Job Description

We have a fantastic opportunity for an experienced Public Engagement with Research Officer to join the University of Reading.

The University of Reading is one of the UK\'s leading research-intensive universities, committed to acting together, as a diverse and inclusive community, to deliver a better world through the transformational power of education and research. The University has considerable strengths and a demonstrated commitment to public engagement with research (PER), to build public understanding of research and trusted research relationships.

About the role

The Research Communications and Engagement team sits within the Marketing, Communication and Engagement function (MCE). We work using a matrix management model to build the University\'s reputation, brand and profile, and deliver robust, innovative and global communications activity to support research engagement, impact and funding targets.

As PER Officer, you will build support mechanisms to help researchers maximise their public engagement capacities, successes and impact. You will offer day-to-day professional advice, direction and support for researchers to develop best-practice approaches to public engagement with research. You will deliver strategic PER projects to raise the profile of Reading as a research-intensive and engaged university. And you will maintain oversight of public engagement activity, and how it intersects with community engagement and knowledge exchange activities, to develop internal expertise and capture learning and success.

About you

You will have demonstrable experience in a PER or community engagement role. You will be highly motivated, with energy, enthusiasm and commitment to public engagement with research. You will be experienced at project management with a track record of delivering excellent and innovative PER outputs and activities to reach diverse audiences. You will be accustomed to working independently in a fast-moving environment, and will be able to spot opportunities and respond to them quickly.

You will be creative and proactive, with experience of the using full mix of PER methods and activities. You will have proven experience of monitoring and evaluation for events and engagement activities. You will have a good understanding of the current PER landscape and will be able to build and maintain strong networks of internal and external contacts, working across different academic disciplines and with people at all levels of seniority. You will be resourceful and committed to high standards, quality and integrity.

This job is full-time and based on the University\'s Whiteknights Campus. The University has a in place for where and how we work.

Informal contact details

Alternative informal contact details

Contact role:

Head of Research Communications & Engagement

Contact role:

Head of Corporate Communications

Contact name:

Caroline Knowles

Contact name:

Vicky Pearson

Contact phone:

0118 348 4911

Contact phone:

Contact email:

c.l.knowles@reading.ac.uk

Contact email:

v.a.pearson@reading.ac.uk

Closing date: 4 September 2023

Interviews will be held: week commencing 18 September

Applications from job seekers who require sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. By reference to the applicable SOC code for this role, sponsorship may be possible under the Skilled Worker Route. Applicants should ensure that they are able to meet the points requirement under the PBS. There is further information about this on the .

The University is committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce, supports the gender equality Athena SWAN Charter and the Race Equality Charter, and champions LGBT+ equality. Applications for job-share, part-time and flexible working arrangements are welcomed and will be considered in line with business needs.

University of Reading