Recruitment pack Head of Grants

Recruitment pack Head of Grants

Contents How to apply Welcome from the Director, Biomedical Grants and Policy The Academy Grants and career development support at the Academy The Post The Person The Offer Key dates Page 2 of 12

How to apply To apply please: Complete the application form, which includes a supporting statement detailing how you are a good candidate for this post Complete the diversity monitoring form Indicate your availability for the interview date Applications should be e-mailed to recruitment@cornerpiecesolutions.co.uk Applications must be received by 12:00 Midday on 25 October 2017. Interviews will be held on 31 October 2017. Good luck and we look forward to hearing from you. Recruitment Team Academy of Medical Sciences Page 3 of 12

Welcome from the Director, Biomedical Grants and Careers Policy Dear Applicant, 1 October 2017 Thank you for your interest in this role at the Academy of Medical Sciences. The Academy has enjoyed a prestigious and influential UK position in biomedical and health research for some years now. The creation of the Head of Grants role comes at an exciting time, which both reflects the growth in our portfolio of schemes to support future medical researchers but also some exciting further opportunities to pursue. Joining a talented, committed and enthusiastic team, our ideal candidate will be able to demonstrate: experience in developing grant schemes and overseeing a portfolio of UK and International grant schemes; an understanding of the biomedical research environment; skilled in relationship management and partnership working, experienced in negotiating legal agreements, confidence in communicating, first class writing skills and a track record in successfully managing a team. The Head of Grants will work closely with the Head of Programmes and policy colleagues to ensure our wider support package for researchers is cohesive, fit for purpose and sustainable. The Academy offers a fantastic opportunity to work closely with senior stakeholders and internationally renowned researchers, and to engage with a wide range of public, charitable, and commercial organisations. This post offers opportunities to broaden and deepen experience in: scoping, developing and implementing innovative grant schemes, forging partnership and consortia approaches, developing evaluation frameworks and acquiring in-depth knowledge and understanding of the wider policy landscape relating to funding and training and career pathways to inform the development of the portfolio. The position is ideal for someone already in a senior role, who wishes to enhance and extend their skills within a growing, dynamic environment. We also offer a range of benefits beyond the competitive salary and a work setting which provides flexibility and support. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you would like an informal discussion about this position. Susie Candy (suzanne.candy@acmedsci.ac.uk) Director, Biomedical Grants and Careers Policy Page 4 of 12

The organisation The Academy s core mission is to advance biomedical and health research and its translation into benefits for society. We are working to secure a future in which: UK and global health is improved by the best research The UK leads the world in biomedical and health research, and is renowned for the quality of its research outputs, talent and collaborations. Independent, high quality medical science advice informs the decisions that affect society. More people have a say in the future of health and research. The Academy s 1200 Fellows have been elected on the basis of outstanding contributions to a range of scientific fields, and are drawn from universities, hospitals, general practice, industry and the public service. Our Fellows are central to all we do. It is their talent and expertise that ensures we can bring authoritative opinion and practical guidance to complex issues in medical science and healthcare. Established in 1998 as an expert body to deal with issues at the interface of medical science and healthcare, the Academy is part of the national academies group, alongside the Royal Society, British Academy, and the Royal Academy of Engineering. We are governed by a Council of 21 Fellows, including 6 Honorary Officers who provide strategic advice and oversight. Professor Sir Robert Lechler FMedSci is the current President. The Academy is: An elected Fellowship of the UK s best biomedical and health researchers An independent source of evidence-based and expert advice Connected to, and respected by, decision makers Focused on realising cross-disciplinary opportunities across academia, industry and healthcare. Committed to improving and celebrating diversity - in all its forms - in the biomedical and health research community Global in outlook, reach and influence Catalytic, inclusive and accessible in our approach Responsive to change and innovative in our solutions Adept at maximising our impact through partnership working We seek to advance UK and global biomedical and health research through five strategic challenges (as set out in our 2017-22 strategy): 1. To harness our expertise and convening power to tackle the biggest scientific and health challenges and opportunities facing our society. 2. To lead innovation in the development of research talent through funding and careers support. 3. To achieve influence and impact beyond the UK to improve health and wellbeing. 4. To become the exemplar of a modern scientific academy diverse, trusted, dynamic, relevant and accessible. 5. To enhance the Academy s delivery capability, making sure we have the Fellows, staff, partners, resources and influence to make an even greater contribution to the UK and beyond. The Fellowship is served by a team of 39 staff. Page 5 of 12

