Unit Head – Research Support & Grants Management

About the role

The National Institute of Education (NIE) seeks a senior leader to head its Research Support and Grants Management (RSGM) unit within the Office for Research. The role involves steering a team that administers pre‑ and post‑award grant processes, ensuring compliance with funder and institutional requirements, and strengthening NIE’s research capabilities.

Key responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and oversight of the RSGM unit.
• Collaborate with the Dean, Associate Deans and Assistant Deans on research support and grants initiatives.
• Align unit activities with NIE’s institutional priorities and research agenda.
• Integrate research support and grants management functions for coherent operations.
• Guide team members on research support, grants administration and related matters.
• Liaise with academic departments, research centres, administrative units and external parties on grant‑related issues.
• Oversee grants compliance, audit readiness and adherence to funder guidelines.
• Prepare and present reports on grants, research funding and support initiatives to senior management.
• Lead planning, coordination and implementation of capacity‑building programmes.
• Represent the unit in roadshows, presentations and engagement sessions.
• Manage the Education Research Funding Programme (ERFP) and non‑ERFP grant programmes.
• Coordinate research data management and governance where relevant.

Required profile

• Proven experience in leading research support and grants management functions.
• Strong strategic leadership and ability to work with senior academic leaders.
• Knowledge of compliance, audit processes and funder requirements.
• Excellent liaison and advisory skills across academic and administrative units.

Required skills