Engagement Officer

We work on a daily basis with researchers’ right across the University, providing professional advice and consultancy on how academics can best engage with policy audiences, and influence our society for the better.

With a team of operational Professional Support Service staff, led by three academic Co-Directors, the team has built an enviable reputation for high-impact, high quality work that support the strategic aims of the institution.

Outputs include influential thought leadership publications such as On Space and On Productivity, blogs that are used to inform policy, an events programme that brings national and regional policy actors together, and also training sessions that provide researchers with greater knowledge, skills and confidence. Working in our team is challenging and will demand the very best from you, but it will also be rewarding and you will know that you are making a real difference in tackling societal challenges.

**Overall Purpose of the Job**

We are seeking an Engagement Officer to help us achieve a step-change in the way our world class research and knowledge impacts policymaking.

The role focuses on initiating, creating, developing and evaluating policy engagement activity to support the delivery of the University’s research strategy.

You will be responsible for the successful delivery of engagement initiatives, aimed squarely at policymakers and influencers locally and nationally. Utilising a broad range of tools and channels you will set the agenda for policy discussion with the aim of delivering outcomes and impact. Through innovative solutions, you will identify new opportunities to reach and influence decision makers on specific projects and campaigns, building close professional relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

Your knowledge and comprehensive understanding of policy procedures will help you target and prioritise collaboration with stakeholders, plan campaigns and use your excellent written and oral communication skills you will be able to guide thought leadership. You should be able to deploy strong tact, diplomacy and advocacy skills when required.

Your responsibilities will include identification of emerging external opportunities, communications planning, delivery of an events programme, commissioning and editing content, public speaking, VIP liaison and networking, and management of our online and social media presence. There will also be the need to be flexible in managing new team members where appropriate.

You will have very strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to build internal and external relationships. You will be required to take a lead role on team projects, taking decisive action where necessary to keep things on track. You will be comfortable working on your own initiative, seeking counsel where appropriate - and providing regular reports on activity and achievements to senior colleagues and key stakeholders.

The role sits within the Division of Communications, Marketing and Student Recruitment, but you will work right across the University. This role focuses on supporting research and knowledge exchange in the Faculty of Humanities.

As an equal opportunities employer we welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of age, sex, gender (or gender identity), ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation and transgender status. All appointments will be made on merit.
- Our University is positive about flexible working - you can find out more_ _here_

Blended working arrangements may be considered.

Enquiries about the vacancy, shortlisting and interviews:
General enquiries:
Technical support:
**Please see the link below for the Further Particulars document which contains the person specification criteria.