Business Development and Community Manager

Role Description

Department

Autonomous systems and how they connect and integrate with the wider world have the potential to transform the way we live, travel and work. Their use is increasing at a pace that sometimes outstrips the ability to fully understand and evaluate these systems. The Institute for Safe Autonomy (ISA) is one of the University of York’s flagship research institutes, and is advancing knowledge and practice in safe and connected robotics and autonomous systems, which increasingly rely on AI, so that they can be designed, deployed and operated safely. ISA’s distinctiveness stems from understanding that its research is stronger and more relevant to societal challenges by being interdisciplinary. ISA is housed in a purpose-built building providing a range of specialist experimental facilities in the areas of communications, robotics and autonomy. The Institute has an external facing remit working closely with industry, government and third sector to identify and exploit opportunities for interdisciplinary working and to deliver impact from the excellent research happening across the University in the area of robotics and safe autonomous systems.

Role

We are looking to appoint a knowledgeable and proactive Business Development and Community Manager to play a pivotal role in the growth and development of the ISA by fostering a thriving research and innovation community, driving sustainable growth through external partnerships and funding. This is a key appointment in a small team, alongside a new Communications and Engagement Manager, administrative and technical support. This role requires a dynamic and strategic approach, inquisitiveness to understand technical disciplines and  projects, and the ability to balance community-building with commercial acumen. The post holder will directly support the Institute Co-Directors to deliver the ISA strategy, particularly in catalysing cross-cutting research across disciplines, developing impactful partnerships with stakeholders, and enabling ISA to contribute to national and international initiatives. The Business Development and Community Manager will work closely with colleagues at all levels, particularly other industry-facing staff, the ISA Communications and Engagement Manager, the wider research community, and central teams to lead the development of ISA’s cross-cutting challenges into funded and impactful initiatives, devising their own approach to suit the project and individuals involved, and driving progress. Externally the postholder will be instrumental in developing and strengthening relationships with industry and other organisations, expanding the commercial work and income of the Institute, and reporting on its success. Actively encouraging a thriving externally facing research and innovation community, identifying appropriate market opportunities and implementing business development strategies are vital to the success of this role.

Skills, Experience & Qualification needed

• Excellent networking and relationship-building skills
• Ability to devise and implement business development strategies
• Strong commercial acumen, with the ability to identify market opportunities
• Ability to learn new and complex research environments
• Knowledge of relevant research and innovation funders, industrial partners and other external organisations
• Experience of working under pressure and meeting deadlines
• Experience of working in a research environment

Interview date: To be confirmed

For informal enquiries: Dr. Ana MacIntosh or Prof John McDermid (isa-director@york.ac.uk)

The University strives to be diverse and inclusive  – a place where we can ALL be ourselves.

We particularly encourage applications from people who identify as Black, Asian or from a Minority Ethnic background, who are underrepresented at the University. 

We offer family friendly, flexible working arrangements, with forums and inclusive facilities to support our staff. #EqualityatYork