathways to Impact and how behaviours and processes could be developed to improve connectivity across the University and secure sustainable business benefits. / Experience of change management in a large department or organisation.
Understanding of the issues faced by different disciplines across the University in developing Impact Case Studies for REF 2014 (Research Excellence Framework), and how processes might be improved and developed for REF2021. / Application and interview
Leadership, Management, Team Work / Excellent leadership and influencing skills.
Capacity to develop and deliver strategy and action plans that take forward agreed priorities.
Ability to address challenges and manage change in support of agreed priorities, working across organisational boundaries.
Capacity to assess and communicate priorities, organise multiple activities and plan workloads in response to changing priorities.
Pro-active approach to managing processes, resources and projects.
Proven experience in motivating and mentoring staff in a multi-functional setting; ensuring quality and productivity standards are met; identifying training needs and organising appropriate provision.
Able to provide expert advice and guidance to colleagues to resolve complex problems. / Application and interview
Planning and Organising / Able to plan and manage major new projects or significant new activities, ensuring plans complement broader organisational strategy.
Proven track record of leading and delivering broad ranging and lasting change. / Application and interview
Problem Solving and Decision Marking Skills / Ability to manage the collection of requirements and analyse complex business process issues; appreciate long-term impact; think laterally to create new and imaginative approaches to work.
Demonstrate a capacity to question traditional assumptions and contribute to solutions that raise expectations about performance.
Ability to use initiative and adopt a positive andactive approach to problem solving. / Application and interview
Communicating and Influencing Skills / Strategic thinker.
Effective partnership working and inter-personal skills.
Excellent interviewing skills and the ability to deal with difficult interviewees.
Ability to write in a compelling and attention-grabbing style.
Ability to synthesise complex factors in a clear and concise way.
Ability to interact with stakeholder groups/individuals in a sensitive and effective way.
Ability to speak clearly and fluently in groups and with individuals at all levels in the University in a compelling and persuasive manner.
Ability to demonstrate adequate preparation so that presentations are focused, succinct and accurate. / Application and interview
Resource Management / Experience of managing projects and workloads to meet timescales, budgets and outputs according to changing priorities.
Keen eye for detail with ability to understand the wider strategic picture and translate into effective operational delivery.
Ensure resources are deployed efficiently and effectively and undertake regular reviews to maximise the impact of the services provided. / Application and interview
Service Delivery / Pro-active approach to the collection and evaluation of feedback in two-way relationships.
Pro-active approach to setting standards in skills, competencies and behaviours for staff to follow and sharing best practice so that performance improves on a continuous basis. / Application and interview
Other Skills and Behaviours / Excellent IT skills, including Microsoft Office suite.
High energy level, positive and enthusiastic.
Flexibility to work unusual hours if required.
Willingness to travel on business (mainly UK but possibly overseas too). / Application and Interview

Key activities during first 12 months in post

  • Develop personal relationships with key University stakeholders e.g. Associate Deans Research and Enterprise, relevant staff in Research & Innovation Services, Communications & Marketing,CHEPand leaders of the Public Engagement and Public Policy teams.
  • Manage and report on a pilot review of Impact Case Studies as part of REF preparations.
  • Explore and document Faculty strategies and plans for delivering impact case studies, gaining a good understanding of priorities and challenges.
  • Develop and implement a mechanism to enhance collaboration between industry, policy and public engagement support teams.
  • Identify and promote examples of best practice in planning for and achieving impact.
  • Engage with wider impact networks to share best practice, identify broader challenges and opportunities and to maintain intelligence of the wider impact landscape.
  • Develop best practice and training to encourage the recording of impact information in the University’s CRIS.

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