Job Description

Ref Number

B09-01256

Professional Expertise

Administration and Business Support

Department

Vice-Provost (Research, Innovation and Global Engagement) (B09)

Location

London

Working Pattern

Full time

Salary

54,931-64,644

Contract Type

Fixed-term

Working Type

Hybrid

Available for Secondment

Yes

Closing Date

01-Sep-2025

About us

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UCL is a diverse community of over 50,000 students and 18,000 staff, consistently ranked among the top 10 universities in the world. Our research changes lives, in areas from global health to climate.



The Vice-Provost (Research, Innovation & Global Engagement) portfolio (RIGE) brings together research, innovation, enterprise, and global engagement under one umbrella. RIGE supports and empowers UCL's community, connecting our students and researchers with external partners to transform lives for the better.



UCL Innovation & Enterprise is central to UCL's ambition to change the world for the better and plays a vital role in our mission to tackle the great global challenges of our time. We work with students, staff, and external partners to encourage a spirit of enterprise, create links with the outside world, and accelerate UCL's innovation and impact.



Innovation & Enterprise. the Strategic Innovation Partnerships (SIP) High Growth SMEs cluster drives engagement with innovative small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) through a range of programmes, including the Innovate UK Business Growth service. This service is part of the UK's national investment in pioneering businesses that fuel economic growth. It is publicly funded and available to all high-potential innovation-driven SMEs, including Innovate UK grant winners.

About the role

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We are seeking an Ecosystem Innovation & Growth Specialist to play a key role in supporting high-growth innovative SMEs in London. You will identify ambitious businesses with the potential to scale, assess their needs, and deliver tailored support to help them secure the strategic funding and finance required to realise their growth potential.



Working as part of a team of Innovation & Growth Specialists, you will collaborate with partners across the innovation ecosystem - including accelerators, launchpads, and other regional clusters - to drive the Innovate UK "Place" agenda. You will build and manage a portfolio of clients, helping them connect with opportunities, investors, and networks that will accelerate their journey to scale both in the UK and internationally.



The role is dynamic and outward-facing, involving workshops, events, and occasional national or international travel. You will also work closely with colleagues across UCL and Innovate UK to ensure our services reach and positively impact the businesses that can make the greatest contribution to innovation-led economic growth.

This role is offered on a fixed-term basis until 31 March 2026, with the potential for extension, subject to future funding being granted.

Please note that applications without a cover letter or supporting statement addressing the criteria set out in the job description and person specification will not be considered.


For questions about the role or the application process, please contact Rachel Dargan

, Senior Recruiter for RIGE. For questions about the role, please contact

Jonathan Grinbaud, Programme Manager: Innovation & Growth Services.

About you

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You will bring a strong track record of implementing finance and fundraising strategies, coupled with a solid understanding of both private and public capital markets. Experience of working in a senior role within an ambitious SME, corporate environment, or having grown your own business is essential.



You will be a self-starter who is results-driven but equally focused on quality. Excellent networking skills, an extensive professional network, and the ability to engage confidently with stakeholders at all levels are key. Strong project management skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work independently as well as part of a team are vital.



An understanding of the London and wider UK innovation ecosystem will be important, along with the willingness to attend events and engage with partners to champion the role of SMEs in driving economic growth.

What we offer

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As well as the exciting opportunities this role presents we also offer some great benefits some of which are below:


41 Days holiday (including 27 days annual leave 8 bank holiday and 6 closure days) Defined benefit career average revalued earnings pension scheme (CARE) Cycle to work scheme and season ticket loan On-Site nursery On-site gym Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay Employee assistance programme: Staff Support Service Discounted medical insurance

Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

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As London's Global University, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation, and we want our community to represent the diversity of the world's talent. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where we all belong.



We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in UCL's workforce.



These include people from Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds; disabled people; and for our Grade 9 and 10 roles, women.



You can read more about our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion here : https://www.ucl.ac.uk/equality-diversity-inclusion/