Role
We are looking to appoint a knowledgeable and proactive Business Development and Community Manager to play a pivotal role in the growth and development of the ISA by fostering a thriving research and innovation community, driving sustainable growth through external partnerships and funding. This is a key appointment in a small team, alongside a new Communications and Engagement Manager, administrative and technical support. This role requires a dynamic and strategic approach, inquisitiveness to understand technical disciplines and projects, and the ability to balance community-building with commercial acumen. The post holder will directly support the Institute Co-Directors to deliver the ISA strategy, particularly in catalysing cross-cutting research across disciplines, developing impactful partnerships with stakeholders, and enabling ISA to contribute to national and international initiatives. The Business Development and Community Manager will work closely with colleagues at all levels, particularly other industry-facing staff, the ISA Communications and Engagement Manager, the wider research community, and central teams to lead the development of ISA’s cross-cutting challenges into funded and impactful initiatives, devising their own approach to suit the project and individuals involved, and driving progress. Externally the postholder will be instrumental in developing and strengthening relationships with industry and other organisations, expanding the commercial work and income of the Institute, and reporting on its success. Actively encouraging a thriving externally facing research and innovation community, identifying appropriate market opportunities and implementing business development strategies are vital to the success of this role.
Skills, Experience & Qualification needed
1. Excellent networking and relationship-building skills
2. Ability to devise and implement business development strategies
3. Strong commercial acumen, with the ability to identify market opportunities
4. Ability to learn new and complex research environments
5. Knowledge of relevant research and innovation funders, industrial partners and other external organisations
6. Experience of working under pressure and meeting deadlines
7. Experience of working in a research environment
Interview date: To be confirmed