Associate Dean Research and Knowledge Exchange

The University Of Wolverhampton; Wolverhampton; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Wolverhampton is seeking an outstanding academic leader to join the Faculty of Arts, Business and Social Sciences as Associate Dean for Research and Knowledge Exchange (RKE). This role shapes and delivers our research and knowledge exchange ambitions, driving impact and growth across a large multidisciplinary faculty.

The successful candidate will lead strategy development, champion research excellence, foster an inclusive culture, and collaborate with senior leaders to secure

Qualifications

• Proven record of research leadership and external engagement.
• Experience in managing research strategy and supporting academic teams.
• Excellent communication and influencing skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and implementation of the Faculty’s Research and Knowledge Exchange Strategy.
• Champion research excellence and innovation across the faculty.
• Foster an inclusive, collaborative research culture reflecting equality and engagement.
• Collaborate with Heads of School and Research Centres to enhance research quality and funding.
• Chair or represent the faculty on university committees and external networks.

Skills

Leadership

Research leadership

External engagement

Communication

Strategic planning

Collaboration

Job description

The University of Wolverhampton is seeking an outstanding academic leader to join the Faculty of Arts, Business and Social Sciences as Associate Dean for Research and Knowledge Exchange (RKE). This is a strategic leadership role that will support the faculty in delivering the University’s 2035 Strategy and advancing our commitment to inclusive student success and world-class research.

The purpose of the role is to shape and deliver our research and knowledge exchange ambitions, driving impact, success, and growth across our large and diverse multidisciplinary faculty. Our academic disciplines include Business, Law, Education, Social Work, Social Sciences, Humanities and the Creative Industries.

This role ensures that the faculty contributes to the university’s reputation for research excellence, knowledge transfer, and societal impact. It bridges academic scholarship with real-world application, helping universities meet national priorities for innovation and regional economic development. As Associate Dean you will:

• Lead the development and implementation of the Faculty’s Research and Knowledge Exchange Strategy.
• Champion research excellence and innovation, building on our performance in REF and KEF.
• Foster an inclusive and collaborative research culture that reflects our commitment to equality, diversity, and engagement.
• Collaborate closely with senior leaders, Heads of School and Research Centres to enhance research quality, external funding, and enterprise activity.
• Chair or represent the faculty on key University committees and external networks, influencing policy and practice regionally and internationally.

We are looking for a visionary leader with a proven record of research leadership and external engagement, experience of managing research strategy and supporting academic teams. The successful candidate will position the faculty as a leader in research and knowledge exchange, They will be able to demonstrate excellent communication and influencing skills to build strong strategic partnerships internally and externally.

The University of Wolverhampton’s vision is to create opportunity, transform lives and deliver a more inclusive, productive and sustainable society. We have a proud history of widening access and delivering excellence in teaching, research, and business engagement. Our research makes a transformative impact through collaboration, public engagement, and multi-disciplinary projects addressing global challenges. This is your opportunity to make a lasting impact on research and knowledge exchange at a university that values innovation, inclusivity, and excellence.

If you would like to discuss the role informally before applying, please contact the Dean of Faculty, Professor Clare Schofield [e-mail].