The Research and Knowledge Exchange [RKE] Department at the London College of Fashion provides a range of support for staff who are active in all aspects of RKE activities, including the PhD cohort of the college.
The administrator will contribute to a positive, enthusiastic, and professional team, especially in all activities related to research-led work, internally and external to the college and university.
The role will support delivery of college research activity as determined by the Research Team Manager, and work with them directly on a day-to-day basis and, as appropriate, other team members to provide support when necessary.
The role will also be interacting with a wide group of other creative administrators, practitioners, and external organisations, and developing positive relationships for students and researchers.
The position will work flexibly as a member of the research team, providing administrative and information support to the team, primarily within a finance context.
They will be required to build and manage working relationships with the various finance teams throughout UAL, especially the LCF Finance team, the Expenses & Credit Card team, the Accounts Payable team, the IR35 Assessment Team, as well as the Insurance Team. The postholder will be able to work independently and escalate matters to the Research Team Manager where necessary in a timely manner.
They will work with all staff, PhD students, and the community associated with the College Research Department, the Cultural Programming team (including showcasing, staging, and curating research events, communications team, and the UAL RMA (Research Management Administration) teams.
- Finance support: the postholder will play a central role in assisting researchers and PhD students with processing payments that enable academic research activities. Adhering to UAL’s policies and procedures, they will be able to offer informed guidance to stakeholders at all levels, ensuring interactions are both courteous and professional. All financial data will be accurately recorded across databases, requiring a meticulous attention to detail as well as prompt execution of tasks.
- PhD Student and supervisor support: the successful candidate will provide first point of service, time-sensitive responsive administrative support to the LCF PhD community (students and supervisors) in the college and liaise with UAL’s research management administration to ensure quality student experience.
- Professional service: the position provides a quality and time-sensitive customer-focused service to both internal and external lcf, UAL staff and students, as well as visitors. Internal to the department the role will assist the Research Team Manager in maintaining databases, and in developing quality content and information around all aspects of research in the college.
- Event support: The role occasionally involves assisting team members with research and knowledge exchange events, including logistical preparations, space set-up and set-down, wayfinding, and coordination with facilities or AV teams, as well as other tasks as needed. Events can include seminars, socials, and large conferences, and activity will shift throughout the academic year. Providing support at evening events may occasionally be needed. An ability to work with creative people within the creative arts community is necessary.
This role is offered as a 6-month contract with the possibility of an additional 5-month extension.