On the 1 August 2026, The University of Greenwich and the University of Kent formed a pioneering new multi-university group called London and South- East (LASE) University Group. Should you join us, you will be employed by LASE but will work as part of the University of Kent academic division, contributing to its distinct strengths, community and identity while also being part of a wider group that brings together the scale, resilience and shared ambition of both universities. Through LASE we aim to deliver outstanding education, impactful research, and meaningful regional and global impact.
Are you an experienced research and innovation professional who can inspire collaboration, develop funding opportunities and help academic communities turn ambitious ideas into successful outcomes?
As Funding and Award Manager, you will play an influential role in supporting the University's research, innovation and business development ambitions. Working in partnership with academic leaders and colleagues across the Business Development, Research and Innovation Directorate, you will help shape and deliver research and innovation strategies, grow income and strengthen funding success. Alongside providing expert advice and developing collaborative opportunities, you will lead a Funding and Award team and help create consistent, high-quality support for academic communities across the University.
- Provide professional service leadership and governance of research and innovation activities, ensuring these are managed appropriately and delivered effectively in line with agreed targets.
- Provide significant and expert advice to academic staff by identifying funding opportunities and supporting the submission of research and innovation funding proposals through the provision of grant writing support and managing the submission process.
- Manage local research processes and procedures (pre and post-award) to support the delivery of University and School Research and Innovation strategies, targets and key activities
- Lead and manage a BDRI Funding and Award team to ensure the delivery of consistent practices to support staff within the Schools and compliance with university processes. The postholder will also be expected to provide cover for staff absence and peak workloads of other Funding and Award Managers.
- Knowledge of the higher education sector and the key challenges and strategic issues facing research and innovation in an HE environment, specifically the need for Universities to diversity their activity and income streams.
- A proven track record of income generation, increasing revenue from existing clients and establishing new partnerships.
- Excellent and effective negotiation, influencing and communication skills, particularly the ability to persuade and inspire colleagues to work collaboratively to ensure strategic priorities are met, and the ability to produce clear and concise written materials.
- Experience of successfully managing staff, with well-developed team management skills and a clear passion for developing motivated staff and strong teams.
What we can offer in return:
As a member of our team, you can expect a friendly, open and collaborative working environment and support in your development and wellbeing. You'll enjoy a range of great staff benefits including:
- Hybrid working options allowing a flexible blend of office and home working (to be agreed in line with business needs) (remove this bullet for ACADEMIC roles)
- 43 days' leave per year (personal leave, bank holidays and additional days allocated for the Christmas period, pro rata for part-time staff)
- Excellent pension scheme with generous employer contributions
- Corporate employee-funded healthcare plan, in partnership with Benenden Health
For more information about what you can look forward to if you join us, visit our dedicated webpage: Working at Kent
We are ambitious for our people, our communities and the region we serve – join us in making the world a better place. Visit our website for more on who we are: http://www.kent.ac.uk/about/
Please see the links below to view the full job description and to apply for this post. For further information regarding the application process, please contact [email protected] quoting reference number BDRI-017-26.
- Occasionally we may need to close a vacancy before the published deadline due to a high number of applications being received, therefore we strongly advise you to submit your application as soon as possible. (All vacancies will be open for at least one week.)
PLEASE NOTE: We prioritise applications from current University of Kent redeployees. We will let you know if this post is to be filled by a redeployee as, in this instance, your application will unfortunately not be taken forward.
We know applicants may use AI tools to help prepare job applications. For guidance on how to use AI responsibly and effectively, see: Using AI in your job application
Applications must be made via the University’s online application system; CVs or details sent directly to the department or via email cannot be considered.
The University of Kent values diversity and equality at all levels.
