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About the Role
As an Impact Evidence Coordinator within Research and Innovation Services, you will be responsible for coordinating and conducting impact evidence gathering and evaluation activities to effectively support the University’s REF 2029 preparations. Working flexibly and collaboratively with colleagues across the Service, academic departments, professional services and external stakeholders, the Impact Evidence Coordinator will play a key role in strengthening the University's Engagement & Impact REF submission by supporting the development of a high-quality evidence base for impact case studies.
This role will be part of the Research Culture and Impact Team, whose aim is support the development of an interdisciplinary research environment, drive forward the Open Research agenda, and support research impact delivery.
Specifically, you will provide specialist support for the identification, collection, verification and management of evidence that demonstrates the impact of the University's research and knowledge exchange activities. This support will include ensuring that research impacts are robustly evidenced, appropriately documented and aligned with REF 2029 criteria and guidance.
Key Responsibilities
Operations and Finance
Providing proactive operational and administrative support, working in conjunction with other members of the project team, colleagues across the Service, wider University and project partners. Activities include but are not limited to:
- Support maintenance of accurate, auditable records of impact evidence, evaluations and stakeholder feedback to support REF 2029 submissions.
- Ensure evidence collection, storage and data management processes comply with GDPR, data protection requirements and organisational standards.
- Conduct literature searches and monitor external websites, databases and other sources to identify and capture emerging evidence, impact developments and relevant achievements.
- Develop and conduct surveys, questionnaires, interviews, and other feedback methods to identify and capture emerging evidence, impact developments and stakeholder insights.
- Conduct impact evaluations and analyse qualitative and quantitative data to assess outcomes, demonstrate impact and support case study development.
- Build and maintain internal and external contacts to develop knowledge and understanding and form relationships to obtain updates, supporting evidence, testimonials and case study material.
- Provide advice and support to Impact Case Study leads and contributors on evidencing impact and gathering appropriate supporting materials
People Management
- As required, providing line management and/or matrix management of Research and Innovation Services Assistants including working with the Senior Manager to coordinate workloads, staff appraisal and development, induction, and training, monitoring progress and performance, and performance management.
Strategy, Planning, Policy and Governance
- Contributing to the development and coordinating the implementation of policies, procedures, and guidance for impact evidence collection, evaluation and reporting.
- Support institutional preparations for REF 2029 by ensuring impact claims are supported by robust, validated and REF-compliant evidence.
- Attend and contribute to relevant meetings.
Project Management
- Contributing to the development, maintenance, and updating of impact case study project plans and project documentation; monitoring and reporting on progress; and assisting with the administration ofimpact evidence collection.
Wider Influence
Working collaboratively with others in the team and making an active contribution to the wider work of the Service including:
- Contributing to peer networks and communities to support the identification, dissemination, and adoption of good practice and solving common issues and problems.
- Advising on routine enquiries and providing guidance to academic and professional services colleagues on policy, guidance and processes relating to Research and Innovation Services.
About You
Essential
- Degree level qualification (or equivalent) or relevant professional experience and a commitment to reflection and personal/professional development.
- Experience of conducting literature and database searchers and experience of analysing and interpreting both qualitative and quantitative data.
- Relevant and appropriate operational, administrative, or secretarial experience.
- Effective organisational skills with the ability to plan, schedule, and deliver multiple priorities while remaining flexible and calm under pressure.
- Ability to solve problems, using information from a variety of sources to aid analysis and make timely decisions.
- Good communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to build trust, establish constructive relationships and influence others.
- Ability and willingness to motivate and manage others and to contribute to effective team and collaborative working that supports the best collective outcomes.
- Proficient in the use of IT and willing to develop existing skills and learning about relevant IT systems.
Desirable
- Postgraduate degree.
- Awareness/understanding of research impact and experience of supporting the development of REF Impact Case Studies.
- Experience of working with or an interest in STEM-related research, including citizen science or other participatory research approaches.
Support with your application
If you have any questions, or need support or adjustments relating to your application, the recruitment process, or the role, please contact us on 01908 541111 or email careers@open.ac.uk quoting the advert reference number.
What's in it for you?
At The Open University, we offer a range of benefits to recognise and reward great work, alongside policies and flexible working that contribute towards a great work life balance. Get all the details of what benefits we offer by visiting our Staff Benefits page (clicking this link will open a new window).
Flexible working
We are open to discussions about flexible working. Whether it’s a job share, part time, compressed hours or another working arrangement. Please reach out to us to discuss what works best for you.
Working location
It is anticipated that a hybrid working pattern can be adopted for this role, where you can work from home and the office. However, as this role is contractually aligned to our Milton Keynes office it is expected that the role holder will be required to work from our Milton Keynes campus at least 1 day per week, with flexibility to attend campus more or less frequently dependent on business need. The role holder may also occasionally need to travel to external locations as necessary for the role (travel to locations other than MK office would be reimbursed or booked directly by the Unit).
Next steps in the Recruitment process
If shortlisted, we anticipate interviews taking place 23rd or 24th September.
Early closing date notification
While most roles will remain open until the advertised closing date, applications may be reviewed on an ongoing basis. In some cases, vacancies may close earlier if a sufficient number of suitable applications have been received and equality impacts have been appropriately considered. All roles will remain advertised for a minimum of one week before any early closure is implemented.
If you have started an application or were in the process of applying when the advert closed, we encourage you to get in touch. We are committed to understanding individual circumstances and can offer further support where needed, including reasonable adjustments for applicants with protected characteristics.
How to apply
To apply for this role, please submit the following document(s):
- CV
- Supporting Statement (Your Supporting Statement should be no more than 1000 words and should outline how your current skills and experience meet the essential and desirable criteria listed above).
You can view your progress and application communications when you are logged into our recruitment system. Please check your spam/junk folders if you do not receive associated email updates.
