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Role Description

Faculty/Service:Research and Innovation Services (RIS)

Job Title:Director of Research and Innovation

Grade:10

Category: Senior Management

Role Purpose: To provide strategic leadership of Research and Innovation Services and operational management of the Research and Innovation team.

Responsible to:Pro Vice-Chancellor(Research and Innovation)

Specific responsibilities

  1. Contribute to the definition of the strategic direction for Research and Innovation and actively promote and engage stakeholders across the University to drive and successfully deliver the Research and Innovation Strategic Plan.
  1. Create, lead, manage and develop a high performing Research and Innovation team with the right skills, knowledge and behaviours, working collaboratively with faculty academic colleagues and senior management, to deliver the strategic and business objectives.
  1. Lead the delivery of a high quality, pro-active service in support of the University’s aim of increasing capacity in research and innovation through the next University Strategy period (2018-2023).
  1. Ensure the University is well connected with, and promoted to, the research councils and other major research funding bodies and HEFCE.
  1. Provide professional leadership and advice on issues associated with research administration.
  1. Provide a high quality research grants advice support service, which is efficient, effective and responsive to the needs of academic staff and contributes to the quality of research and increasing income from research grants and other competitive awards.
  1. Prepare institutional responses to Government consultations on research activity and the Research Excellence Framework (REF).
  1. Lead the preparations for REF 2021.
  1. Work collaboratively with faculty academic colleagues and senior management to promote innovation through the development of strategic partnerships with commercial organisations and the development of a Northumbria University innovation platform.
  1. Undertake environmental scanning to maintain broad commercial awareness and up to date knowledge on HE policy in the UK and internationally to realise new funding opportunities and to understand the effect changes in the landscape might have on current and future business directions.
  1. Ensureappropriate management information and data analysis systems are in place to prepare timely reports and presentations for, the PVC (R&I),faculty teamsand, as required, other parts of the University.
  1. Propose, and when agreed, manage and report on the Research and Innovation annual expenditure budget.

Generic responsibilities:

In line with the University’s Mission, Vision, Corporate Strategy and Leadership Attributes, you will:

  1. Work with other members of the University’s Senior Management Group to contribute to the overall strategic leadership and delivery of the University’s vision, Strategy and supporting plans and for leading and promoting cross-University institutional activities and projects where appropriate.
  1. Contribute to University leadership and management, through University committees, working groups and projects.
  1. Participate in appropriate internal and external networks and professional groups in the interests of the role and in order to enhance networks and share good practice.
  1. Ensure leadership, management, support and development of all staff is undertaken within the role’s areas of responsibility (including application of the University’s Performance Development and Appraisal Scheme).
  1. Ensure adherence to the highest possible standards of probity and professional behaviour.
  1. Foster a strong sense of customer service, both internal and external, across teams.
  1. Support the Vice-Chancellor and Executive members in the effective communication of the Corporate Strategy and Vision 2025, at all levels of the organisation and externally as appropriate.
  1. Undertake any other duties assigned by the Pro Vice-Chancellor (Business and Enterprise).

This Role Description is not intended to be an exhaustive list and will be subject to periodic review.

Person Specification

Faculty/Service:Research and Innovation Services (RIS)

Job Title:Director of Research and Innovation

Grade:10

E/D / A/I
1. / Specific Knowledge
An appreciation of emerging national and global trends in Higher Education and of their implications for the UK university system. / E / I
An understanding of the complexity and diversity of a large University and the ability to adapt personal approach and style accordingly. / E / I
Knowledge of research and innovation in Higher Education / E / A/I
2. / Skills and Abilities
Ability to evidence a leadership style that includes: setting direction, meeting the needs of our stakeholders, communicating, influencing and empowering others to deliver, fostering collaboration and driving innovation and change, and acting with integrity. / E / A/I
Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to lead, inspire and motivate others, within and outside of the immediate team. / E / I
Ability to set direction and develop and implement complex strategic and operational plans. / E / I
Negotiating and collaborative skills, flexibility and open-mindedness. / E / I
Ability to challenge and make logical, well balanced and reasoned decisions in situations where there are conflicting views/objectives. / E / I
Ability to manage, encourage and deliver effective communication and engagement activities in multi-stakeholder environments. / E / I
Exceptional customer relationships management skills / E / A/I
Entrepreneurial, self-driven, creative, enthusiastic, tenacious, resilient, patient with an ability to overcome barriers. / E / A/I
Ability to work within a matrix structure with complex governance arrangements to achieve objectives and performance indicators. / E / A/I
Ability to deliver successful organisational and cultural change in a complex environment. / E / A/I
Ability to rapidly gain the respect of their team and staff at different levels across the University and in building productive relationships and partnerships with internal stakeholders at all levels across the organisation and with external bodies. / E / A/I
Outstanding verbal, written communication and advocacy skills. / E / A/I
3. / Experience
Experience of working at a senior level in a research and innovation environment, within a university or related organisation. / E / A/I
A successful track record in the leadership and transformation of a high performing team which meets and exceeds targets. / E / A/I
Demonstrable success in building successful, cooperative and collaborative relationships and partnerships within and outside the institution. / E / A/I
A proven track record of building links with external funding bodies, organisations and agencies. / E / A/I
Experience of drafting policy and strategy papers which have a significant
Institutional impact. / E / A/I
4. / Education/Training
A first degree and either a higher degree in a relevant discipline or equivalent experience. / E / A
5. / Other Requirements
A positive and inclusive style of working. / E / I

Legend:

E= EssentialA= Application Form

D = DesirableI = Interview