Impact Development Officer

University of Reading; Reading; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Reading is seeking a motivated individual to join the newly formed impact team. This role focuses on enhancing public engagement and research impact within key themes, including Heritage & Creativity and Prosperity & Resilience, contributing to a diverse and inclusive workforce.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of Public Engagement with Research
• Demonstrable knowledge of H&C Theme sectors

Responsibilities

• Contribute to the development of Public Engagement with Research.
• Assist in coordinating, conducting, and evaluating PER activity in REF Units.

Skills

Good communication skills

Knowledge of impact

Ability to work with diverse stakeholders

Teamwork

Job description

Closing date: 23:59 GMT 25 June 2025

Interviews will be held: 17 July 2025

By reference to the applicable SOC code for this role, sponsorship may be possible under the Skilled Worker Route. Applicants wishing to consider the SWR must ensure that they are able to meet the points requirement before applying. There is further information about this on the UK Visas and Immigration Website.

Our Heritage & Creativity (H&C) research shines a spotlight on the past and reflects on the value of arts and humanities research to the people of today. Focusing on contemporary global challenges, we promote public debate on issues such as migration and diaspora, health and (dis)ability, and the role of heritage and the creative industries in promoting inclusion and diversity. Our work is informed by engagement with archives and material culture and the exchange between creativity and digital platforms. The University has a wealth of world-class museums, collections and archives and works through them to foster innovative collaborations and partnerships with the public, industry, government, NGOs and other researchers to contribute to social diversity and wellbeing, economic growth and creative enterprise.

Our Prosperity & Resilience (P&R) research asks these key questions: What are the institutions and practices that help people and society to prosper? How do they help us build resilience against economic, social, political or environmental shocks? We work across boundaries and along with partners to respond to pressing social problems.

Working primarily with the H&C and P&R themes, you will be contributing to the continuous improvement in the development of cultural, societal, economic, policy and environmental benefit from the themes. You will work on the development of Public Engagement with Research (PER) within your remit and provide support to a pipeline of projects within the themes, working with external partners where necessary to ensure opportunities for impact are maximized and captured. You will also have a major role in the delivery of the REF and the University’s impact strategy. Specifically, you will assist in coordinating, conducting, monitoring and evaluating PER activity in REF Units of Assessment 15, 26, 27, 28, 32, 33 (H&C Theme) and 18, 19, 22, 23 (P&R Theme) and support related REF Impact Case Studies.

You will have:

• Knowledge of impact and the routes to achieving it
• Knowledge of Public Engagement with Research and the practical routes to achieving it
• The ability to work with a diverse range of academic and professional services stakeholders
• The ability to work as part of a team to progress a programme of work
• Good communication skills
• Demonstrable knowledge of the H&C Theme sectors

The role holder will join a newly formed and delightful impact team within Research Services and will work alongside the Impact Development Managers/Officer from the other Themes to jointly deliver on the University’s impact, and all on our beautiful and green campus.

Contact Name Amanda Lazar

Contact Job Title H&C Impact Development Manager

Contact Email address [e-mail]

Alternative Contact Name Lisa Lazareck-Asunta

Alternative Contact Job Title Head of Impact

Alternative Contact Email address [e-mail]

The University is committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce, supports the gender equality Athena SWAN Charter and the Race Equality Charter, and champions LGBT+ equality. We are a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2). Applications for job-share, part-time and flexible working arrangements are welcomed and will be considered in line with business needs.