Background; Strategic Research Commercialisation in the North East Since 2018, the five North East universities have worked increasingly closely to build a strong collaboration to commercialise our research through the creation of high-growth businesses. Since launching the Northern Accelerator programme, 54 spinouts have been created, catalysing new investment and jobs. Supported by Research England's CCF-RED fund with £8.9m in funding over a five year period, the Strategic Commercialisation Eco-system North East (SCENE) programme represents an exciting next phase in our regional collaboration with the aim of wrapping new activities around and into Northern Accelerator to strengthen our support for the spin out process, and building new services and activities to extend successful research commercialisation in new areas, such as licensing and commercial partnerships. Underpinning these propositions is the creation and development of a structured and connected ecosystem around University research commercialisation, drawing together partnerships with business, investors and institutions to drive a sustainable step-change in our impact. Through the delivery of seven workstreams over a five year programme, SCENE will: Strengthen and expand the region's ecosystem, engaging businesses, sector bodies, Catapults and investors more actively in commercialising university research; Expand the pipeline of high-quality, investible new spinouts; Support growth for existing spinouts, helping secure them for the long-term; Increase adoption of university IP by businesses of all sizes in strategic sectors; Attract new UK and international investment into the formation and growth of research-led businesses; and Enhance structures, systems and leadership to support regional commercialisation ambitions. SCENE is led by Durham University and involves as key partners the other four North East Higher Education institutions - Newcastle, Northumbria, Sunderland and Teesside - who come together through Universities for North East England (UNEE). SCENE is also supported by a number of strategic partners - our two Combined Authorities in the North East and Tees Valley, Catapults, Business Support organisations and key businesses as well as associated universities in York and Cumbria. The Role and the Department Both the SCENE and Northern Accelerator programmes are led and hosted by Durham University on behalf of the North East universities however the success of the programme will lie in the success of the collaboration between the five Higher Education Institutions and our partners in the commercialisation eco-system. The Programme is therefore investing into Partnership Managers in each of the five Universities, supported by a Partnership Administrator. The Role The Partnership Manager will be a key role in the SCENE infrastructure. Located in Durham University's Research and Innovation Services Division, you will be a member of both the regional team supporting the SCENE programme and the University's Research Commercialisation Team The postholder will work on a 'matrix' basis, with line responsibility to management structures within the host institution but functionally engaged into the regional team, building on the experience of successful collaborative working development through the Northern Accelerator programme. You will provide a critical integrator role working with the core team and other Partnership Managers to drive the SCENE programme in your institution and across the partnership. You will ensure that the activities and programmes being led and developed through the SCENE programme with partners in the eco-system are well connected to the Teams within the University, drawing from our capacity and reflecting our needs and priorities. You will support the University to take advantage of the various aspects of the programme. You will also be expected to lead on a specific activity or group of activities as part of the Regional Programme, working as part of the regional Team. For example, you might take a lead on a group of Innovation showcases, or sector facing Innovation challenges. An illustration SCENE Staffing Structures will be available here. The Department The postholder will sit within Durham University's Research and Innovation Services (RIS) team, working closely alongside both the Core Regional team which is hosted by Durham and as part of the Research Commercialisation Team. RIS is a professional services directorate at the heart of Durham University. RIS provides expertise, leadership and support to academics and professional colleagues across the University for all research, research-related, knowledge exchange and economic development activities. Our aim is to strengthen Durham's role at the leading-edge of research and innovation, inspiring extraordinary change across the world and in our region. Our vision is to facilitate world-leading research and knowledge exchange through a high-performing, high-quality service. The team is based in our exciting new professional services hub at Bolden House, which is located on the outskirts of Durham near the Arnison Centre in Pity Me. Bolden House brings professional services teams together across the University in a vibrant office environment which supports collaborative working and is designed to embrace hybrid working. Further information about the role and the responsibilities is at the bottom of this job description. The University At Durham University we are proud of our people. A globally outstanding centre of educational excellence, a collegiate community of extraordinary people, a unique and historic setting - Durham is a university like no other. We believe that inspiring