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 our Why Join Us? - Information Page.

The Role and the Department

Research and Innovation Services (RIS) provides guidance, expert advice and hands-on support for all aspects of research and research-related work, including securing funding, working with partners, undertaking knowledge exchange, demonstrating impact, commercialising outputs, ensuring good research practice and supporting professional development.

The Policy, Systems and Performance (PSP) team within the Research and Innovation Services directorate works to support high quality research performance, impact and intelligence through data, integrity and governance, support for institutional strategy development and the compilation of relevant returns including HEBCI, KEF, KEC and REF.

The position of REF Project Manager is a strategically important role within the Research and Innovation Services (RIS) Directorate. The post-holder will report to Senior Manager Strategy and Performance and work closely with the Research Policy and Performance Manager. They will work with the Director of PSP to support REF2029 preparation and submission and work across the University to support key points of contact in professional support and academic departments/faculties.

The overall purpose of the position advertised is to The overall purpose of the position advertised is to provide project management and to support the strategy and processes for REF 2029 (including organising stocktakes and mock REF exercise(s)). The post holder will have a role in the development of any institutional narratives required for REF submission. The REF Project Manager will deputise as needed for the Director of Policy Systems and Performance on matters relating to REF including providing clear communications related to REF preparations between the RIS central REF team, REF strategy group members, Unit of Assessment Leads and wider University as appropriate.

The post-holder will contribute to the wider interpretation of the REF rules and regulations and provide advice, guidance and support to academic leaders and researchers with the aim of achieving a high-quality REF submission. The post-holder will be required to understand complex information, feed into strategic plans and data exercises and then communicate important information and decisions in a concise and compelling manner. The post-holder will contribute to the wider interpretation of the REF rules and regulations and provide advice, guidance and support to academic leaders and researchers with the aim of achieving a high-quality REF submission. The post-holder will be required to understand complex information, feed into strategic plans and data exercises and then communicate important information and decisions in a concise and compelling manner. Monitoring progress and prioritisation of tasks, refining the forward plan (looking 12-18 months ahead) are necessary to keep project on track. The REF project manager will lead on specific actions, contribute to other actions and be expected to problem solve and feed in their expertise to discussions. They will also provide support to recording REF related data in the IT Systems.

The role is fixed term for 3 years and Full time. Further information about the role and the responsibilities is at the bottom of this job description.

The base location for this role is Boldon House, our exciting new professional services hub. Boldon House is situated on the outskirts of Durham near the Arnison Centre in Pity Me. Boldon House brings a number of professional services teams together in a vibrant office environment which supports collaborative working and is designed to embrace hybrid working. To find out more, visit the project webpage: Boldon House - Durham University.

Further information about the role and the responsibilities is at the bottom of this job description.

Working at Durham

A competitive salary is only one part of the many fantastic benefits you will receive if you join the University:

• You'll receive 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, and 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 ample parking across campus, a cycle to work scheme which helps you to buy a bike and discount with local bus and train companies. You can also take advantage of our cost-effective and environmentally friendly Tusker Car Benefit Scheme, allowing you to lease a brand-new electric or hybrid vehicle with savings on tax and National Insurance.

• We have 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.

• We provide wide-ranging health and wellbeing support including discounted membership for our state-of-the-art sport and gym facilities and access to a 24-7 Employee Assistance Programme.

• Our on-site nursery is rated Outstanding by Ofsted, and you can access holiday camps for children aged 5-16.

• Our family-friendly policies, including maternity and adoption leave, are among the most generous in the higher education sector (and likely above and beyond many employers).

• We offer all staff the opportunity to take part in volunteering activities to make a difference in the local community.

• You can access exclusive discounts via our benefits portal including money off at supermarkets, high street retailers, IT products such as Apple, eating out and days out at various attractions.

• Various salary sacrifice schemes are 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.

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. Professional practitioner with knowledge and expertise in the delivery and development of REF processes/submission or related to broader research performance*

3. Experience of implementing policies and procedures and supporting change and service improvements.

4. Experience of providing specialist advice and guidance related to research activities to a range of customers and colleagues, including more senior colleagues.

5. 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.

Skills/Abilities/Knowledge

6. Excellent spoken and written communication skills including the ability to develop effective working relationships, both internally and externally.

7. Strong digital competence across a range of digital devices and apps including [digital communication tools, Microsoft 365 applications, business systems], current research information systems eg Worktribe, Pure etc.

8. Committed to continuing professional development to maintain professional recognition.

9. Knowledge and experience of ensuring compliance with regulatory and organisational policy and guidelines.

10. Ability to solve problems and decide on and plan appropriate solutions, alerting colleagues and deploying appropriate mitigations.

11. Proven ability to meet multiple work deadlines simultaneously, while working in a busy environment.

12. A keen attention to detail and competence in drafting, proofing, formatting and accuracy of information in relation to textual documents, numerical data and office processes

Desirable Criteria

13. Project management qualification

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: and

• A supporting statement or covering letter which outlines how you meet all of the criteria within the Person Specification.

Contact details

For a chat about the role or any further information please contact Lindsay.c.ramage@Durham.ac.uk

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 REF preparation and submission across the University to a high standard.

• Provide the best possible service by continually reviewing what is required from Performance team, REF strategy group members and the wider academic staff 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 REF support processes, across all areas of your work.

• Identify any learning needs that should be met by the Performance team and design activities and arrange any training.

Planning and Organisation

• Contribute to operational leadership teams to influence the type and level of services that are provided by Performance team in RIS.

• Contribute to progressing the strategic and operational priorities of your Service,.

• Seek feedback from key stakeholders so that REF project is being adapted to meet customer expectations and to plan future requirements.

• Analyse data on the level of service being provided by Performance Team to recommend areas for future improvement.

• Meet the development needs of your stakeholders, providing training when required.

• Manage budgets and expenditure including buying (and returning) goods and services.

Communication/Liaison

• Provide advice and share guidance with your stakeholders to ensure that the University's policies, procedures and regulations are complied with.

• 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.

Useful links

If you would like further information please contact Lindsay.c.ramage@durham.ac.uk for an informal discussion about the role.

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.