Engagement & Programs Lead — Operations & Partnerships

Health Data Research UK (HDR UK); Greater London; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

HDR UK is seeking an Engagement and Operations Officer to support delivery and development of our programmes, combining hands-on operational delivery with relationship management and community building.

You will help ensure smooth programme delivery, coordinate events, manage communications and build lasting relationships with interns, scholars, alumni, hosts and partners. A proactive, detail‑driven approach is essential to widening access and impact.

Qualifications

• Support end-to-end delivery of HDR UK programmes, including recruitment, placements, onboarding and events.
• Act as a first point of contact for participants and partners, providing clear guidance and timely follow‑up.
• Maintain accurate schedules, plans, databases, records and documentation, and monitor milestones, deadlines and operational issues.
• Coordinate meetings, workshops, webinars, networking and careers activities, including speakers, logistics, registrations, materials and follow‑up.
• Support budgets, expenditure, procurement and administration in line with HDR UK procedures.
• Improve processes and communications through digital tools, while maintaining confidentiality, data protection, accessibility and safeguarding.

Responsibilities

• Build trusted relationships with interns, scholars and alumni, providing a welcoming, responsive and supportive experience.
• Understand participants’ interests, aspirations and development needs, connecting them with opportunities, resources and networks.
• Maintain regular, relevant communications on programme milestones, events, learning and careers, and encourage continued engagement.
• Build an active participant and alumni community through peer support, mentoring, networking and knowledge sharing.
• Create opportunities for alumni to contribute as speakers, mentors, ambassadors and recruiters.
• Gather feedback, celebrate achievements and capture consented stories to improve delivery and demonstrate impact.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with hosts, universities, employers, mentors and other partners.
• Provide clear guidance, communications, briefings and ongoing support so partners understand programme processes and responsibilities.
• Help hosts provide inclusive, development‑focused experiences, resolving queries and escalating concerns appropriately.
• Strengthen existing partnerships and encourage repeat participation, referrals and wider contributions through mentoring, careers and alumni activity.
• Research and engage prospective partners across academia, industry, healthcare, government and the wider health data sector, converting interest into participation.
• Maintain accurate stakeholder, engagement and follow‑up records.
• Deliver outreach to attract strong applicants, hosts, scholarship partners and supporters, with targeted approaches for under‑reached audiences.
• Represent HDR UK at careers fairs, university events, conferences and professional networks, delivering presentations and information sessions.
• Organise webinars, Q&As and recruitment events for prospective participants and partners.
• Build relationships with universities, careers services, student societies, professional networks and community organisations.
• Create accessible recruitment materials, presentations, case studies, testimonials and digital content with colleagues and partners.
• Track outreach, enquiries, attendance, application sources and conversion, and follow up interest to generate applications and partnerships.
• Grow and maintain an engaged alumni network with accurate contact and career‑progression records.
• Coordinate networking, webinars, mentoring, career conversations and opportunities to share expertise.
• Connect alumni with current participants, hosts, employers and the wider health data research community.
• Engage alumni as speakers, mentors, ambassadors, recruiters and advisers on future programme development.
• Maintain relevant communications and develop consented stories and case studies that celebrate achievements and demonstrate impact.
• Maintain reliable data on applications, participation, placements, awards, engagement, feedback and outcomes.
• Coordinate monitoring, surveys and feedback, using findings to assess performance and improve delivery.
• Prepare clear updates, reports, presentations and summaries for colleagues, funders and partners.
• Track outreach, event and communications activity to assess reach, effectiveness and growth opportunities.
• Support newsletters, website and social media content, and maintain accurate, consented impact stories and testimonials.
• Help develop consistent processes and reporting across the talent programme portfolio.
• Collaborate with the Talent and Training team and colleagues across HDR UK to deliver shared objectives and wider initiatives.
• Share insight and good practice across programmes, identifying opportunities for joined‑up activity and continuous improvement.
• Contribute ideas that strengthen participant experience, stakeholder engagement and long‑term sustainability.
• Represent HDR UK professionally as an ambassador for inclusive talent development and a diverse health data research workforce.

Job description

HDR UK is seeking an Engagement and Operations Officer to support delivery and development of our programmes, combining hands-on operational delivery with relationship management and community building.

You will help ensure smooth programme delivery, coordinate events, manage communications and build lasting relationships with interns, scholars, alumni, hosts and partners. A proactive, detail‑driven approach is essential to widening access and impact.