Development Manager (Funding)

Please note a full application including a covering letter detailing your experience alongside a CV is required for applications to be considered. Please be advised applications made without providing a cover letter will not be accepted.

This is an exciting opportunity to join the University’s Research, Enterprise & Innovation (RE&I) Services, part of the Research, Enterprise & Business Development Directorate. We are a collaborative and forward-thinking team dedicated to supporting research excellence, innovation and knowledge mobilisation across the University.

You will join our Development Services team, working closely with colleagues across the University and external partners. The team supports the development and delivery of activity across external funding and income development, research impact and external engagement, external collaboration, and strategic planning, including the Research Excellence Framework (REF) and Knowledge Exchange Framework (KEF).

As Research, Enterprise and Knowledge Mobilisation Development Manager - Funding, you will lead and support the development of high-quality external funding applications for research and knowledge exchange activity. You will work with academics, professional services colleagues and external partners to identify and develop funding opportunities, strengthen proposals and support the development of competitive applications.

You will bring specialist expertise and professional experience in external funding and income development, alongside the ability to lead projects and activities in at least one other area of Research, Enterprise and Knowledge Mobilisation (REKM) Development Services:

• Impact and External Engagement Development
• External Collaboration Development
• Planning, including REF and KEF

Alongside your funding specialism, you will have opportunities to lead and contribute to a wider range of initiatives across research, enterprise and knowledge mobilisation. Working with a diverse range of internal and external stakeholders, you will help maximise outcomes and contribute to the delivery of the University’s Research, Enterprise and Innovation goals and Vision 2030.

Hybrid working is available, with the majority of working time based on the Canterbury campus.

How will you work?

We are committed to supporting flexible methods of working wherever possible. Campus attendance will vary on a day-to-day basis and across the year but must purposefully align to the needs of our students, staff, and stakeholders. It is expected that there will be a relatively even balance between time spent on and off campus; but in most cases the work location will be determined by the service required or the tasks/activities being undertaken.

How to apply

Start date for applications: 8th of October 2026
Closing date for applications: 5th of November 2026
Interviews are to be held: To be Confirmed Shortly After Closing

If you require further information regarding the post please feel free to contact the Heads of Development Services Toby Lucas-Smith toby.lucas-smith@canterbury.ac.uk or Jenny Witherden jenny.witherden@canterbury.ac.uk (strictly no agencies, thank you) quoting reference number REQ06366.