our people to do outstanding things at Durham enables Durham people to do outstanding things professionally and personally. Across the University we have a huge variety of roles and career opportunities, which together make us a large and successful community, which is a key hub of activity within our region and nationally. We would be thrilled if you would consider joining our thriving University. Further information about the University can be found here. Find out more about the benefits of working at the University and what it is like to live and work in the Durham area on ourWhy Join Us? - Information Page. Working at Durham A competitive salary is only one part of the many fantastic benefits you will receive if you join the University: you will also receive access to the following fantastic benefits: 30 Days annual leave per year in addition to 8 public holidays and 4 customary days per year - a total of 42 days per year. The University closes between Christmas and New Year. We offer a generous pension scheme, As a new member of staff you will be automatically enrolled into the University Superannuation Scheme (USS). No matter how you travel to work, we have you covered. We have parking across campus, a cycle to work scheme which helps you to buy a bike and discount with local bus and train companies. There is a genuine commitment to developing our colleagues professionally and personally. There is a comprehensive range of development courses, apprenticeships and access to qualifications and routes to develop your career in the University. All staff have dedicated annual time to concentrate on their personal development opportunities. Lots of support for health and wellbeing including discounted membership for our state of the art sport and gym facilities and access to a 24-7 Employee Assistance Programme. On site nursery is available plus access to holiday camps for children aged 5-16. Family friendly policies, including maternity and adoption leave, which are among the most generous in the higher education sector (and likely above and beyond many employers). The opportunity to take part in staff volunteering activities to make a difference in the local community. Discounts are available via our benefits portal including; money off at supermarkets, high street retailers, IT products such as Apple, the cinema and days out at various attractions. A salary sacrifice scheme is also available to help you take advantage of tax savings on benefits. If you are moving to Durham, you may be eligible for help with removal costs and we have a dedicated team who can help you with the practicalities such as house hunting and schools. If you need a visa, we cover most visa costs and offer an interest free loan scheme to pay for dependant visas. Discover more about our total rewards and benefits package here. Durham University is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion Our collective aim is to create an open and inclusive environment where everyone can reach their full potential and we believe our staff should reflect the diversity of the global community in which we work. As a University equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) are a key part of the University's Strategy and a central part of everything we do. We also live by our values and our Staff Code of Conduct. At Durham we actively work towards providing an environment where our staff and students can study, work and live in a community which is supportive and inclusive. It's important to us that all of our colleagues are aligned to both our values and commitment to EDI. We welcome and encourage applications from members of groups who are under-represented in our work force including people with disabilities, women and black, Asian and minority ethnic communities. If you have taken time out of your career, and you feel it relevant, let us know about it in your application. If you are a candidate with a disability, we are committed to ensuring fair treatment throughout the recruitment process. We will make adjustments to support the interview process wherever it is reasonable to do so and, where successful, reasonable adjustments will be made to support people within their role. What you need to demonstrate when you apply/Person Specification When you apply it is important that you let us know what skills/experience you have from a similar role and/or what skills/experience you have which would make you right for this role. Further information about the role and responsibilities is at the end of this job description. Where a criteria has an asterisk* next to it, it may be given additional weighting when your application is considered. Your application should cover the following criteria: Essential Criteria Qualifications/Experience 1. Educated to degree level (or equivalent experience). 2. Experience of working in multi-faceted or virtual team environment, able to build position, productive and collaborative relationships to achieve shared goals across organisations. 3. Experience in the delivery and development of services, events and activities working with external partners. 4. Experience of participating in internal or external networks to share and discuss good practice, develop strong and productive working relationships and positively influence the University's reputation. 5. Experience working to support growth in small businesses or build structured partnerships with larger corporate partners. Skills/Abilities/Knowledge 6. Professional practitioner with experience of commercialisation of innovation policy and practice. 7. A clear and developed understanding of the different roles and methods of Universities in commercialisation of intellectual property. 