Newcastle University has an exciting opportunity for a motivated individual to and enable academics and researchers in the humanities and social science research to create positive social, cultural and economic impact. You will support schools in the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, including the Business School in a variety of knowledge exchange, research, innovation and enterprise related initiatives. Activities will include developing new and existing relationships with industry, governmental and charitable organisations for new collaborative and translational projects, and commercialisation of university knowledge capital and resources. As one of the leading research universities in the UK, Newcastle University has an outstanding track record in turning research advancements and discoveries into societal and economic impact. This is achieved by our collaborative and entrepreneurial approach to working with external partners across a wide range of sectors from financial services through to the digital and creative industries.
The role
We require a business development professional to work on a range of knowledge exchange and enterprise related project activity that is focused on the Business School, the School of English Literature, Language and Linguistics, the School of History, Classics and Archaeology and the School of Arts and Cultures. You will lead efforts in identifying, securing and supporting engagement opportunities with external partners that lead to funding opportunities (contract, collaborative, consulting) and occasionally opportunities related to intellectual property management, licensing and formation of spinouts/start-ups. The role will engage with staff, researchers and academics to provide strategic support, coaching, guidance and education to promote knowledge exchange and the resources available to market and facilitate knowledge exchange programs and initiatives. You will be an integral member of the University’s Business Development and Enterprise unit, working as part of a team of Business Development Managers linked to specific Faculties.
You should have an understanding of the principles, processes and issues underpinning innovation, collaboration and business engagement. Strategic and commercial acumen will also be required and previous experience in both academia and the commercial sector would be a distinct advantage.
Key Accountabilities
- Work alongside the Faculty Dean of Research and Innovation and as part of the Faculty’s Research and Impact and teams to implement and promote the knowledge exchange strategy of the Faculty.
- Promote capability, technologies and resources to external partners to drive knowledge exchange and impact opportunities.
- Proactively seek and identify new partnerships and business opportunities to grow and develop knowledge exchange activities.
- Develop and leverage strong relationships and networks with external partners sectors to facilitate outcomes for the University.
- Support the development of sector wide initiatives to drive new knowledge exchange opportunities.
- Work with Legal Services to put in place legal agreements for collaborative activity with external organisations including CDAs and commercial research agreements.
- Support bids for external and internal funding by securing external organisation participation and letters of support.
- Engage and build relationships with faculty researchers, developing a detailed knowledge of their research capabilities and activities and become a trusted source of advice.
- Disseminate good practice into the Faculty raising awareness of the value of knowledge exchange, impact and business collaborations.
- Build and maintain relationships with partners and funders developing a detailed knowledge of their needs and drivers.
- Work closely with other members of the Enterprise team and management, Legal Services, Research Office and other functions as required.
The Person (Essential)
Knowledge, Skills and Experience
- Experience of working in a similar development role, liaising across government, industry and other various organisations to foster existing and develop new relationships
- Business acumen with a strategic and analytical mindset to identify and assess the potential of research and capabilities to benefit external organisations.
- Proven ability to handle multiple projects and manage priorities so as to meet deadlines.
- Interest in developing an understanding of cutting-edge research in diverse subject areas spanning the social sciences and humanities i.e. from operations management and fintech to contemporary art commissioning and children’s literature.
- Ability to build, develop and maintain excellent working relationships, both internally and externally, including with senior academics and business partners/clients
- Strong communication, influencing and networking skills.
- Have an entrepreneurial and flexible approach, able to adapt, improvise and work independently.
Attributes and Behaviour
Thinking Strategically
- Able to identify industry needs and trends, and opportunities for knowledge exchange.
- Understands and makes sense of complex or conflicting data and different perspectives of stakeholders.
Communicating
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills in academic and business contexts with the ability to communicate effectively at all levels and produce and present information effectively, in a concise and clear manner.
Team working
- Building and maintaining a strong network of colleagues and contacts to achieve delivery of objectives.
- Willing to help others and share workloads.
Planning and Organising
- Effective at organising and managing heavy and complex workload
- Sets own priorities in conjunction with team and project objectives
Qualifications
- Degree (or equivalent in-depth knowledge in a relevant Humanities and Social Science subject) plus commercial, business, marketing or client relationship management experience.