Digit Research Communications & Impact Manager(UK Visa Sponsorship)

Job Description

About the Opportunity

The ESRC Centre for Digital Futures at Work (Digit) is a leading research initiative exploring how digital transformation is reshaping the world of work. This includes its impact on employees, employers, policymakers, trade unions, and wider society.

We are seeking a skilled and motivated Research Communications & Impact Manager to lead how our research is shared, understood, and used beyond academia. This role is central to ensuring that Digit’s work drives meaningful change in policy, business practice, and public understanding.

You will take ownership of the Centre’s communications and impact strategy, ensuring research findings are translated into clear, engaging, and influential outputs for a wide range of audiences.

Key Responsibilities

In this senior role within the Digit management team, you will:

• Develop and lead the Centre’s communications and impact strategy
  Design and deliver engaging content that communicates complex research in accessible ways
  Strengthen relationships with policymakers, industry partners, unions, and third-sector organisations
  Plan and manage high-quality events, workshops, and engagement activities
  Track, evaluate, and report on research impact and engagement outcomes
  Work closely with researchers across multiple UK and international partner universities
  Support the delivery of Digit’s research-policy-practice forum (Digit CoLab)
  Ensure consistent, professional communication across all platforms and stakeholders

About Digit

Digit is a major research centre funded by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) as part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI). The Centre is jointly led by the University of Sussex Business School and the University of Leeds, alongside partners at Cambridge, Manchester, Monash University, the Institute for Development Studies, and organisations such as FutureDotNow and the Institute for the Future of Work.

The Centre focuses on generating evidence that supports fair, inclusive, and sustainable digital work systems. Its research directly informs policymakers, employers, and civil society organisations navigating the evolving digital economy.

About You

We are looking for someone who combines strong communication expertise with a genuine interest in research impact and public engagement.

You will bring:

• Proven experience in communications, stakeholder engagement, or research impact roles
  Strong ability to translate complex academic research into clear, compelling messages
  Confidence managing events, partnerships, and multi-stakeholder projects
  Excellent organisational and project management skills
  Experience working collaboratively in research, higher education, policy, or similar environments
  A proactive, strategic mindset focused on delivering measurable impact

About the University Environment

The role sits within the University of Sussex Business School, a research-led and interdisciplinary academic environment committed to addressing global challenges through innovation, sustainability, and policy-relevant research.

You will be part of a vibrant professional services team supporting world-class research across management, economics, strategy, marketing, finance, and science policy.

Why Join Us?

• Work on cutting-edge research shaping the future of work in a digital economy
  Collaborate with leading UK and international universities
  Be part of a mission-driven centre influencing real-world policy and practice
  Enjoy a supportive campus environment near the South Downs
  Access flexible working arrangements and strong staff benefits
  Join a diverse and inclusive academic community

Eligibility & Visa Information

This role may be eligible for sponsorship under the UK Skilled Worker visa route, depending on salary and eligibility criteria.

Useful official guidance:

• Skilled Worker visa overview
  Immigration salary requirements and eligible occupations
  UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) funding body information
  Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) overview
  Right to work in the UK guidance

Additional Information

• Work must be carried out in the UK
  Closing date: 11 May 2026 (3:59 PM)
  Interview date: To be confirmed
  Start date: As soon as possible