Job Overview

The post holder leads an innovative suite of organisation wide activities to maximise the impact of NIHR funded research. Its current programme includes building researcher capability and capacity in knowledge mobilisation and producing an evidence base around “what works” in dissemination and knowledge mobilisation. 

The Senior Improvement Manager/Expert Advisor will work with our enthusiastic and talented team to support our wider thought and strategic leadership for the dissemination and knowledge mobilisation of NIHR funded research within and beyond the NIHR. 

Contribute to the broader work of the Maximising Impact and Public Partnerships (MIPP) team as necessary - in particular flagship activities proposed in the BMJ bid- in the interests of integrating the public partnerships and maximising impact strands.

Responsibilities

Thought leadership

• Advise on and contribute to the development of activity to promote dissemination, knowledge mobilisation and impact across all the NIHR coordinating centres and infrastructure building on the learning from the Maximising Impact Review. 
• Develop and advise on future NIHR dissemination and knowledge mobilisation strategies. 
• Contribute to NIHR “thought pieces” e.g. blogs. 

Central coordination and oversight

• Provide expertise to and oversight of knowledge mobilisation activity across NIHR research programmes and infrastructure including:
  1. The development of contract specifications for knowledge mobilisation activity
  2. Feedback on annual knowledge mobilisation reporting.

Capacity Development

Liaison with and coordination of knowledge mobilisation communities

• Provide introductions to knowledge mobilisation networks and communities not currently accessed/ available
• Provide advice on and contribute to an annual NIHR knowledge mobilisation meeting 
• Promote NIHR Dissemination and Knowledge Mobilisation activity nationally and internationally via conferences, forums and written outputs 
• Engage with and feed back from national and international funder networks. 

Dissemination and Knowledge Mobilisation Research

General

• Contribute fully to the MIPP matrix management arrangements for key contractual projects, leading and contributing to cross MIPP work packages as necessary.
• Work collaboratively to support integrated team working across MIPP

Skills, Experience & Qualifications    

You must be a proactive, self-motivated, creative, flexible and enthusiastic team player who can work independently and as part of a team and contribute to the development of a positive, can-do culture. You need

• Evidence of senior thought leadership in knowledge mobilisation and/or implementation science 
• Significant experience in a senior academic or research leadership position 
• Experience of working in or with the NIHR or another research funder 
• Experience of working in/researching the UK health and care system. Experience of the social care system would be particularly welcome 
• Significant experience of communicating to a wide range of audiences through writing and public speaking 
• Ability to lead projects, under pressure to tight deadlines 
• Confidence and diplomacy when dealing with internal and external stakeholders 
• Exceptional organisational skills, including attention to detail 
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Highly IT literate with the ability to competently employ the various functions of Microsoft/Google including Powerpoint/Slides, Word/Docs, Excel/Sheets and Outlook/Gmail
• Commitment to the values of the NIHR, MIPP and the BMJ Group, including a commitment to patient and public involvement, to equality, diversity and inclusion, and to building cultural competence.
• Either: the mindset, understanding and interpersonal skills necessary to undertake effective collaborative working with patients and members of the public - Or:  the commitment to acquire these qualities
• Commitment to maximising the impact of health and care research to improve the health and wealth of the nation.

Why work for us

Help us create a healthier world. We are a global healthcare knowledge provider. We publish The BMJ, one of the world’s most impactful medical journals and over 70 influential speciality journals. We offer digital tools to help health professionals worldwide tackle critical healthcare challenges. Find out more about us here.

Flexible Work and Workplace Perks

• We’re committed to flexible working that supports both your needs and the requirements of the role.

Generous benefits

• Generous double-matching employer pension contribution, up to 12%

• Discounted dental and travel insurance

• Seven x salary life assurance cover and a generous income protection package

• Discounted gym membership, cycle-to-work and season ticket loan

• Discounts for retail and leisure products through yourReward 

Work-life balance and wellbeing

• Twenty-five days holiday + bank holidays + a BMJ Day off.

• Additional holiday through long service; buy up to 5 additional days 

• Leave for moving house, volunteering or getting married

• Concierge service Seniorcare by Lottie

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

• Equity, Diversity and Inclusion are not buzzwords to us, but fundamental company priorities

• We believe that a diverse workforce brings unique strengths and insights, enabling us to better serve our customers and drive positive change in our industry. 

• If you are from an under-represented or historically marginalised community, we are particularly interested in hearing from you. 

• Join our employee-led networks focusing on Gender, Race and Cultural Diversity, Sexual Orientation, Mental Health and Well-being, Parents and Carers and Age.

• Disability Confident Committed employer

Learning & Development

• Personal development plan 

• Mentoring scheme

• Career Coaching

• Opportunities to pursue professional development

• Strengths-based development