External Relations and Knowledge Mobilisation Manager

We are a world class research-intensive university. We deliver teaching and learning of the highest quality. We play a leading role in economic, social and cultural development of the North East of England. Attracting and retaining high-calibre people is fundamental to our continued success.

The Role
The External Relations and Knowledge Mobilisation Manager will hold a strategic leadership role within the Innovation Observatory, responsible for driving forward our visibility, influence, and impact across the health, life sciences, and social care research and innovation ecosystem.

You will lead the development and delivery of an integrated external relations and public affairs strategy, positioning the Innovation Observatory as a national and international leader in horizon scanning, research and innovation intelligence. Through the cultivation of high-value partnerships and refinement and further development of an extensive national and international stakeholder network, you will enhance the organisation's profile and ensure alignment with key policy, research and innovation infrastructures, including across the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR).

A central focus of the role is championing knowledge mobilisation — ensuring that the innovation Observatory’s outputs are not only credible, relevant, accessible and timely, but also actionable and influential across policy, practice, research and innovation landscapes. You will oversee the design and delivery of high-impact engagement activities, including national and international events in the context of an extensive and complex and multi-stakeholder ecosystem.

As a senior leader, you will drive communication excellence, ensuring the Innovation Observatory's strategic narratives are coherent, aligned, and reflective of its values and public mission. You will play a key role in shaping how we articulate and demonstrate our public value, enhancing our reputation through evidence-led, stakeholder-focused national and international engagement.

The postholder will also lead the development of an organisational impact and value-added strategy establishing robust systems to track, evaluate, and communicate the difference our work makes. This will include evidencing the effectiveness of knowledge mobilisation, engagement, and external relations activities to inform learning, strategy, and future investment. The post will report to Senior Leadership team and have line management responsibilities for cross-portfolio senior team members.

The post is full-time, fixed-term until 31st March 2031.

Informal enquiries should be directed to Dominic Lamb (dominic.lamb@newcastle.ac.uk) or Professor Dawn Craig (dawn.craig@newcastle.ac.uk).

To apply for this role, please submit a CV and covering letter with your application.

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