Grants schemes at the Academy From its foundation, the Academy has put aspiring medical researchers at the centre of our work, partnering with organisations to design and deliver a number of programmes to develop the next generation of medical researchers. Our portfolio currently includes: UK schemes The Springboard scheme for biomedical researchers Funded by The Wellcome Trust, BEIS Global Challenges Research Fund (GCRF), BEIS Talent Fund and the British Heart Foundation The Springboard scheme Health of the Public:2040 Funded by The Wellcome Trust The Starter Grants Scheme for Clinical Lecturers Funded by Wellcome Trust, Medical Research Council, Arthritis Research UK British Heart Foundation and Diabetes UK The Clinician Scientist Fellowship scheme Funded by The Health Foundation Supporting the Scottish Senior Lectureship scheme Funded by the Board for Academic Medicine (Scotland). International schemes The Academy is undergoing rapid development of new exciting international schemes. Our Springboard biomedical scheme has received Global Challenge Research Fund (GCRF) monies to support a cohort UK researchers focussing on global health and we now have four dedicated international schemes Networking Grants Funded by the BEIS GCRF Future Leaders Africa Independent Research (FLAIR) fellowships Funded by the BEIS Global Challenges Research Fund and delivered in partnership with The Royal Society through close collaboration with the African Academy of Sciences. Newton Fund fellowships, including Newton Advanced Fellows and Newton International Fellows Funded by the BEIS Newton Fund The Daniel Turnberg Travel Fellowship scheme Funded by The Daniel Turnberg Memorial Fund and a consortium of funders Page 6 of 12

Head of Grants Salary band Head Salary 47,000-50,000 Department Biomedical Grants and Policy Work location London Reports to Director of Biomedical Grants & Policy Direct reports 3 Grants Managers [2.6 FTE] and 4 Grants Officers [4 FTE] Role duration Permanent Last updated September 2017 The Head of Grants post at the Academy is responsible for developing and delivering a suite of grants programmes to meet our strategic objective to develop research talent. Reporting to the Director of Biomedical Grants and Careers Policy, the post holder will: oversee and lead the management of the portfolio of grants schemes; work with a range of internal and external partners to ensure schemes are delivered to the highest possible standards, and ensuring robust monitoring, evaluation and reporting; and design and deliver new schemes with existing or new partners. The Academy takes a holistic approach to supporting the next generation of medical researchers, offering a portfolio of mentoring and career development programmes to complement our grants schemes. These support activities are led by the Head of Programmes who oversees a dedicated team. The Head of Grants and the Head of Programmes will work closely together to ensure that the Academy offers aspiring researchers a joined-up, coherent and innovative package of support. The Academy undertakes proactive work to influence national policy on academic training and career structures for basic biomedical and clinical scientists. The Head of Grants will be a key conduit to ensure our policy work and grants schemes are mutually informed. The postholder will also contribute to and sometimes lead the development of cross-cutting Academy programmes in international affairs and the academia-industry interface. Key tasks and responsibilities Strategic development Contribute to the Academy s overall strategic development. Support the Director and the Senior Management Team to develop the team s strategy and approach. Close liaison with the Academy s Heads of Programmes, Policy, International, Communications and Finance will be key to ensuring that our work maximises opportunities and meets the objectives of the Academy s wider strategy. For example: work with the Head of Policy and the Medical Science Policy Team to ensure any relevant recommendations stemming from our policy reports are taken forward in our grants schemes. Page 7 of 12

Lead scoping work with Fellows, stakeholders and staff to explore new initiatives and schemes. Canvass views from the wider medical research community and keep up to date with developments in UK medical research funding policies and the wider careers policy landscape to ensure that the Academy s new and existing schemes are innovative, attractive and fit for purpose. Brief the Director, Senior Management Team, Officers and Council members on sectorwide developments and intelligence garnered. Design, develop and implement new initiatives and schemes that address a strategic need and fulfil the aims of our strategic plan. Develop funding proposals and associated budgets to attract monies to support new activities and work with the Director to cultivate relationships with existing and potential new partners to secure external funding. Develop proposals and budgets for renewal of existing partnership funding, in liaison with the Director, and lead on funding discussions with a number of selected external partners, both within the UK and overseas. Consider how to expand and refine and further develop our current schemes and catalyse activities externally. Represent the Academy in external meetings with other a range of partners and stakeholders. Ensure that the Academy s views are represented and work to influence decisions. People management and developing talent Manage a sub-team, which includes Managers (currently 2.6 FTE) and Officer level posts (currently 4 FTE). Work to develop their skills and experience, identify training needs, anticipate problems, conduct annual appraisals and encourage career development; recruit new members of staff into the team as appropriate. Work with the Head of Programmes and careers policy staff to bring the activities of the team together cohesively and to maximise opportunities. Operational leadership Lead the team in all aspects of the delivery of the grants portfolio, currently worth 6M per annum. This figure will increase with the introduction of new schemes. Ensure that all grant-making processes and all associated paperwork meet the high standards of the Academy. Oversee the operational grant-making platform, review performance and make recommendations to update it as necessary. Page 8 of 12

