Director of ResearchPlus

About ResearchPlus

ResearchPlus is a new collaborative bringing together long-established and highly regarded research-focused universities that constitute a critical element of the UK’s research and innovation system. Our universities are key partners for government, business, and communities as we re-imagine and expand the contribution of higher education, research, and innovation to the public good in the second quarter of the 21st century.

Through the provision of information, advocacy, and expertise, ResearchPlus aims to strengthen the whole UK higher education and research and innovation system, and public and governmental interaction with it, by representing the strengths, contributions, and needs of our constituent partners.

ResearchPlus is currently comprised of ten universities; over time we will expand to bring in universities with similar profiles and missions. Current ResearchPlus partner institutions: Brunel, University of London ; City St George’s, University of London ; University of Essex ; University of Hull; Keele University ; The Open University ; Royal Holloway, University of London; SOAS, University of London ;  University of Sussex ; Ulster University.

For more information see Research Plus.

The role and person

As ResearchPlus’s Director you will provide policy and operational leadership, shaping and establishing the organisation as a dynamic partnership and representing it in engagement with government, devolved administrations, politicians, policymakers, regulators, and bodies. You will support the collaborative to become a trusted and authoritative voice in higher education and research and innovation policy. You will be responsible for the effective delivery of the objectives of ResearchPlus, and for the day-to-day running of the organisation. Reporting to the ResearchPlus co-chairs – currently, the Vice-Chancellors of Brunel University and the University of Sussex – the Director will be the first employee of ResearchPlus. While we anticipate a gradual increase in staffing over time, our intention is for ResearchPlus to remain lean and agile.

You will have excellent organisational and planning skills, and a well-developed interest in, and understanding of, higher education and research policy. You will have an ability to develop strategic insight and analysis in a fast-changing policy environment. You will be a highly effective communicator, with strong advocacy skills and the ability to identify opportunities and to translate ideas into practical and impactful activities. You will be collaborative and collegial, fostering consensus and shared purpose across multiple institutions with distinct identities.

Location

The University of Sussex will be the employing institution. However, given the nature of the role, and needs and preferences of the Director, they might be based physically at Brunel University.

Further Key Information

For informal enquiries please email Professor Sasha Roseneil Vice-Chancellor and President, University of Sussex, and co-chair of ResearchPlus on S.Roseneil@sussex.ac.uk

For full details and how to apply, click the 'Apply' button above.

The University of Sussex values the diversity of its staff and students, and we welcome applicants from all backgrounds.

Eligibility

This role may be eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker route. The assigned SOC code is 1139 Functional managers and directors not elsewhere classified and the going rate is £74,700. Eligibility for sponsorship will depend on the FTE & salary offered, along with whether a candidate can make use of tradeable points to meet the salary offered.

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