Impact Development Officer

Kingston University; Kingston upon Thames; On-site; GBP 38,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Kingston University is seeking a skilled roleholder to understand and communicate the economic, social and cultural impacts from the University’s research. You will work with academics and professional services staff to develop compelling impact narratives and help shape them into case studies for the 2029 REF assessment.

You will identify and manage data to evaluate and improve impact narratives, lead processes with diverse stakeholders, and communicate effectively with high accuracy under

Qualifications

• Experience communicating research impact to diverse audiences.
• Ability to identify and manage data gaps and gather evidence.

Responsibilities

• Develop compelling impact narratives and case studies for REF 2029.
• Collaborate with academics and professional services staff to shape narratives.
• Lead data collection and evaluation of impact evidence across disciplines.
• Engage internal and external stakeholders to support impact activities.

Skills

Stakeholder management

Data analysis

Impact storytelling

Communication skills

HE environment knowledge

Job description

We are looking for a skilled and motivated roleholder who will be able to understand and communicate the economic, social and cultural impacts arising from the University’s research. You will work with academics and professional services staff in order to develop compelling impact narratives and help shape them into case studies that will feature in the 2029 Research Excellence Framework (REF) assessment exercise.

You will demonstrate the skills required to evaluate and communicate research impact effectively and will bring some understanding of the higher education environment. The ability to identify and manage relevant data and to work with academics to evaluate and improve impact narratives are key requirements. You will have the ability to lead processes working with a variety of internal and external stakeholders, but also to be imaginative in seeking solutions to data gaps and developing bodies of evidence.

You will have good communication skills across all media. The ability to work to tight deadlines while maintaining attention to detail and a high degree of accuracy is crucial. Good interpersonal skills are required.

The Academic Services Directorate includes Research & Impact, Knowledge Exchange, Academic Registry, Quality Assurance and Enhancement, the Learning and Teaching Enhancement Centre, Brand, Communications and Public Affairs and Development, Alumni Relations & Engagement (DARE). Collectively the Directorate supports academics in their research and KE activities and supports some of the University’s governance and decision-making committees, maintains academic regulations, develops and implements academic policies, oversees the quality and standards of academic provision and leads the development of education practices across the University.

The Directorate is responsible for stimulating cutting edge research, impact and knowledge exchange and supporting a vibrant community of graduate research students, to increase the volume, impact and visibility of our research and business activities. We actively liaise with Faculties and researchers to support and develop research activities across all disciplines and provide related training and development opportunities. We foster interdisciplinary working to promote, advance and share knowledge with the overall aim of securing new revenue sources and contributing to regional prosperity. Our goal is to foster and sustain a vibrant research culture in which our researchers and research students can flourish.

As a directorate, we identify opportunities for innovation, see change as an opportunity, value constructive feedback and share good practice across the University.

This is a full time, fixed term position available until 31 December 2028 with a starting salary of £45,025 per annum.

Interviews are expected to be held onw/c 5 October 2026.

For informal enquiries, please contactProfessor Simon Wortham, Director of Research Excellence & Head of Graduate Studies.