Impact Development Manager

Closing date: 9th July 2025 at 23:59 (BST)

By reference to the applicable SOC code for this role, sponsorship may be possible under the Skilled Worker Route.  Applicants wishing to consider the SWR must ensure that they are able to meet the points requirement before applying.  There is further information about this on the UK Visas and Immigration Website.

With the world’s population set to rise to nine billion by 2050, we face huge challenges in providing enough nutritious food for everyone, using methods that are environmentally sustainable. At the same time, as the population ages, more people will experience non-communicable diseases such as heart disease, dementia and cancer. Our world-leading research in Agriculture, Food and Health is addressing these challenges.

We apply our expertise to address global issues including climate change, resource degradation, hunger, poverty, diet and health. Our experts work with partners globally and locally to influence both policy and practice to ensure evidence-informed decision making.

Working primarily with the Agriculture Food & Health Theme, you will be responsible for the continuous improvement in the development of environmental, economic and societal benefit from the theme. You will work on the development of the impact culture within your remit and provide support to a pipeline of projects within the theme, working with external partners where necessary to ensure opportunities for impact are maximized and captured. You will also have a major role in the delivery of the University’s impact strategy and the REF. Specifically, you will be heavily involved in REF Unit of Assessments 3 (Allied Health Professions, Dentistry, Nursing and Pharmacy), 4 (Psychology, Psychiatry and Neuroscience) and 6 (Agriculture, Food, and Veterinary Sciences) and support related REF Impact Case Studies.

You will have:

• Knowledge of impact and the routes to achieving it.
• The ability to work with a diverse range of academic and professional services stakeholders.
• Experience of managing projects in a research setting.
• The ability to work as part of a team to progress a programme of work.
• Good communication skills.
• Demonstrable knowledge of the AFH Theme sectors.

The role holder will join a newly formed and delightful impact team within the Research, Engagement and Innovation Office (REIO) and will work alongside the Impact Development Managers/Officers from the other Themes, the IAA Knowledge Exchange Fellows, plus AFH UoA/Impact Leads, Research Division Leaders and individual academics within the AFH Theme. The role holder will work directly with external non-academic partners. The role holder will also work with other teams within the Research Engagement and Innovation Office and all on our beautiful and green campus.

If unsure of criteria, this can be taken from the person specification (available on the university's website, accessed by the 'Apply' button).

Contact Details:
Contact Name: Lisa Lazareck-Asunta
Contact Job Title: Head of Impact
Contact Email Address: l.j.lazareck-asunta@reading.ac.uk

Alternative Contact Name: Anne-Marie van Dodeweerd
Alternative Contact Job Title: Director of Research Services
Alternative Contact Email Address: a.vandodeweerd@reading.ac.uk

The University is committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce, supports the gender equality Athena SWAN Charter and the Race Equality Charter, and champions LGBT+ equality. We are a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2). Applications for job-share, part-time and flexible working arrangements are welcomed and will be considered in line with business needs.

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