JOB OVERVIEW

This is an exciting time to join The Place and LCDS as the Research & Knowledge Exchange (RKE) Coordinator. Following the approval of our RKE Strategy 2024-29, we are entering a phase of focused activity in this area with academic colleagues, Public Programmes teams, and professional staff.

The primary purpose of this role is to coordinate and provide administrative support for research and knowledge exchange at The Place. This includes supporting preparations for the Research Excellence Framework (REF), Knowledge Exchange Framework (KEF), and Higher Education Innovation Fund (HEIF). You will assist with impact case studies, funding applications, and financial monitoring, while ensuring effective systems and procedures.

You will be key in managing research activities, supporting the development of our doctoral programme, and coordinating events. This role also involves maintaining databases for tracking research outputs, impact, and funding, while liaising with both internal and external stakeholders to support research development.

SALARY & CONTRACT TERMS

SALARY

The salary for this position is 0.8 of £30,600, equating to £24,480 per annum, pro-rated for this part-time position.

Salaries are reviewed in August each year when any cost-of-living increases are made. No salary changes are made until after successful completion of a probationary period.

CONTRACT TERMS

This is an open-ended permanent contract. This is a part-time position (equivalent to 32 hours per week). These hours are inclusive of a one-hour paid lunch break each day. Your hours of work will be agreed with the line manager.

Whilst in the six-month probationary period the notice period will be two weeks. Once this period is successfully completed the post holder will be confirmed in the post and the notice period will be six weeks.

CLOSING DATE

The application closing date is Monday 17 March 2025 at 12:00pm (noon).We reserve the right to close applications early depending on the volume of applications we receive and so we advise it is better to apply early.

For an informal chat about this role to answer any questions you may have before applying, please email Efrosini Protopapa, Director of Research.

INTERVIEW DATES

We anticipate that interviews will be conducted on 27/28 March 2025 or w/c 31 March 2025 either in person at The Place or remotely via Microsoft Teams (or similar platform as necessary). Interview dates may be subject to change.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

ESSENTIAL CRITERIA

SKILLS

• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines. 
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, able to liaise with a range of stakeholders. 
• Strong financial management skills, with experience in processing expenses and budget tracking. 
• Proficiency in MS Office and other digital tools for managing tasks and databases.

EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS

• Degree level education or equivalent experience in HE (Higher Education), research or knowledge exchange administration, project management, or related fields. 
• Demonstrable experience coordinating research activities and/or knowledge exchange initiatives in higher education and/or the arts.

ATTRIBUTES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team, demonstrating initiative and flexibility.

DESIRABLE CRITERIA

KNOWLEDGE

• Knowledge of REF, KEF, and HEIF frameworks, with experience in preparing impact case studies. 
• Familiarity with research funding applications and post-award reporting. 
• Understanding of research ethics and compliance processes in research, public engagement and knowledge exchange.

EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience with research databases and repositories, especially including practice research outputs.

ATTRIBUTES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

• Appreciation of The Place’s role as a specialist Higher Education provider and arts organisation.  

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

ORGANISATION & ADMINISTRATION

• Maintain systems that support RKE, ensuring smooth operations of schedules, correspondence, and key deadlines.
  
• Serve as the primary point of contact for RKE enquiries, particularly around funding, research degrees, and event coordination.
  
• Support RKE committees, preparing agendas, recording minutes, and following up on action points.
  
• Ensure compliance with external bodies, such as Arts Council England and Research England, and manage relevant documentation.
  
• Manage the administration of our growing PhD programme, including liaising with partner institutions.
  
• Develop new leads for business development and support KE staff in these efforts.

ACTIVITY MONITORING & REPORTING

• Lead preparations for REF (Research Excellence Framework), KEF (Knowledge Exchange Framework), and HEIF (Higher Education Innovation Funding) reporting, compiling research outputs and impact data, ensuring compliance with external frameworks and that key dates and deadlines are met.
  
• Develop and assist with impact case studies, working with research staff to showcase the reach and impact of research.
  
• Track research and knowledge exchange projects, monitoring budgets, timelines, and outcomes, ensuring compliance with ethics processes and other institutional policies.

FINANCE & FUNDING

• Assist with financial management for research projects and knowledge exchange activities, processing expenditure and income, raising purchase orders, and monitoring RKE (Research and Knowledge Exchange) budgets.
  
• Assist with funding applications and prospective funding, ensuring accurate costings and timely submissions, and supporting post-award reporting.
  
• Manage internal funding calls, reviewing proposals, overseeing project delivery, and reporting outcomes.

EVENTS & COMMUNICATION

• Coordinate research and knowledge exchange events, including conferences, symposia, short courses and knowledge exchange activities, handling logistics and communication.
  
• Maintain and update research webpages, working with the Communications team to highlight research findings and upcoming events.
  
• Assist with wider communications, managing mailing lists, and supporting RKE-related announcements.
  
• Assist in creating promotional materials, ensuring Research and Knowledge Exchange are communicated effectively.
  
• Work with the Communications team to celebrate and promote Research and Knowledge Exchange activities on social media and external websites.

HEADER PHOTO CREDIT

MA Fields Installation | 2024 | Photo by Rocio Chacon