Role: IAA Project Manager
Grade: Grade 7 (£37,174 - £46,735)
Contract Type: Part Time (0.8FTE), Fixed Term (21 Months)
Detailed Description
The role will be to manage and coordinate the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) Impact Acceleration Fund (IAA). The IAA is a strategic award provided to Heriot-Watt to support a wide range of impact activities, helping realise the impact from our EPSRC funded research. This funding supports researcher-led impact and KE projects, researcher skills’ development through training and events, and the development of collaborations with external partners at regional, national and international levels.
Key Responsibilities include:
1. Manage the day-to-day running of the IAA, including promotion and management of funding calls, monitoring funded project progress, and managing the overall IAA budget.
2. Prepare quantitative and qualitative data to ensure accurate financial and project reporting at all stages to EPSRC and relevant internal groups.
3. Coordinate a range of impact and knowledge exchange activities across the University.
4. Coordinate and deliver an engagement and impact training programme in partnership with the Public and Community Engagement team and the Research Futures Hub.
5. Oversee the development of promotional materials to showcase IAA successes (e.g., case studies, videos, written material), working closely with the Senior Marketing and Communications Manager (Research).
6. Support the delivery of other impact-related projects and activities.
About the Role:
This is a fixed-term post within the Policy, Strategy and Impact team in the Research Engagement Directorate. We are seeking a highly organised individual with strong communication, project planning, and analysis skills, and some experience in research impact, preferably within universities or relevant industry.
Key Duties and Responsibilities:
The post-holder will be responsible for:
Project Management
7. Monitor and manage the IAA budget, producing regular reports for the IAA Steering Committee.
8. Oversee and implement IAA funding calls, managing the assessment and award process.
9. Liaise with project leads to ensure projects stay on track, within budget, and that final reports are submitted on time.
10. Serve as the point of contact and provide specialist advice on IAA matters, supporting researchers with project proposals.
11. With oversight from the Research Impact Development Manager, service the IAA Steering Group and Chair, providing briefings and reports.
12. Collaborate with public engagement, communication, and marketing functions to support researchers.
13. Support the Research Impact Development Manager in delivering the team’s broader impact activities.
14. Represent the University professionally, establishing effective working relationships across the Research Engagement Directorate and with internal and external stakeholders.
2. Events & Training
15. Managing and oversee a programme of events and initiatives to stimulate culture change in the area of impact and responsible innovation.
16. Assisting in the organisation and delivery of the annual Impact Festival, the Principal’s Research Impact and Engagement (PRIME)Awards and Impact showcase events.
17. Assisting in the organisation of joint industry workshops, to help existing and developing strategic partnerships.
18. Participating in local, national, and international impact networks to share and develop best practice.
Education, Qualifications and Experience
Education & Qualifications
Essential
19. Educated to degree standard or equivalent experience
Desirable
20. A postgraduate qualification in management or professional qualification in project management.
Experience
Essential
21. Significant experience in a research-related or similar organisation;
22. Management of projects of scale and complexity;
23. A knowledge and understanding of financial management procedures;
24. Event management skills;
25. Ability to balance competing priorities under pressure.
Desirable
26. Experience in a role related to research impact;
27. An understanding of equality, diversity and inclusion requirements as they pertain to the research environment,
Competencies, Skills and Knowledge
Essential
28. An ability to learn quickly and manage a diverse, rapidly changing portfolio;
29. Excellent communication skills; written and presentation skills
30. Excellent interpersonal skills
31. Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills – identifying and building the trust of priority stakeholders (internal and external);
32. Ability to work undirected.
33. High regard for confidentiality, security and accuracy.
Desirable
34. Knowledge of IT and /or financial systems
35. Ability to read and analyse documents and extract salient information to give clear explanations and guidance notes