Description:
The Senior Research Funding Manager will work closely with the Head of Research Funding, leading a team focussed on delivering our grants management processes. This role is vital in advancing ARUK's research objectives and promoting engagement within with ARUK-funded research community. They will be working collaboratively with the Research Team and with other teams, including the Science Communications team and Philanthropy teams.
This role sits within the Research Funding team in the Research Directorate, an ambitious, supportive and friendly team that funds the best research to transform the lives of people affected by all forms of dementia. We’re looking for someone with strong research management experience and a good eye for detail who is excited by the opportunities in the dementia research landscape.
Main duties and responsibilities of the role:
Strategic Leadership of Grant Funding and Management
- Foster and deepen relationships with the global dementia research community, with support of the Research Engagement Manager, ensuring ARUK remains a trusted leader in funding excellence.
- Provide oversight and leadership for ARUK’s grant funding programme, ensuring its alignment with organisational goals and long-term impact.
- Lead the evolution of ARUK’s grant awarding processes, driving innovation in practices through the grant review panels, ensuring adherence to funding policies and ARUK values.
- Oversee the operational delivery of grants review and management processes, ensuring they align us with best practice in research review and management
- Support the Research Grants Manager to enhance the use of the grant management system (Grant Tracker) and robust data integrity by championing continuous improvements.
- Support the Research Contracts Manager with the development and execution of funding agreements, ensuring efficient, compliant, and streamlined processes with research institutions, in particular for international collaborations
Scientific Strategy and Innovation
- Gain a thorough understanding of the dementia research landscape, working with the wider Research team to make recommendations to drive the development and delivery of ARUK’s research strategy
- Play a significant role in the strategic development and implementation of new grant schemes and funding initiatives, ensuring alignment with ARUK’s research strategy and evolving needs in dementia research, including early career researchers with the Senior Research Manager (Culture and Engagement)
- Lead the development of collaborations with leading funding organisations, including the AMRC and other strategic partners, identifying opportunities to address shared research priorities and drive collective impact.
- Provide forward-looking strategic advice on research funding, presenting the Research Leadership team with actionable recommendations for new initiatives, operational efficiencies, and resource allocation to advance ARUK’s mission.
- Represent ARUK at external events such as national and international research conferences, external talks and wider events in the dementia research field.
Management Responsibilities:
- Line management of a Research Manager, effectively delegating work to support delivery of their objectives
- Leadership and development of a team of four, fostering a collaborative and growth-oriented environment
- Help to promote an inspiring team culture where personal development is prioritised
What we are looking for:
- Strong science background, educated to degree level in a relevant subject (preferably with a postgraduate qualification or equivalent work experience)
- Experience of research grant funding/management
- Excellent interpersonal and relationship management skills, with experience of building and managing relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders, at all levels of seniority.
- Experience of developing and delivering strategies, ability to spot opportunities and translate these into operational plans, thinking beyond the immediate issue to look at broader topics or themes.
- Proven ability of planning, managing and delivering projects; ability to prioritise and manage multiple tasks, showing adaptability to meet challenging targets and deadlines.
- Strong communication skills with the ability to convey complex information to diverse audiences
- A team player who can collaborate effectively with a range of stakeholders internally and externally to deliver
- Excellent eye for detail with a focus on continuous improvement
- Excellent time management skills and ability to prioritise competing demands
- Ability to work independently
- Willingness to travel, including occasional overnight travel
- Commitment to ARUK’s vision, mission and values