PLEASE NOTE: This is an internal advert and is open to current Oxford Brookes University staff only.
Oxford Brookes University is distinctive in nature. We are a modern and forward thinking institution rooted in, and connected to, a city with a rich history of culture and learning. We are a globally recognised university focused on providing high-quality teaching and delivering impactful research and an excellent student experience. Our vision is simple: “shape tomorrow through our unique blend of the modern and the traditional, by embracing diversity, seeking out the new, and excelling in education and research.”
Our people are at the heart of the University - our excellence in teaching, research and knowledge exchange depends on the engagement, capability and wellbeing of our people. We strive to create and encourage an environment where people have the opportunity to develop, progress and thrive.
In acknowledgment of our commitment to gender equality and progression, we proudly hold the Athena SWAN Bronze Award and a Race Equality Charter Bronze Award, a testament to our unwavering dedication to creating an inclusive and equitable environment for all. Join us at Oxford Brookes University, where every step forward is a leap toward a brighter tomorrow.
The role
Based at our Headington campus and reporting directly to the Impact Manager, the Impact Evidence and Evaluation Officer plays a crucial role in implementing policies and systems that support our academic community. You will work closely with academic staff, professional services colleagues, and Impact Champions to help understand, evaluate, track, and evidence research impact and engagement across Oxford Brookes. This includes providing key support for the delivery of research impact and the submission of REF Impact Case Studies.
This is a part time (0.6FTE), fixed term appointment for 2 years.
About the team
You will join the Knowledge Exchange and Impact team, which is a core part of the broader Research, Innovation & Enterprise Directorate. The Directorate provides comprehensive support to facilitate world-leading research, cutting-edge innovation, and robust engagement with stakeholders and beneficiaries. Comprising three distinct teams; Research Support and Governance, Knowledge Exchange and Impact, and Enterprise, we operate in a collaborative environment dedicated to driving impactful research outcomes and modernizing OBU's evaluation frameworks.
What will I be doing?
- Work directly with a portfolio of projects to capture robust evidence and support monitoring initiatives for performance and reporting purposes.
- Create resources and training materials to assist academics in capturing impact evidence and evaluating their engagement activities effectively.
- Cultivate internal and external networks of expertise that academics can easily engage with to enhance their evaluation and evidence-gathering processes.
- Develop expert knowledge regarding outputs and outcomes (shifting focus away from simple input measures) to align OBU with modern reporting requirements.
- Provide post-event evaluation support for KE and Impact events, preparing concise reports and analytical papers for senior management review.
- Oversee and manage the operational procedures for students employed to support impact project evidence gathering.
- Collaborate closely with the Impact Manager and Impact Champions to support faculties in delivering research impact and developing REF Impact Case Studies.
What skills do I need?
Essential criteria:
- A degree (or equivalent experience) paired with significant administrative experience and a proven track record of gathering and succinctly summarising complex information.
- Excellent written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills, with a demonstrated ability to influence academic staff and collaborate across professional services.
- Strong experience working effectively both on your own initiative and as a collaborative team player, including involvement in organizing large-scale events.
- Outstanding organisational skills, close attention to detail, and the proven ability to perform reliably under pressure to meet tight deadlines.
- A strong working knowledge of social media channels, audience engagement strategies, and standard office software packages.
- Willingness and ability to travel occasionally within the UK and work occasional evenings or weekends to support events.
Desirable criteria:
- Good knowledge and understanding of UK Higher Education systems, procedures for academic research support, or experience working within a research organisation.
- A solid understanding of the current Public Engagement with Research landscape.
- Direct experience designing and delivering training materials or workshops.
Based at our Headington campus, you’ll experience a vibrant campus atmosphere. The campus is one mile from the centre of Oxford and is served by regular public transport. This role features hybrid working, offering a flexible split between home and office working on the main Headington Campus site to blend collaboration with flexibility.
Benefits
As an Oxford Brookes employee, you will enjoy 25 days annual leave (pro rata), rising with your service, plus bank holidays and additional university concessionary days (normally 5 per year).
We encourage and support hybrid working where the role allows and ensure that you have the necessary equipment to allow you to work flexibly.
We have an extremely competitive Local Government Pension Scheme with generous employer contributions, as well as providing all staff with access to an occupational health service, financial education, and a comprehensive employee assistance helpline.
We prioritise the wellbeing of our employees - physically, mentally and financially - and we provide a diverse and comprehensive benefits package to support our team.
In addition, all employees have access to:
- Discounted rates for the university sports and gym facilities
- An on-site nursery (at Headington Campus; waiting lists for some ages).
- Discounted travel options
- TOTUM card discount scheme
- Relocation scheme (moves over 30 miles, subject to terms of the scheme)
- Training and development opportunities
- A connected community - Brookes have a wide variety of staff networks, which instil a sense of community and offer employees a space for support, guidance and friendship, making Brookes a vibrant and inclusive place to work.
Equality, diversity and inclusion
At Oxford Brookes, inclusivity is one of our five guiding principles: we take positive steps to create an environment in which we celebrate, value and provide equal opportunity to all. We are committed to recruiting from the widest possible pool and welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates who embrace our values, regardless of their background.
As a Disability Confident Employer we guarantee to interview any disabled applicant who meets the essential selection criteria.