Work with our lawyers to: (i) develop robust contracts to underpin partnership funding agreements with external funders (ii) develop terms and conditions for grant awards (iii) review external contracts and agreements and negotiate revisions. Seek advice from our lawyers to ensure a robust approach to areas such as Intellectual Property and Data Protection, sharing information with the Head of Programmes and working together to implement best practice. Support team members with queries on Intellectual Property, Data Protection and any contractual or compliance issues. Once contracts are in place ensure all contractual commitments are met, including all reporting requirements. Establish robust business plans and processes of operation. Monitor and review the timelines of schemes and agreements with funding partners and propose and negotiate amendments as necessary. Working closely with partners, external professional experts and internal colleagues, establish robust monitoring and evaluation mechanisms. Produce high quality reports and summaries of outcome and impact data. Commission and manage independent evaluations as required. Develop, oversee and monitor budgets across the grants portfolio, working with the Head of Finance and their team to manage existing budgets and develop budgets for potential schemes and proposals. Work to anticipate problems and work to mitigate them, engaging with others as necessary. Relationship management Pro-actively cultivate and manage relationships with an extensive network of UK and international funders, partners and other stakeholders, including early career researchers. Maintain and develop an effective network of contacts across academia, industry, healthcare and the charity sector to inform the Academy s work programme, and to increase the impact of our work. Ensure that all strands of the portfolio are appropriately supported and informed by Fellows, informally or formally as appropriate. Communications Lead on developing and implementing a comprehensive communications plan to raise the profile of your portfolio of work. Close liaison with the Director of Communications and their team as well as the Head of Programmes and other colleagues will be vital to the success of this. Page 9 of 12

Oversee the maintenance of relevant pages and sections of the Academy s website and ensure relevant sections are drafted for the Fellows newsletter. Lead your team in the development of a range of high quality printed and digital resources to support our schemes. Governance Ensure that the President, other Honorary Officers and Council are informed of all developments and issues relating to the portfolio of grants schemes and any related activities and seek their agreement prior to proceeding. Draft papers for meetings of the Council and Officers. Work with the Chairs of Grant Award Selection Panels to ensure robust selection and governance processes for all schemes. Ensure a clear reporting link is developed between Selection Panels and the Director. Represent the Academy at external meetings, deputising for the Director as required. Ensure that the Academy s database is updated and that all information on contacts is held accurately and securely in line with Data Protection Act requirements. Other Be able to travel in the UK and internationally, including overnight or multiple nights away. Undertake other ad hoc duties that can be reasonably expected of this post. Location The post is located at 41 Portland Place, London, W1B 1QH. Page 10 of 12

Person Specification EDUCATION, QUALIFICATIONS, KNOWLEDGE ESSENTIAL DESIRABLE LIKELY TO BE ASSESSED BY; I - Interview AF - Application form T - Test 1 Science degree AF 2 Higher degree in the biomedical sciences or relevant discipline AF 4 Sound understanding of the medical research or academic TECHNICAL SKILLS 5 Analytical thinker & T 6 Confident team leader I 7 Excellent writing and editing AF, I & T skills 8 First class presentation skills 9 Excellent organisational skills 10 Excellent IT skills T 11 Meticulous attention to detail T EXPERIENCE 14 Leading a team 15 Leading the management of a portfolio of support schemes 16 Developing and delivering high quality bespoke events 17 Working in collaboration or partnership with external 18 Responsibility of developing and managing complex budgets & T 19 Working with International Partners 20 Developing external funding proposals 21 Developing and reviewing & T contractual agreements 22 Monitoring and evaluation Page 11 of 12

COMPETENCES 1 Translates strategy into practical messages and communicates in a way that is easily understood by all 2 Builds, utilises and maintains a network of colleagues and business contacts to ensure a continuous flow of relevant information and encourages this behaviour in colleagues 3 Explores strategies to identify and maintain high level partnerships with external parties to build mutually beneficial relationships 4 Makes robust decisions by consideration of the financial & business implications working effectively with the team, the rest of the Academy & with stakeholders 5 Inspires & motivates others to achieve the Academy s goals gaining enthusiastic involvement and support from the team and individuals 6 Creates a climate where positive change is encouraged and new initiatives welcomed 7 Regularly reviews team activities and resource plans taking account of other teams in the Academy to be realistic about what new activities can be taken on. 8 Provides and sets clear direction and required standards of performance across the team, holding the team accountable for continually raising the standard of expected performance 9 Delegates work effectively to team members and encourages team members to come up with solutions for problems or ideas for improvement 10 Promotes a climate of collaboration and encourages cross functional working at all levels 11 Demonstrates enthusiasm, ambition and drive to meet challenging personal & business objectives 12 Demonstrates resilience and maintains consistently high levels of performance when under pressure Page 12 of 12

13 Maintains own area of expertise, keeping knowledge up-to-date and using this knowledge to develop new ways of working 14 Remains calm and focused in changing or difficult circumstances, leading by example to find positive solutions 15 Mentors others in the use of effective decision making techniques; encourages others to consider the implications of different decisions Page 13 of 12

The offer Position Location Remuneration Annual leave Pension Life assurance Staff lunch Season ticket travel loan interest free Family friendly benefits Head of Grants Full time, permanent 41 Portland Place London W1B 1QH 47,000-50,000 per annum 29 days per annum plus bank holidays (pro rata for part time staff) The Academy contributes 7.5% of gross salary to a Legal & General scheme, with an employee contribution of 3%. 3 x annual gross salary Free hot lunch available to staff on site Monday Thursday Available to all staff after completion of probationary period A range of enhanced benefits Page 14 of 12

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Key dates Closing date for completed applications 12:00 Midday 25 October 2017 First interview 31 October 2017 Second interview Date to be confirmed Page 16 of 12