Head of Research Impact

Salary: Full time starting salary is normally in the range £58,225 to £67,468 with potential progression once in post to £87,974

This is a rare opportunity to shape the future of research impact at one of the UK’s most ambitious and successful research-intensive universities.

The University of Birmingham is on a bold trajectory. Ranked 10th overall in REF 2021 with the strongest GPA rise of any Russell Group institution, we are investing heavily in our research ecosystem and setting our sights even higher for REF 2029 and beyond. Research impact sits at the heart of our Strategic Framework 2030 and our ambition to be a global top‑50 university. We are now seeking an exceptional leader to help turn that ambition into reality.

As Head of Research Impact, you will play a pivotal, institution‑wide leadership role—working at the intersection of research excellence, societal benefit, and national and global influence. Reporting into the Research Strategy & Services Division and working closely with the Deputy Pro‑Vice‑Chancellor (Research Impact), senior academic leaders, and 5 Colleges, you will lead the development and delivery of a high‑performing, future‑focused research impact strategy.

This role is about scale, momentum and legacy. You will take strategic and operational responsibility for Birmingham’s REF impact portfolio, driving readiness for REF 2029 while strengthening a vibrant, inclusive impact culture across disciplines. From early‑stage research design to evidence capture, policy engagement and partnerships, you will ensure impact is embedded across the full research lifecycle.

You will lead and inspire a highly skilled team of research impact professionals, building a strong “one team” culture that works agilely across a complex, interdisciplinary institution. You will be a trusted adviser to senior leaders and academics, offering authoritative guidance on impact strategy, case study development and sector trends—while helping Birmingham grow its reputation for delivering research that changes lives.

We are open to candidates from a range of professional backgrounds. You may already be working in a research‑intensive university, a research funder, a policy or innovation environment, or another complex organisation where research, evidence and real‑world impact intersect. What matters most is your ability to think strategically, deliver at pace, lead people with confidence, and operate credibly at the highest levels.

Birmingham offers a unique platform: world‑class research breadth, deep civic and regional partnerships, and a flagship city environment that connects local impact with global reach. This role gives you the space, authority and influence to do some of the most meaningful work of your career—shaping how research delivers public value at scale.

If you are ambitious, collaborative, and motivated by the power of research to make a difference, we would love to hear from you.

Informal enquiries can be made to Helen Lau, h.l.r.lau@bham.ac.uk

To download the full job description and details of this position and submit an electronic application online please click on the 'Apply' button above.

Valuing excellence, sustaining investment
We value diversity and inclusion at the University of Birmingham and welcome applications from all sections of the community and are open to discussions around all forms of flexible working

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