Research and Consultancy Manager

Job ID: 024486

Salary: £46,292 to £54,534 per annum, including London Weighting Allowance

Posted: 03-Jun-2021

Closing date: 24-Jun-2021

Business unit: Social Science & Public Policy

Department: Policy Institute at King's

Contact details: Samantha Gross, samantha.gross@kcl.ac.uk

Strand Campus   Professional and support services    

Job description
The Policy Institute has an exciting opportunity for an experienced Research & Consultancy Manager to join our high performing team for 12 months maternity cover.  
 
The Policy Institute works to overcome society’s challenges with evidence and expertise. We combine the rigour of academia with the agility of a consultancy and the connectedness of a think tank. Our research draws on many disciplines and methods, making use of the skills, expertise and resources of not only the institute, but the university and its wider network too. 
 
We are a driven and collaborative team who are looking for a personable Research & Consultancy Manager who enjoys working in a stimulating and innovative environment. This is a varied role, which would suit a positive and highly numerate individual with a solution focused approach. 
 
The Institute has a particularly fast-paced and high-volume research pipeline, with over 70 applications per year across 6 teams covering a broad mix of policy research areas. The Research and Consultancy Manager works closely with the Head of Administration and wider operations team, as well as academics, research collaborators and funders, to secure and manage grants and contracts and consultancy opportunities, often acting as first point of contact with our funding partners. 
 
Applications for secondment will be considered.
 
This is a full-time, fixed term contract for 12 months.

Key responsibilities

• To be responsible for oversight of the research grant and consulting application and costing process on Worktribe
• Provision of a ‘cradle-to-grave’ advisory service for staff applying for research or consultancy funding including both pre and post award support.
• To be responsible for the quality assurance of grant submissions and engaging with academic leads on research quality. 
• To check costings and advise on the optimal treatment of non-standard costs. 
• To establish and maintain links with the Faculty Research Manager and staff in the Arts and Science Research Office to maximise opportunities for winning grants, for the exploitation of knowledge transfer activities and the promotion of knowledge transfer partnerships. 
• To develop and maintain research links with other Departments within the Faculty and College to share best practice.
• To act as a first point of contact with funding bodies, collaborators and sub-contractors regarding financial and administrative matters. 
• To establish and maintain effective working relationships with relevant staff within the College Research Office with related responsibilities to ensure efficient processing of funding applications and awards. 
• To liaise closely with Human Resources and Finance in the recruitment, selection and financial administration of fixed term research contracts in the Institute. 
• To ensure that the external research profiles of staff are accurate and up to date. 
• To support the Head of Administration in producing operational and financial reports on a regular basis. 
• To play a full part in College and Faculty-led professional networks, facilitating communications and information flow up and down (both within the network and within the Institute) 
• To provide administrative assistance with REF preparations for the Institute to academics and local Faculty REF lead, where required. 
• To lead and manage a team of Research Coordinators (currently 1 grade 5 and another grade 5 joining us later in the year) to deliver flexible support to colleagues across the individual research units. 
• Undertake any other reasonable duties that may be requested by the Head of School Administration.

The above list of responsibilities may not be exhaustive, and the post holder will be required to undertake such tasks and responsibilities as may reasonably be expected within the scope and grading of the post. 

Skills, knowledge and experience 

Essential criteria 

• First degree or equivalent experience 
• Proficient IT skills, including databases, Excel (intermediate/advanced), Word and PowerPoint. 
• Strong understanding and experience of research administration, the research grants application process and knowledge of the research landscape in a UK university 
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with evidence of building good working relationships with stakeholders at all levels both internally and externally 
• Excellent administration and organisational skills with a systematic approach and high degree of attention to detail 
• Financial acumen, with an interest in, and understanding of, the role of research in business development and planning in a higher education institution 
• Experience of working in a fast-paced environment, tactfully managing competing priorities 
• Highly professional with the desire to deliver exemplary service in an agile, nimble and fast-paced entrepreneurial environment
• Ability to manage time effectively, work flexibly and prioritise workload independently and as part of a team 
• A demonstrable interest in the work of the Policy Institute and in policy research and analysis 

Desirable criteria 

• Knowledge of and familiarisation with University policies and procedures, including financial regulations. 
• Experience of providing research administration through the full pipeline of activity, including post award contractual and financial activities, and with identifying new funding opportunities

Further information
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion are core values at the Policy Institute. We strive to create a workplace that reflects the communities we serve and where everyone feels empowered and comfortable in the workplace.