Academic Champion for Policy Engagement, Expressions of Interest, deadline 9 January

The Oxford Policy Engagement Network (OPEN) is looking for its next Academic Champion for Policy Engagement for an appointment of two years, with the possibility of extension of one further year.

The role involves overseeing the next iteration of the OPEN Strategy, helping align it with other University-wide strategies and plans, and reckoning with wider developments, including, in the UK, dynamic research impact and place-based engagement agendas.

Priorities are likely to include:

• increased participation in OPEN of policymakers and senior researchers;
• better access for researchers to opportunities and resources;
• better access for policymakers to Oxford’s evidence and expertise.

The Champion will embody OPEN’s commitment to strengthening leadership for policy engagement, bringing to the role their own experience of successful engagement as a researcher, of leading teams, and shaping strategic initiatives. They will be able to think creatively and strategically, forge links and manage relationships across and beyond the University, and possess strong negotiation skills. They will also have an 'OPEN' mind, being committed to achieving OPEN’s vision and mission.

The Academic Champion will report to the Research & Innovation Committee’s Knowledge Exchange and Impact Sub-Committee, and be supported by the Policy Engagement Team in fulfilling duties including:

• Chairing the OPEN Steering Group,
• representing OPEN in external contexts,
• refining and refreshing the OPEN Strategy,
• reviewing applications for, and overseeing allocation of, competitive funding,

among other activities.

Should you or potential applicants have any questions about the role, please do not hesitate to contact the Head of Policy Engagement, Will Pryor.

The deadline for expressions of interest is 17:00 (UK time) 9 January 2024

Click here to read the candidate pack (PDF)