"REF Project Manager"

REF Project Manager

Durham University - Research and Innovation Services

Placed On: 12th January 2026

Closes: 2nd February 2026

Job Ref: 25001853

The Role and the Department

The position of REF Project Manager is a strategically important role within the Research and Innovation Services (RIS) Directorate. The post-holder will report to Senior Manager Strategy and Performance and work closely with the Research Policy and Performance Manager. They will work with the Director of PSP to support REF2029 preparation and submission and work across the University to support key points of contact in professional support and academic departments/faculties.

The overall purpose of the position advertised is to provide project management and to support the strategy and processes for REF 2029 (including organising stocktakes and mock REF exercise(s)). The post holder will have a role in the development of any institutional narratives required for REF submission. The REF Project Manager will deputise as needed for the Director of Policy Systems and Performance on matters relating to REF including providing clear communications related to REF preparations between the RIS central REF team, REF strategy group members, Unit of Assessment Leads and wider University as appropriate.

The post-holder will contribute to the wider interpretation of the REF rules and regulations and provide advice, guidance and support to academic leaders and researchers with the aim of achieving a high-quality REF submission. The post-holder will be required to understand complex information, feed into strategic plans and data exercises and then communicate important information and decisions in a concise and compelling manner. The post-holder will contribute to the wider interpretation of the REF rules and regulations and provide advice, guidance and support to academic leaders and researchers with the aim of achieving a high-quality REF submission. The post-holder will be required to understand complex information, feed into strategic plans and data exercises and then communicate important information and decisions in a concise and compelling manner. Monitoring progress and prioritisation of tasks, refining the forward plan (looking 12-18 months ahead) are necessary to keep project on track. The REF project manager will lead on specific actions, contribute to other actions and be expected to problem solve and feed in their expertise to discussions. They will also provide support to recording REF related data in the IT Systems.

The role is fixed term for 3 years and Full time. Further information about the role and the responsibilities is at the bottom of this job description.

The base location for this role is Boldon House, our exciting new professional services hub. Boldon House is situated on the outskirts of Durham near the Arnison Centre in Pity Me. Boldon House brings a number of professional services teams together in a vibrant office environment which supports collaborative working and is designed to embrace hybrid working. To find out more, visit the project webpage: Boldon House – Durham University.

Further information about the role and the responsibilities is at the bottom of this job description.