Head of REF Operations

Goldsmiths

At Goldsmiths, we are committed to making a difference through our teaching, research and knowledge exchange. We are a campus-based university located in the London Borough of Lewisham. Goldsmiths is an important source of social, cultural and economic impact in Lewisham and the South East as well as more widely, with some 10,000 students, 1,300 staff and an annual turnover of £126 million. As a leading arts, humanities and social sciences university, we produce the future leaders and talented individuals that are in demand from many of the fastest growing sectors in the UK. Through our strong track-record of developing effective and innovative collaborations with business and other non-academic actors, we also contribute substantially to local, national and international growth, development and well-being.

We are looking for inspiring, dedicated and talented people to help build on our reputation as a research-intensive university and a leader in knowledge exchange while also growing personally in a true learning organisation.

Job Summary 

The role holder will provide strategic and operational leadership to the delivery of Goldsmiths’ Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2027 preparations and submission, as well as its REF planning and analysis. This will involve: managing the people, infrastructure and processes contributing to that submission; designing, implementing and monitoring an effective plan for the institution’s submission; working effectively with academic and professional service colleagues across the institution to ensure that the preparations are on track and progressing well; and keeping abreast of current policy through regular engagement with key governmental, research and professional bodies and organisations. The primary goal for the role will be to help improve significantly Goldsmiths’ standing in the next REF.

The post holder will report directly to the Director of Research, Innovation and Knowledge Exchange, but will work closely with the Pro-Warden for Research, Enterprise and Knowledge Exchange. They will also need to collaborate closely with colleagues in our People and Organisational Development (POD) Department, Communications, Marketing and Recruitment Department, Library Services and elsewhere to deliver the optimum REF outcome for Goldsmiths. The post holder will provide expert advice and support at the highest standards of service to academic and professional staff.

We are seeking a motivated professional, with an established track record of working in a research environment. Flexible and versatile, the role holder will have proven communication, collaboration and numeracy skills, in addition to an excellent understanding and experience of REF submissions. The post holder will be experienced at staff management and adept at responding to changing demands and new opportunities.

It is likely that the person appointed would have experience of leading, in some capacity, on a REF submission at another university. This is an exciting opportunity to come to work at Goldsmiths as Head of REF Operations. 

The post is based on campus in New Cross, London. It is a full-time, hybrid, permanent appointment.

No agencies please.

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