Research and Knowledge Exchange Manager

Research and Knowledge Exchange Manager
Location: IWM London
Salary: £42,500 - £45,000
Vacancy Type: Permanent
Hours: 36
Application closing date: August 16th 2026, 11:55 PM
What It’s Like to Work Here
At Imperial War Museums, we care for collections that help people understand the impact of conflict and its role in shaping our world. You'll join a team of specialists dedicated to protecting nationally significant collections and making them accessible for future generations. We foster a collaborative, supportive environment where expertise is valued, continuous learning is encouraged, and everyone contributes to preserving history for research, learning and public engagement.
Why This Role Matters
This role plays a key part in delivering IWM’s new research strategy and strengthening its position as an Independent Research Organisation (IRO). By securing external funding, developing academic partnerships, and supporting knowledge exchange activity, you will help expand the reach, quality, and impact of research across the organisation.
Your work will support priority research areas including AI, creative experiences, storytelling, collections, and conflict history. By improving research capability, funding success, and collaboration, you will help ensure IWM remains a credible, competitive, and sustainable research organisation.
What You’ll Be Doing
* Support the development and delivery of IWM’s research strategy and growth as an Independent Research Organisation.
* Build and manage strategic partnerships with academic institutions, funders, and sector networks.
* Lead horizon scanning activities and develop high-quality funding applications that maximise impact and income.
* Oversee research grants from application through to delivery, including budgeting, financial tracking, compliance, and reporting.
* Strengthen research capability across the organisation by providing advice, sharing best practice, and supporting colleagues to develop successful funding bids.
* Support knowledge exchange activity through collaborations, events, and the dissemination of research outputs.
* Monitor research performance, funding success, and impact, providing reporting and insight to support decision-making.
* Line manage and develop the Research and Knowledge Exchange Officer while supporting the operational delivery of the wider research programme.
What We’re Looking For
We’d love to hear from you if you have:
* Experience managing or supporting research funding applications, including major external funders such as UKRI, AHRC, or similar.
* Strong understanding of research processes, governance, ethics, and compliance requirements.
* Experience managing multiple projects and stakeholders simultaneously.
* Excellent written communication skills, including producing high-quality funding bids and applications.
* Financial awareness and experience supporting grant management activities.
* Experience monitoring, evaluating, and reporting on research activity and impact.
* Experience leading, managing, or developing others.
* A track record of building partnerships with academic institutions or research organisations.
* The ability to work collaboratively and influence a wide range of internal and external stakeholders.
How You’ll Work
You’ll work closely with colleagues across IWM, supporting researchers, project leads, and teams involved in collections, curatorial activity, and public engagement. You'll collaborate with academic partners, funding bodies, and sector networks to develop new opportunities and deliver impactful research programmes. As a trusted adviser, you’ll help colleagues navigate funding, governance, and compliance requirements while promoting best practice across the organisation.
What Success Looks Like (First 6–12 Months)
* Build strong working relationships with colleagues, academic partners, funders, and sector networks.
* Support the successful development and submission of high-quality funding applications.
* Contribute to the delivery of IWM’s research strategy and priority research programmes.
* Improve processes that support research funding, governance, and knowledge exchange activity.
* Deliver measurable value through research programme performance, impact, and partnership development.
* Help secure significant research projects and infrastructure funding that supports organisational growth and sustainability.
To Apply
If you feel you are a suitable candidate and would like to work for Imperial War Museums, please click apply to be redirected to our website to complete your application