Research Engagement Lead (Boys' Impact) (0.6 TE)

Fixed Term until 30 September 2026

About us

Arts University Bournemouth (AUB) is a globally leading independent arts, design, performance and media university. At AUB we nurture creativity, engage communities, collaborate with industry and make a difference.

Hosted at AUB, and led by its founder, Dr Alex Blower, Boys’ Impact is a UK-wide movement committed to improving educational outcomes for boys and young men who are eligible for Free School Meals. Since its formation in 2023, the initiative has grown rapidly, establishing 16 regional Impact Hubs across the UK. Rooted in relational education and evidence-led practice, Boys’ Impact works at the intersection of research, policy, and practice to drive systemic change in how we understand and support young men in education.

Our commitment to EDI

We are proud to have achieved the Inclusive Employers Standard Silver Accreditation in 2024, reflecting our dedication to fostering an inclusive and respectful environment where the diversity of our students and staff is truly valued and respected.  We welcome application from all areas of the community and particularly encourage applications from People of Colour and people who are disabled, who are currently underrepresented in our workforce.

Our commitment to Safeguarding

AUB is committed to maintaining the highest standards of safeguarding.  We take all reasonable steps to ensure the safety and welfare of children, young people, and adults at risk who engage with us, as well as those who work with them.

About the role

We are seeking an effective and creative Research Engagement Lead to join our growing team. This newly established post offers a unique opportunity to shape how Boys’ Impact communicates its mission, research, and policy work to diverse audiences across the UK.

You will work closely with Dr Alex Blower and the wider Boys’ Impact network to develop and implement communication strategies that amplify the voices of boys and young men. This will include curating and producing engaging content across platforms such as LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, and the Boys’ Impact blog. You will play a key role in supporting the dissemination of research and policy outputs, including briefings, reports, and public engagement materials. In addition, you will collaborate with regional hubs to ensure consistent messaging and visibility of local impact, while contributing to national campaigns and events that help shape public discourse around educational inequality.

We’re looking for someone who is a strong communicator, both written and verbal, with a flair for storytelling and audience engagement. You should have experience in social media content creation, ideally within education, youth work, or social justice sectors. A familiarity with educational contexts, whether through academic study or professional experience, is essential. Most importantly, you will be passionate about equity and inclusion and committed to the mission and values of Boys’ Impact. You should be comfortable working both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, evolving environment.

In return, we offer the opportunity to be part of a national movement making real change. You’ll benefit from professional development opportunities, including policy engagement and media training, and become part of a supportive team culture that values innovation, inclusion, and impact.

This position involves working with children (under-18s) / vulnerable people and therefore requires compliance with the University’s Safeguarding Policies, including the requirement for enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service clearance prior to the commencement of employment.  The University is committed to stringent Safeguarding practices, including in its practices around the recruitment and selection of staff, to positions which involve working with children and/or vulnerable people.  The successful candidate will be required to complete AUB approved Safeguarding Training.

Our benefits

In meeting your performance expectations, you’ll receive an annual salary increase in line with the grade of your role. An annual cost of living uplift will be applied, the timing and implementation of which are subject to the University’s decision. AUB provides generous holiday entitlement, and you will be enrolled in the Local Government Pension Scheme (professional services staff) or the Teachers’ Pension Scheme (academic staff) from day one of employment. Along with subsidised bus travel, cycle to work and annual savings schemes, our broad range of benefits can be explored on the AUB careers website.

AUB has an agile working policy, and flexible working can be considered. If you require support with your application or have any questions about the role or recruitment process, please email us. If you are disabled, we are committed to supporting you with any reasonable adjustments you require, so please email us and we’ll be in touch.

Visa Sponsorship

This position does not meet the UKVI salary requirements for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship. Applicants must therefore demonstrate their right to work in the UK without sponsorship.

How to apply

For more information and to apply please click on the Apply button. We look forward to receiving your application.