Senior Executive - Research Engagement & Communications

The Senior Executive, Research Engagement & Communications supports the Centre for Research Management (CRM) in communicating and showcasing Taylor's research activities, achievements, capabilities and funding opportunities. The role is responsible for coordinating CRM's research communications across newsletters, the research website and TU Connect; preparing presentation and briefing materials for external visitors and stakeholders; and supporting the planning and delivery of research events, seminars, talks and workshops. The role also actively identifies external research funding opportunities, checks Taylor's eligibility and key requirements, and works with the CRM grant management team to communicate suitable opportunities and internal deadlines to researchers. During peak grant periods, the Senior Executive will provide operational support to the grant management team as required. The position requires a hands-on, organised and confident communicator who can work across faculties and research support units, manage multiple priorities and ensure information is accurate, timely and professionally presented.

Key Responsibilities

1. Research Communications, Newsletter and Digital Platforms

• Coordinate and produce CRM research newsletters, including sourcing updates, drafting and editing content, coordinating inputs from faculties and researchers, and supporting timely publication.
• Maintain and regularly update CRM's research website, TU Connect and other relevant digital platforms with research news, achievements, events, funding opportunities and other current information.
• Develop clear and engaging research stories, researcher profiles, news items and promotional content that communicate Taylor's research strengths, achievements and impact.
• Support appropriate digital and social media communications for research activities, successes, events and funding opportunities.
• Ensure external-facing research information is accurate, current, consistent and aligned with University priorities.

2. Research Presentations and External Engagement Materials

• Prepare, maintain and regularly update institutional research presentation decks and briefing materials for external visitors, University leadership, partners and other stakeholders.
• Work with faculties, researchers, University Research Centres and relevant units to gather and verify current information on research strengths, achievements, grants, partnerships and key initiatives for presentations.
• Prepare presentation materials, posters, event materials and other communications required for external visits, institutional engagements and research-related activities.
• Support the Director and CRM team in preparing research-related presentations and briefing materials for meetings and engagements where required.

3. Research Events, Seminars and Engagement Activities

• Plan, organise and coordinate CRM-led research talks, seminars, workshops, briefings and other engagement activities, including programme planning, speaker liaison, venue and logistics coordination, publicity, registration and participant communication.
• Serve as Master of Ceremonies (MC), moderator or event coordinator for research talks, seminars, workshops and other CRM activities where required.
• Coordinate with internal and external speakers, faculties and relevant support units to ensure smooth delivery of research events and engagement activities.
• Support research engagement initiatives that showcase Taylor's research capabilities and encourage collaboration with academia, government, industry and other external stakeholders.

4. Research Funding Opportunity Scouting and Communication

• Actively scan for relevant research funding and grant opportunities from government agencies, industry, foundations, international funders and other sources.
• Review funding calls and check Taylor's institutional eligibility, key applicant criteria, funding scope, submission requirements, deadlines and other important conditions before opportunities are communicated to researchers.
• Work closely with the CRM grant management team to confirm suitable internal submission deadlines, required internal processes and supporting information for each relevant funding call.
• Proactively broadcast suitable funding opportunities to relevant researchers and faculties through CRM communication channels.
• Maintain and update funding opportunities on TU Connect, ensuring eligibility, funding value, internal and external deadlines, application links and key guidance are accurate and current.
• Refer interested applicants and technical grant-related queries to the relevant CRM grant team member and support follow-up communications where needed.

5. Grant Management and General CRM Support

• Provide operational support to the CRM grant management team during peak grant periods, including assisting with call communications, applicant follow-ups, document collation, submission tracking and other administrative coordination as assigned.
• Support CRM-wide activities, communication roll-outs, external visits and other research management initiatives when required.
• Work collaboratively with CRM colleagues, faculties and other research support units to ensure effective coordination and timely delivery of activities.
• Manage multiple concurrent assignments and deadlines with accuracy, good judgement and minimal supervision.

Qualifications and Requirements

• A recognised university degree in Communications, Business, Research Management, Digital Media, Marketing, Information Technology or a related discipline.
• Relevant experience in communications, content development, event coordination, stakeholder engagement or administrative support, preferably in higher education, research or a similar professional environment.
• Strong written and spoken English, with the ability to draft, edit and present information clearly for different audiences.
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft PowerPoint, Word and Excel, with the ability to prepare professional presentation and communication materials.
• Experience in website or content management systems and digital communication platforms is desirable.
• Confident interpersonal and presentation skills, including the ability to liaise with speakers and stakeholders and to serve as MC or moderator when required.
• Strong organisational skills with attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple deadlines and activities.
• Ability to review grant guidelines and identify key eligibility criteria, requirements and deadlines accurately.
• Experience in research administration, grant support or a university research management environment is an added advantage.
• Experience with data analysis or visualisation tools such as Power BI or Tableau is an added advantage, but is not a core requirement of the role.