Impact Development Officer (AHRC IAA)

University of Reading; Reading; Hybrid; GBP 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious UK university is seeking an Impact Development Manager to support the delivery of its Arts and Humanities Research Council Impact Acceleration Account. The role includes driving impact from research projects in the fields of heritage and creativity. The successful candidate will possess project management experience, knowledge of how to measure impact, and effective communication skills. This is a hybrid role based in Reading, requiring in-person attendance at least two days per week. Applications are welcomed from diverse candidates.

Benefits

Professional development opportunities

Flexible working arrangements

Qualifications

• Knowledge of various impact measurement methods and techniques.
• Ability to effectively communicate with stakeholders from diverse backgrounds.
• Proven project management experience, including financial record-keeping.
• Experience within the arts, heritage, or university sectors.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
• Demonstrable knowledge of the Heritage and Creativity Theme.

Responsibilities

• Support the delivery of the AHRC Impact Acceleration Account.
• Accelerate impact from funded projects and manage the project pipeline.
• Collaborate with the Impact Development Manager and external partners.

Skills

Knowledge of impact and routes to achieving it

Effective communication skills

Project management experience

Experience in arts and heritage sector

Analytical skills

Knowledge of Heritage and Creativity theme

Job description

Overview

Closing date: 23:59 19th January 2026. Full‑time, Fixed Term to 31/03/2027.

This role is not eligible for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship. The successful candidate(s) will have to ensure that they have the right to work in the UK or be able to secure this through another means without the sponsorship of the University. Further information about sponsorship is available on the UK Visas and Immigration Website.

About the Role

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.

Working closely with the Impact Development Manager (Heritage and Creativity), Knowledge Exchange Fellows, and academics, you will support the delivery of the University’s Arts and Humanities Research Council Impact Acceleration Account (AHRC IAA). You will accelerate impact from funded projects and the impact project pipeline across the Heritage and Creativity Research theme and consolidate and report on successes achieved by funded projects.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of impact and routes to achieving it
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing with a diverse range of stakeholders
• Experience of managing a project, including maintaining financial records and spreadsheets
• Experience of working within the arts, heritage, creative industries or university sector
• Excellent analytical and problem‑solving skills
• Demonstrable knowledge of the Heritage and Creativity Theme portfolio

Team and Working Environment

The role holder will join a delightful impact team within the Research, Engagement and Innovation Office (REIO) and will work alongside the Impact Development Manager, Impact Leads, the IAA Knowledge Exchange Fellows, Research Division Leaders and individual academics within the Research Themes which align with the AHRC remit. The role holder will work directly with external non‑academic partners and will also work with other teams within the REIO.

Work Arrangement

This is a hybrid role. The role holder is expected to be on Whiteknights campus for a minimum of two days a week.

Additional Information

We welcome applications from both external and internal candidates. As part of the University’s ongoing commitment to professional development, this role can be considered on a seconded basis for existing staff members. Internal candidates should discuss this with their line manager prior to applying.

Interviews will be held: Monday 9th February 2026.

Diversity and Inclusion

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.

Contact

Contact Name: Amanda Lazar
Contact Job Title: Impact Development Manager (Heritage and Creativity)
Contact Email: [e-mail]
Alternative Contact Name: Lisa Lazareck‑Asunta
Alternative Contact Job Title: Head of Impact
Alternative Contact Email: [e-mail]