Research Strategy and Development Partner

The University has an exciting vision to build on the success of REF2021, by continuing to transform its research performance across outputs, income, impact, and policy influence. Central to this ambition is the Research Strategy & Services Division (RSSD), a new Professional Services department that is being established to provide a transformative and sector-leading approach to research strategy and support. The RSSD brings together into one connected eco-system professional staff that work within and across the following teams: Research Strategy & Development; Research Support (Grants & Contracts); Research Partnerships, Research Impact & Innovation; Research Policy & Environment; Research Systems & Data; Research Governance; Research Communications; Legal & Regulatory Compliance and Research Finance Accounting.

The Research Strategy and Development Partner (RSDP) is a key role within the Research Strategy and Services Division (RSSD), contributing to a high-performing, integrated research support function. Working closely with academic and Professional Services colleagues, the RSDP supports the development and delivery of research strategies, facilitates high-quality, typically high-value, multi-disciplinary and complex funding applications, and contributes to a seamless end-to-end research support service.

Reporting to the Head of Research Strategy and Development, the RSDP operates within a collaborative, matrix environment across the RSSD and College Hubs. The role combines strategic insight with hands-on delivery, supporting both the development of major research initiatives and the continuous improvement of research systems, processes, and performance.

The RSDP is part of a wider community of research professionals, working in close partnership with Research Support, Post Award, Research Governance, and other specialist teams to ensure a coordinated and effective approach to research from concept development through to award management.

The role requires a visible, proactive and collaborative approach, building strong relationships across Colleges, engaging regularly with researchers, and contributing to an environment where staff feel supported, empowered and able to achieve their full potential.

Main Duties:

- Drive strategic research growth by shaping and delivering ambitious research, impact and funding strategies aligned to School, College and University priorities, identifying opportunities that enhance research excellence, institutional competitiveness and societal impact.

- Lead the development of major research funding opportunities by proactively identifying, designing, co-authoring and reviewing of proposals, and securing large-scale, multidisciplinary and internationally collaborative research initiatives, building strong partnerships with funders, industry, government, charities and global research organisations.

- Provide expert strategic advice and intelligence on the evolving UK and international research landscape, translating policy developments, funding priorities and market intelligence into actionable opportunities, institutional positioning and investment decisions.

- Champion high-quality research development and performance by advising senior academic leaders on funding, research income, partnerships and research strategy, while driving excellence, scale and impact across the research portfolio.

- Secure institutional investment and manage complex research initiatives through the development of compelling business cases, governance approvals, demand management, risk management frameworks and delivery plans that support successful project implementation and long-term sustainability.

- Assess and manage risk in projects through the delivery of contracts and agreements for research projects and research-related activities (including research infrastructures), contributing to negotiation of partnership structures and key contractual terms in close collaboration with RSSD colleagues. Manage costing and pricing of activities and compliance with regulatory, ethical, insurance and indemnity issues.

- Build and influence strategic partnerships and stakeholder networks across the University and externally, strengthening engagement with key funders, research organisations, industry partners and professional bodies to maximise opportunities and institutional reputation.

- Lead and develop research support capability by mentoring colleagues, fostering collaborative working across Colleges and Professional Services, and championing best practice in research development, funding and partnership management.

Required Knowledge, Skills, Qualifications, Experience:

- Educated to Degree level (or equivalent level qualifications) plus significant relevant practical experience. A PhD in an allied subject would be highly desirable.

- A clear and demonstrable appreciation of the challenges and approaches in the academic fields within which the role will operate.

- Authoritative knowledge of the strategic issues impacting the UK and/or overseas research funding environment, including broader sector/commercial awareness of the relevant subject areas.

- Highly developed project and people management, negotiation and diplomacy skills used to bring complex groups of stakeholders together to address significant challenges or opportunities.

- Experience of successfully leading the development of major, complex research grants and contracts or similar including detailed analysis and assessment of delivery risks and their mitigation and the co-authoring and critical reviewing of proposal texts.

- Substantial experience of engaging, and collaborating, with internal and external stakeholders to build teams, deliver key outcomes or resolve complex challenges across a wide range of activities.

- Excellent interpersonal and management skills, with proven experience of using coaching and other appropriate skills to lead, motivate and manage teams, including staff who are not direct reports working across different parts of the RSSD and other Professional Services.

- Excellent analytical skills with an ability to analyse complex qualitative and quantitative information and present conclusions clearly and concisely to senior audiences, internal and external.

- Proven problem solving skills that will help to identify and implement significant improvements and efficiencies across the service area and beyond.

- Excellent communication skills with the ability to influence and negotiate effectively with a range of internal and external stakeholders at senior levels.

- Highly proficient IT skills, including the MS Office suite and corporate systems such as WorkTribe or Tableau. Confident and able to quickly learn new IT skills and software packages as required.

- High level of self-motivation and personal accountability with ability to plan and deliver goals to deadlines under pressure and set priorities for a wide range of tasks and duties for the role holder and others.

- Experience of championing Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in own work area and ability to monitor and evaluate the extent to which equality and diversity legislation, policies, procedures are applied.

- Ability to identify issues with the potential to impact on protected groups and take appropriate action.

Benefits:

The University 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 University participates in the Birmingham Professional programme providing development opportunities for all professional services staff. The campus is situated in leafy Edgbaston with excellent transport links including main bus routes and an on-site train station. On campus there is a state-of-the-art sports centre with pool, shops, places to eat and drink, an art gallery, museum and botanical gardens. Flexible working arrangements are available depending on the role.

There are 2 positions available.