Job Title

BristolJob SummaryHEAD OF REF ENGAGEMENTLOCATION:Bristol (Hybrid)CONTRACT TYPE: Fixed Term (Ending 31 DEC 26)HOURS: Full-Time or Part Time (0.6 FTE)SALARY: £56,745 Per AnnumGRADE: UKRI Band FCLOSING DATE: 29 JUN 25ABOUT USThe Research Excellence Framework (REF) is the system for assessing the quality of research in UK higher education institutions, with the most recent exercise concluding in 2021. It is a peer review assessment process involving submissions from higher education institutions across the UK. The REF is delivered by Research England on behalf of the four UK higher education funding bodies (Scottish Funding Council, Medr in Wales, and the Department of the Economy Northern Ireland).Job DescriptionABOUT THE ROLEWe are seeking a Head of Engagement who can work collaboratively over the next 18 months to develop and deliver a strategic comms and engagement approach for REF 2029. You will be focussed on coordinating and expanding the programme’s engagement with a wide variety of stakeholders across the UK’s research sector, including the sector press, academics, research managers, government officials, and beyond.KEY RESPONSIBILITIESEngagement strategy and delivery. You will develop, lead and deliver REF’s overall comms and engagement strategy, which supports the values and ambitions of the exercise and the requirements of funding bodies. This will involve exploring and establishing novel mechanisms to engage with key stakeholders, and the handling of complex press queries. Managing engagement partnerships. You will foster proactive collaborative working between the comms and engagement teams of the Funding Bodies and UKRI, and between REF 2029 teams. You will develop relationships and craft strategic engagement approaches with sector bodies (such as disciplinary associations and national academies) and REF panel chairs. Stakeholder management and supporting senior engagement. You will act as a representative for REF 2029 both internally and externally and will work to grow new networks and communities of stakeholders. You will regulate relationships with key internal and external stakeholders to ensure they understand the programme’s vision, strategy, and impact.KEY RESPONSIBILITIESEngagement strategy and delivery. You will develop, lead and deliver REF’s overall comms and engagement strategy, which supports the values and ambitions of the exercise and the requirements of funding bodies. This will involve exploring and establishing novel mechanisms to engage with key stakeholders, and the handling of complex press queries. Managing engagement partnerships. You will foster proactive collaborative working between the comms and engagement teams of the Funding Bodies and UKRI, and between REF 2029 teams. You will develop relationships and craft strategic engagement approaches with sector bodies (such as disciplinary associations and national academies) and REF panel chairs. Stakeholder management and supporting senior engagement. You will act as a representative for REF 2029 both internally and externally and will work to grow new networks and communities of stakeholders. You will regulate relationships with key internal and external stakeholders to ensure they understand the programme’s vision, strategy, and impact.Person specificationASSESSMENT CRITERIAProven ability of leading in an engagement or communications role in a complex environment Demonstrable strategic vision to own and advance a coordinated and coherent engagement strategy Proven track record of successfully implementing stakeholder engagement approaches Experience working across multiple teams, integrating diverse viewpoints, and establishing mechanisms for information sharing Proficiency in preparing and delivering strategic briefings and advice to senior leaders and crafting high-level communications Experience of balancing competing priorities and working to deadlines in a fast-paced and changing policy contextAlongside your salary of £56,745, Research England contributes £16,439 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.INCENTIVESDEVELOPING TALENT:We are committed to developing employees in their roles throughout their career. Learning and development plans enable employees to continue their professional development through training and development opportunities such as e-learning, classroom training and on-the-job experiences. We encourage our employees to share their learning across teams and organisations.BENEFITS:UKRI can offer the successful candidate:Flexible Working 30 days annual leave + Public Holidays Access to Civil Service Pension Scheme Various everyday discounts through our dedicated providerVisit our dedicated benefits webpage for more info:Benefits of working at UK Research and Innovation (UKRI)Selection process detailsPlease apply via the UKRI JOBS webpageFeedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.SecuritySuccessful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is security check (opens in a new window).See our vetting charter (opens in a new window).People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is security check (opens in a new window).See our vetting charter (opens in a new window).People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.MedicalSuccessful candidates will be expected to have a medical.Nationality requirementsThis Job Is Broadly Open To The Following Groups:UK nationals nationals of the Republic of Ireland nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window) nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020 Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil ServiceFurther information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window)Working for the Civil ServiceThe Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.Diversity and InclusionThe Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window).Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.Contact point for applicantsJob Contact :Name : recruitment@ Email : recruitment@Recruitment teamEmail : recruitment@#J-18808-Ljbffr