Head of REF Operations

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Employer:
Goldsmiths, University of London
Location:
New Cross, London | Flexible/Hybrid working pattern (typically 2 days per week on campus)
Salary:
Up to £70,000 dependent on experience
Closing date:
9am, Monday 7th April 2025
Job Ref:
GSe118096

Recruitment timetable

Closing Date
9am, Monday 7th April 2025
Preliminary Interviews
w/c 21st April 2025
Short Listing
w/c 28th April 2025
Assessment
w/c 5th May 2025
Final Panel
w/c 12th May 2025

Description

Goldsmiths is a campus-based university in the London Borough of Lewisham and a leader in the arts, humanities, and social sciences. We are committed to making a difference through our teaching, research, and knowledge exchange, and we’re looking for inspiring, dedicated, and talented people to help build on our reputation as a research-leading institution.

Within the Department of Research, Enterprise and Knowledge Exchange, which drives our Research, Innovation and Knowledge Exchange Strategy, we support research bids, grant management, compliance, business enterprise, and our REF submission. We are now seeking a new Head of REF Operations to provide strategic and operational leadership for Goldsmiths’ REF 2029 preparations, submission, planning, and analysis.

Reporting to the Director of Research, Innovation and Knowledge Exchange and working closely with the Provost and Deputy Vice-Chancellor, you will manage the people, processes, and systems that underpin our REF submission. In this role you will serve as Secretary to the REF Strategy Board and chair the REF Operations Board, ensuring our internal strategies and procedures are aligned with national policies and positioned to significantly enhance Goldsmiths’ standing in the next REF.

We are looking for a motivated professional with a proven track record in a research environment. You will have strong strategic planning, analytical, and leadership skills, with a solid understanding of UK research policy and an understanding of the REF process. While direct experience with REF submissions is desirable, we welcome applications from candidates who demonstrate robust experience in strategic and operational leadership in higher education.

We are keen to attract candidates from diverse backgrounds who share our commitment to creating an inclusive culture where all staff and students can thrive.

For an information conversation about the role, contact our partners at GatenbySanderson: Maliha Ahmed: maliha.ahmed@gatenbysanderson.com or Ellie Hurst: ellie.hurst@gatenbysanderson.com

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How to Apply

  • Please submit your CV along with a Supporting Statement addressing the person specification criteria, evidencing how you meet the criteria.
  • Detail any employment or education gaps.
  • Be ready to provide the names, positions, organisations and contact details for two referees; one should be your current or most recent employer. Referees will be contacted for those proceeding to final stages. We will always gain your permission before we contact referees.
  • Let us know any difficulty you may have with the indicative timetable.
  • Check that your contact details are correct before you submit.

Once you have submitted your application, you will receive an automated email confirmation. If you do not receive, please email contactus@gatenbysanderson.com

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