8. An understanding of the role of Universities in successful innovation eco-systems and of the range of other organisations required to promote commercialisation and innovation. 9. Excellent spoken and written communication skills including the ability to develop effective working relationships, both internally and externally and to present and communicate effectively in small groups and larger events. 10. The capacity to take a lead on a project or programme on behalf of a team, shaping delivery to meet agreed objectives. 11. Strong digital competence across a range of digital devices and apps including digital communication tools, Microsoft 365 applications, business systems. 12. Committed to continuing professional development to maintain professional recognition. 13. Knowledge and experience of ensuring compliance with regulatory and organisational policy and guidelines. 14. Ability to solve problems and decide on and plan appropriate solutions. Desirable Criteria 15. Experience of University Business Development or Technology Transfer functions. How to Apply To progress to the assessment stage, candidates must evidence each of the essential criteria required for the role in the person specification above. It will be at the discretion of the recruiting panel as to whether they will also consider any desirable criteria, but we would urge candidates to provide evidence for all criteria. Please don't forget to check if there is any weighted criteria (see above). While some criteria will be considered at the shortlisting stage, other criteria may be considered later in the assessment process, such as questions at interview. Submitting your application We prefer to receive applications online. We will update you about your application at various points throughout the selection process, via automated emails from our e-recruitment system. Please check your spam/junk folder periodically to make sure you have not missed any of our updates. What you need to submit A CV including details of current remuneration and benefits. A supporting statement of no more than four pages which outlines how you meet all of the criteria within the Person Specification. Useful links If you would like further information you may find the following will help: Helping Business - Durham University Home - Northern Accelerator Universities for North East England - Durham University £30 million to grow regional research commercialisation ecosystems - UKRI University spinouts to grow industries of the future with new government backing - GOV.UK UNEE Governance and SCENE Staffing Structure Typical Role Requirements Service Delivery/Development Show a commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion and the University's values. Review and look for ways to improve systems and procedures that are relevant to your area of work in line with the University's frameworks and Regulations. Provide specialist advice and guidance relating to your professional area of expertise, in line with the University's policies, regulations and values. Manage the delivery of events, services and activities internally and externally to a high standard. Provide the best possible service by continually reviewing what is required from businesses, investors, partners and other stakeholders you work with and contribute to ideas and service improvements. Provide specialist knowledge and support when interpreting and analysing complex data and information sources. Look for ways to improve, develop, deliver and improve programmes, projects and processes across all areas of your work. Identify any learning needs that should be met by the programme or team and design activities and arrange any training. Planning and Organisation Contribute to operational leadership teams to influence the type and level of serviceds that are provided. Contribute to progressing the strategic and operational priorities of your programme and team. Seek feedback from businesses, partners and other key stakeholders so that activities are targeted and adapted to meet customer expectations and to plan future requirements. Analyse data on the level of service being provided to recommend areas for future improvement. Meet the development needs of your stakeholders, providing training when required. Manage delegated budgets and expenditure for your projects and programmes. Communication/Liaison Provide advice and share guidance with your stakeholders to ensure that the aims, objectives and plans are understood and accessible. Use your operational expertise to lead and participate in business meetings, working groups and sub-committees. Coordinate and organise committees and other business meetings and deal with any related complaints. Update policies and procedures in response to any internal or external changes. Use your expertise to provide training or guidance to other stakeholders. Create positive working relationships, including internal and external networks, using your networks to increase your knowledge and skills and swap information with peers. Any other reasonable duties. Please note that in submitting your application Durham University will be processing your data. We would ask you to consider the relevant University Privacy Statement Privacy Notices - Durham University which provides information on the collation, storing and use of data. When appointing to this role the University must ensure that it meets any applicable immigration requirements, including salary thresholds which are applicable to some visas. SECONDMENT The post is full time, fixed term until Mar/Apr 2030 and may be offered on an internal secondment basis subject to the agreement of the current line manager.