Performance and REF Co-ordinator

Exeter; Exeter; Hybrid; GBP 31,000 - 37,000; Full time

Job summary

Exeter is seeking a Performance and REF Co-ordinator to lead the REF2029 submission process and drive cross‑unit collaboration with UoA leads. The role also supports governance of performance metrics and scenario planning.

The successful candidate will manage data across multiple systems, ensure policy adherence, and communicate guidance to academic and professional services staff. Hybrid working is available.

Qualifications

• Excellent communicator across academic and professional services.
• Meticulous data management across multiple databases.
• Ability to identify operational risk in evolving environment.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate the REF2029 submission and related workflows.
• Drive communications and cross-working with UoA leads.
• Embed institutional policies to ensure smooth REF2029 delivery.
• Support operational review of grant performance and research output.

Skills

Organised

Proactive

Adaptable

Excellent communication

Job description

About The Role

Performance and REF Co-ordinator

INTERNAL APPLICANTS ONLY

This full-time post is available from the 1st October 2026 on a permanent basis. Applications for secondments will be considered subject to agreement from your current line manager.

The starting salary will be from £33,951 on Grade E, depending on knowledge, skills and experience.

This role offers the opportunity for hybrid working - some time on campus and some from home.

The Role

This is an exciting opportunity within the Performance and REF team to contribute to the delivery of the University's submission to national research evaluations (e.g. REF2029). The role will be key in driving forward communications and facilitating cross-working with Unit of Assessment (UoA) leads, embedding institutional policies and procedures to ensure smooth delivery of REF2029 objectives. In addition to the co-ordination of the REF2029 submission, the role supports operational review of institutional grant performance, research output quality, and scenario planning.

About You

We are looking for a proactive, organised, adaptable candidate, capable of identifying operational risk in an area of rapid change, often working under pressure and managing complex workstreams. The post holder will be an excellent communicator that builds effective networks with both academic and professional services colleagues to efficiently disseminate guidance, policies and procedures relating to REF2029 or research performance evalutaion. You will have meticulous attention to detail, managing data and documentation across a diverse range of databases and systems, and managing validation and checking of institutional information.

Please ensure you read the Job Description and Person Specification for full details of this role.

Further Information

Please contact Will Swansborough-Aston, Performance and REF Manager, [e-mail]

About Us

Transform Your Career and Help Shape a Greener, Healthier, and Fairer Future

We are committed to understanding different cultures and perspectives, supporting diverse leadership, and striving for social justice. We encourage applications from all groups underrepresented in our community, including racially minoritised individuals and those with disabilities. Our inclusive, merit based recruitment processes seek to embrace a diverse set of experiences to ensure colleagues feel supported equitably. With over 30,000 students and 7,000 staff from 150 countries, we foster a culture where everyone can thrive.

You can read more about our current accreditations and commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion here, including our commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant.

Why our colleagues love working here

• Flexible working opportunities and leading parental leave initiatives
• Generous annual leave (39-41 days including bank holidays)
• Competitive pension contributions
• A genuine dedication to supporting the health and wellbeing of all colleagues – see initiatives here
• Sustainability and the environment being at the heart of what we do