The University of Sheffield is a remarkable place to work. Our people are at the heart of everything we do. Their diverse backgrounds, abilities and beliefs make Sheffield a world-class university.
We offer a fantastic range of benefits including a highly competitive annual leave entitlement (with the ability to purchase more), a generous pensions scheme, flexible working opportunities, a commitment to your development and wellbeing, a wide range of retail discounts, and much more. Find out more about our benefits (opens in a new window) and join us to become part of something special.
Overview
We are seeking a professional and organised individual to oversee the impact strategy and impact related activities of the EPSRC-funded BRIDGES for Dementia Network+. BRIDGES N+ is directed by Dr. Jennifer MacRitchie of the University of Sheffield, with co-investigators from the Universities of Cambridge, Portsmouth, Lancaster, Kent, London South Bank, Leicester, UCL, and Surrey. Project partners include Kent County Council, Sheffield City Council, The Lewy Body Society, Alzheimer's Society, Dementia UK and Innovations in Dementia. The network’s overall mission is to enable people with dementia to remain independent at home for longer.
The network is expected to fund approximately 10 small projects in four innovation themes listed below:
- Indoor and outdoor spaces - adapting homes, neighbourhoods and public places for cognitive accessibility
- Arts, sports and culture - using creative, multi-sensory experiences to boost emotional, social and physical wellbeing
- In person and online communication - developing intuitive ways to stay connected
- Digital technology development and translation - ensuring new tools reach real-world settings quickly
The Impact Officer will be responsible for developing the network’s impact strategy, taking into account the four research themes and the desired outcomes of the Network, as expressed by our stakeholders. The impact officer will be responsible for gathering evidence, identifying key metrics, creating impact case studies and supporting others working in these areas.
The post is likely to involve some travel.
The part time post is funded from 1st May 2026, or as soon as possible thereafter, to 30th Sept 2028. We are committed to developing a diverse and inclusive community of staff and students within the Department, able to attract talents from the widest possible range of backgrounds. We therefore actively encourage people from Black, Asian, and minority ethnic backgrounds to apply for this post.
Further details about the specific roles and responsibilities of this post can be found in the Person Specification section later in this document.
Main duties and responsibilities
- Responsible for leading (i.e. producing, implementing and overseeing) the Impact plan based on BRIDGES N+ vision; identify key stakeholders and how best to reach them; develop metrics to monitor impact
- Lead the collection, organisation, evaluation and maintenance of primary and secondary evidence of research impact
- Monitor, evaluate and analyse the effectiveness of BRIDGES N+ activities through the use of analytic tools and other evaluation methods, to produce reports, making recommendations for improvements in future activity.
- Be an active member of the BRIDGES N+ to ensure that the activities of network partners are consistent
- Participate as relevant at BRIDGES N+ meetings, including Management Team meetings and brief members on impact activities.
- Ensure BRIDGES N+ activities effectively engage stakeholders.
- As a member of staff you will be encouraged to make ethical decisions in your role, embedding the University sustainability strategy into your working activities wherever possible.
- Carry out other duties, commensurate with the grade and remit of the post
Person Specification
Our diverse community of staff and students recognises the unique abilities, backgrounds, and beliefs of all. We foster a culture where everyone feels they belong and is respected. Even if your past experience doesn't match perfectly with this role's criteria, your contribution is valuable, and we encourage you to apply. Please ensure that you reference the application criteria in the application statement when you apply.
|
Criteria |
Essential or desirable |
Stage(s) assessed at |
|
A good honours degree or equivalent experience |
Essential |
Application/interview |
|
Demonstrated ability to design, implement, and oversee impact strategies for complex research or multi-partner programmes, including defining outcomes aligned with project missions |
Essential |
Application/interview |
|
Experience developing indicators, evaluation frameworks, and analytic approaches to assess effectiveness of activities, including quantitative and qualitative methods and impact reporting for funders or stakeholders |
Essential |
Application/interview |
|
Proven capability to collect, organise, and synthesise evidence of research or innovation impact, and translate this into compelling case studies or narratives (e.g., REF-style or policy/practice impact). |
Essential |
Application/interview |
|
Ability to translate research and innovation outcomes into accessible formats for multiple stakeholders, e.g. policy, funders and the general public |
Essential |
Application/interview |
|
Excellent organisational ability and a proactive approach to work |
Essential |
Application/interview |
|
Track record of working with diverse stakeholders such as local authorities, charities, industry partners |
Essential |
Application/interview |
|
Track record of working with people who have lived experience of dementia to co-produce impact activities and ensure relevance |
Desirable |
Application/interview |
|
Understanding of key issues affecting people living with dementia and independence at home |
Desirable |
Application/interview |
|
Familiarity with university structures and systems for research |
Desirable |
Application/interview |
Further Information
|
Grade |
7 |
|
Salary |
£38,784 - £41,064 pro rata for 1 day per week |
|
Work arrangement |
Part-time 1 day per week |
|
Duration |
Immediate start until 29th Sept 2028 |
|
Line manager |
BRIDGES for Dementia Network+ Director |
|
Direct reports |
N/A |
|
Our website |
|
|
For informal enquiries about this job contact Dr. Jennifer MacRitchie, BRIDGES N+ Director, on bridgesfordementia@sheffield.ac.uk
|
|
Next steps in the recruitment process
It is anticipated that the selection process will take place the week of the 15th of June 2026. This will consist of a 10-minute presentation followed by ~35 minute interview. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage on the week commencing 8th June 2026. If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process you can contact neil.lowrie@sheffeld.ac.uk
Our vision and strategic plan
We are the University of Sheffield. This is our vision: sheffield.ac.uk/vision (opens in new window).
What we offer
- A minimum of 41 days annual leave including bank holiday and closure days (pro rata) with the ability to purchase more.
- Flexible working opportunities, including hybrid working for some roles.
- Generous pension scheme.
- A wide range of discounts and rewards on shopping, eating out and travel.
- A variety of staff networks, providing opportunities for social interaction, peer support and personal development (for example, Race Equality, LGBT+, Women’s and Parent’s networks).
- Recognition Awards to reward staff who go above and beyond in their role.
- A commitment to your development access to learning and mentoring schemes; integrated with our Professional Services Shared Skills Framework
- A range of generous family-friendly policies
- paid time off for parenting and caring emergencies
- access to menopause support in the workplace
- paid time off and support for fertility treatment
- and more
More details can be found on our benefits page: sheffield.ac.uk/jobs/benefits (opens in a new window).
We are a Disability Confident Leader (opens in a new window). If you have a disability and meet the essential criteria for this job you will be invited to take part in the next stage of the selection process.
Closing Date : 01/06/2026
We are a research university with a global reputation for excellence. Our ideas and expertise change the world for the better, making a real difference to society. We know that when people come together with different views, approaches and insights it can lead to richer, more creative and innovative teaching and research and the highest levels of student experience. Our University Vision (www.sheffield.ac.uk/vision) outlines our commitment to building a diverse community of staff and students that recognises and values the abilities, backgrounds, beliefs and ways of living for everyone.

