Innovation GM – Project Officer (Network Development and Engagement)

Manchester Metropolitan University; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational institution in Greater Manchester is seeking a Project Officer to support the Director of the Innovation Greater Manchester Partnership. This role involves engaging with industry partners, developing communication strategies, and fostering collaboration within the innovation ecosystem. Strong communication skills and experience in stakeholder engagement are essential for this position. The role also offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the region's innovation and economic development.

Benefits

Flexible working arrangements

Inclusive culture

Professional development opportunities

Qualifications

• Experience of developing relationships with senior stakeholders.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Support the Director in activities of the IGM Partnership.
• Lead development and delivery of communications and engagement content.
• Enhance IGM's private sector engagement.

Skills

Strong communication skills

Collaborative working style

Relationship building

Self-starter

Job description

Location: Manchester Metropolitan University, covering Greater Manchester, on behalf of the IGM Partnership

Innovation Greater Manchester (IGM) is a new triple-helix partnership, overseen by an industry-led Board, whose goal is to radically increase levels of investment in research, development and innovation in Greater Manchester. IGM will harness the collaborative power of businesses, universities and local government to support clusters of innovation-led businesses and increase productivity, high quality jobs and prosperity. IGM will enable our city-region to be a leader of the fourth industrial revolution, known globally for the strength of its innovation ecosystem.

An inaugural IGM Director was appointed earlier this year and is connecting businesses, universities and government to power Greater Manchester's innovation ecosystem. The Director is leading efforts to expand our networks, build new relationships, and create opportunities for innovation-led growth. Working closely with the new IGM Chair, the Director is shaping strategies that foster diversity, inclusion and collaboration, positioning Greater Manchester as a global innovation hub.

This new IGM Project Officer role is being created to support the Director with the activity of the IGM Partnership, working with a wide range of partners spanning the triple helix. To strengthen that partnership and support maximising investment into GM's innovation ecosystem, you will work with, between, and across industry partners to connect into their business networks and intensify IGM's private sector engagement. You will lead on the development and delivery of communications and engagement content to promote the work and successes of the IGM partnership, and also provide strong co-ordination of IGM's work and activities.

You will be a self-starter, comfortable with building and shaping a new role and managing a range of tasks and activities in parallel, under the direction of the Director. You'll have strong communication skills and prior experience of developing relationships with a range of partners, including senior stakeholders. You will have a collaborative working style and strong written & verbal communication skills. You will be a team player, with a commitment to ensuring deadlines are met.

This role presents a unique opportunity to help shape the development of GM's innovation ecosystem and deliver prosperity across our region.

To apply: Please submit your CV along with a covering letter detailing your suitability for the role, via our application portal. The covering letter should not exceed two A4 pages. If you have any queries about the role, please contact David Levene (Director, IGM) at [e-mail]

The closing date for applications is Monday 24 November. Interviews will be held during week commencing 8 December.

IGM is a collaboration between business, the Greater Manchester Combined Authority, Manchester Metropolitan University, the University of Manchester and the University of Salford. Manchester Metropolitan University is hosting the IGM team (Chair, Director and Project Officer) on behalf of the collaborative partnership and the Project Officer will be employed by Manchester Metropolitan University.

Manchester Metropolitan University fosters an inclusive culture of belonging that promotes equity and celebrates diversity. We value a diverse workforce for the innovation and diversity of thought it brings and welcome applications from all local and international communities, including Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic backgrounds, disabled people, and LGBTQ+ individuals.

We support a range of flexible working arrangements, including hybrid and tailored schedules, which can be discussed with your line manager. If you require reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process or in your role, please let us know so we can provide appropriate support.

Our commitment to inclusivity includes mentoring programmes, accessibility resources, and professional development opportunities to empower and support underrepresented groups.

Manchester Met is a Disability Confident Leader and, under this scheme, aims to offer an interview to disabled people who apply for the role and meet the essential criteria as listed in the attached Job Description for that vacancy.