Associate Dean Research/Knowledge Exchange College of Leadership and Innovation

Buckinghamshire New University; High Wycombe; Hybrid; GBP 75,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading university in High Wycombe seeks an Associate Dean for Research & Knowledge Exchange. This role involves supporting the Dean, enhancing research outcomes, and fostering an inclusive environment. The ideal candidate will have a doctorate and experience in leadership and people management. The position offers a competitive salary and a range of benefits, including hybrid working and professional development opportunities.

Benefits

Generous holiday entitlement (30 days per annum)

Hybrid working

Training & development support

Contributory pension scheme

Discounted gym membership

Staff discounts with major retailers

Qualifications

• Doctorate and/or member of professoriate required.
• Relevant teaching qualification and professional registration essential.

Responsibilities

• Lead the College’s consultancy portfolio and increase doctoral student numbers.
• Manage recruitment, performance, and professional development.
• Ensure adherence to health and safety and compliance with policies.

Skills

Leadership

People management

Collaborative working

Research innovation

Education

Doctorate

Relevant teaching qualification

Job description

Full Time – Permanent - High Wycombe

Salary - £75,000 - £80,000

Buckinghamshire New University is an ambitious, modern university that is always open to fresh ideas and thinking. We believe in the transformative power of education and in doing the right thing by our students, staff, and the local community. Our BNU community is a special place to work and study, where individuals who want to make a difference can contribute and succeed.

Our University’s DRIVE values are central to all we do. We are committed to being dynamic, responsible, inclusive, visionary, and empowering, ensuring the best experience for our learners and excellent service to our partners and colleagues. These values underpin our mission.

The post holder will be responsible for delivering our research strategy, establishing and maintaining a vibrant research community within the College, and leading on the College approach to RDAP, REF, and KEF. They will also be responsible for their own research outputs and income.

They will support the Dean in leading the College in alignment with the University’s strategic objectives, ensuring an excellent experience for students and staff. An inclusive approach will be practiced to foster a university community where everyone can be themselves.

What we offer:

• a generous holiday entitlement (30 days per annum, plus bank holidays & closure days)
• Hybrid working (dependent on business needs)
• training & development support opportunities
• contributory pension scheme
• discounted gym membership for our on-site gym
• a range of staff discounts with major retailers.

Please click here to see our wide range of benefits available for employees.
Please click here for our behavioural based interview question bank.
Please click here to view our employee handbook.

If you have the qualities and attributes aligned with the University’s values and ambitions, we would be delighted to hear from you.

For further information about this role, please contact Leah Fox, Dean of College (Leadership and Innovation), at [e-mail].

All applications are to be made fully online.

BNU is proud to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion. We encourage applications from underrepresented groups, including those from global majority backgrounds, people with disabilities, and LGBTQI+ individuals, especially in senior roles.

Please inform us if you require adjustments or support during the recruitment process. Contact Cristina Serrano, Recruitment Advisor, at [e-mail].

Our interview/shortlisting Chairs complete relevant inclusive recruitment training.

Closing Date: 7^th June 2025

Interview Date: TBC

An Enhanced Disclosure from the DBS is required for this role. The successful candidate will need to consent to a criminal record check. All information will be kept confidential, and appointment is contingent on a satisfactory check.

Applicants must provide proof of eligibility to work in the UK if shortlisted.

BNU is a Disability Confident employer and supports the Race Equality Charter.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Title: Associate Dean (Research & Knowledge Exchange)

College: Leadership and Innovation

Grade: Senior Management

Location: High Wycombe/hybrid (occasional travel to other campuses)

Hours: 37

Responsible to: Dean of College

Responsible for: Professors

Job Purpose: Support the Dean in leading the College, ensuring an excellent experience for students and staff, and fostering an inclusive community.

Main Duties & Responsibilities:

• Line management including recruitment, performance management, professional development, motivation, health & safety, and wellbeing.
• Enhance research and knowledge exchange outcomes.
• Build the College’s consultancy portfolio.
• Increase doctoral student numbers.
• Lead the REF and KEF at College level.
• Achieve RDAP.
• Lead collaborative research and knowledge exchange projects.
• Develop a motivated team and foster a culture of high performance and belonging.
• Oversee health and safety, budget, risk management, and compliance with university policies.
• Ensure adherence to legislative and other requirements (e.g., GDPR, Health and Safety, UKVI, Equality and Diversity).
• Perform other duties as required.

Person Specification - Essential Criteria:

Education & Qualifications:	Means of Testing:
Doctorate and/or member of professoriate	A
Relevant teaching qualification/Advance HE recognition	A
Professional registration as appropriate	A
Knowledge & Experience:
Leadership in a school, department, or faculty	A/I
People management and collaborative working	A/I
Impact on research and knowledge exchange outcomes	A/I
Understanding of REF and KEF	A/I
Research and knowledge exchange innovation	A/I
Delivering excellent customer experience