Project Manager: Information and Engagement

The Project Manager: Information and Engagement Manager will lead the operational delivery of key strategic workstreams within the overarching RSS network strategy alongside the national communications and engagement strategy. The role encompasses high-impact digital content creation, management of national platforms, internal information architecture, and strategic stakeholder relationship management across all 8 RSS Hubs, Specialist Centres, and external partners to raise awareness, advance brand reputation, and foster collaborative partnerships nationwide.

The role will support delivery of the RSS mission – to support access to funding for healthcare research, from pre-application through to post-application phases for healthcare researchers (NIHR and non-NIHR funded) in England. The RSS Central Team provides strategic leadership and coordination to 8 RSS expert Hubs and 2 RSS Specialist Centres across England.

Main Duties:

Serve as an integral member of the central PMO team, managing information and engagement activities throughout the portfolio life cycle to support the RSS Director of Strategic Engagement and Chief Operating Officer.

Lead operational delivery on designated strategic objectives embedded within the overarching RSS Network Strategy.

Provide strategic updates, portfolio progress reporting, and analytics to the Director of Strategic Engagement and Executive Board.

Translate complex portfolio data into demonstrably evidence-based communications, promotional materials, and performance reports for governance forums and public dissemination.

Operationalise the national communications and engagement strategy across the entire RSS network, leading on the development of newsletters, digital content, and multi-channel campaigns.

Manage and optimize national digital platforms, including websites, CMS portals, and social media channels; ensuring all digital platforms adhere strictly to WCAG accessibility standards.

Design and manage central internal communications channels (e.g., SharePoint, town halls, and cascade communications) to optimise and streamline information flow and best practices across the 8 RSS Hubs and Specialist Centres.

Safeguard national NIHR branding guidelines, ensuring unified messaging across all central and regional hub communications.

Coordinate the organisation of national events, including conferences, webinars, and dissemination events if required.

Maintain matrix relationships across the central PMO and RSS Hubs and Specialist Centres, liaising with Communications and Operational Leads to align outputs with national strategy.

Support the implementation and monitoring of the national engagement plan to align outreach activities, partner communications, and campaign schedules.

Cultivate, manage, and evaluate strategic external relationships with key ecosystem partners; including NHS Trust R&D departments, Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), Local Authorities, public health bodies, social care providers, medical research charities, and diverse public communities.

Ensure external outreach across the national RSS network is non-duplicative, targeted, and unified to provide strategic, high-impact engagement that reaches priority audiences, maximizes service delivery, and elevates the RSS brand nationally.

Ensure that priorities are balanced, taking action to deliver agreed deliverables against timelines.

Foster a fair and equitable workplace for all staff.

Identify and respond to equality and diversity issues in line with relevant university policies and procedures.

Support the University's sustainability agenda through resource efficient working.

Required Knowledge, Skills, Qualifications, Experience:

Qualified to Degree level or equivalent plus practical managerial experience or significant relevant experience demonstrated through increasingly more demanding roles.

Proficiency in project management, data analytics, and translating data into evidence-based communications.

Track record in multi-channel communications, digital content creation, and platform management.

Experience establishing internal information management systems, data curation pipelines, and reporting frameworks.

Knowledge of web CMS platforms, digital channels, accessibility standards (WCAG), and data governance (GDPR).

Highly proficient IT skills, including MS Office and website editing software, with ability to quickly learn new IT skills and software packages.

Excellent interpersonal, communication, relationship building and influencing skills with the ability to deal confidently with a range of internal and external stakeholders.

Excellent organisational and multi-tasking skills with a methodical approach to work and the ability to prioritise workloads in order to meet deadlines.

High degree of initiative, resourcefulness, diplomacy, and discretion handling sensitive issues.

Experience working within the NIHR, NHS, Higher Education, or health and social care research infrastructure.

Knowledge of the protected characteristics and duties under the Equality Act 2010, including fostering good relations and advancing the university's Public Sector Equality Duty (PSED).

Benefits:

The University of Birmingham offers 40 days paid holiday a year, one paid day a year for volunteering, occupational sick pay, and a pension scheme. There are three high quality subsidised day nurseries on campus. The Birmingham Professional programme provides all professional services staff with development opportunities. UK travel may be required for this role.