Dean of Research, Enterprise and Knowledge Mobilisation (REKM)

FEA; Canterbury; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK university is seeking a Dean of Research, Enterprise and Knowledge Mobilisation to lead transformative research initiatives and foster an inclusive academic environment. This pivotal role involves strategic leadership, aligning university goals with local delivery, and driving cultural change post-restructure. Ideal candidates will have a background in a senior research role and a passion for impactful research. The closing date for applications is 9am Monday 12 January 2026.

Qualifications

• Experience as Associate Dean Research or similar.
• Ability to inspire others and drive cultural change.
• Proven record of shaping and implementing strategy.

Responsibilities

• Lead the university's research ambitions.
• Ensure alignment between institutional goals and local delivery.
• Drive cultural change following a major restructure.

Skills

Strategic clarity

Systems thinking

Leadership

Passion for research

Job description

Our university client invites applications for the inaugural Dean of Research, Enterprise and Knowledge Mobilisation (REKM). This newly created role sits at the heart of a transformational change programme that has reimagined the university’s research & enterprise infrastructure, with a bold ambition to deliver inclusive, sustainable and community-engaged research and knowledge mobilisation.

Reporting to the Senior Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research, Enterprise and Business Development), this is a strategic and delivery-focused role. The Dean will lead our client’s research ambitions, shaping and implementing strategy across the university, ensuring alignment between institutional goals and local delivery, and driving cultural change following a major restructure.

By 2030, our client aims to reach the middle third of UK REF rankings, achieve top 20% performance in the majority of areas in KEF, and grow research and enterprise income. The Dean of REKM will play a pivotal role in achieving these goals, while also leading our clients submissions to REF and KEF and making a personal contribution to the university’s research profile, commensurate with professorial status.

We are seeking a leader with strategic clarity, systems thinking and the ability to inspire others through a passion for making research count. This is an excellent opportunity for an Associate Dean Research, or similar, ready to step into a cross-institutional leadership role.

Our client has appointed University Leadership Associates (ULA) to lead the search for this appointment. For an informal conversation, please contact Elle Hurst, Senior Consultant, at [e-mail].

Our client wants you to feel safe bringing the real you to work and needs your help to make sure others feel the same. The University’s students deserve diverse and wonderful role models - and you deserve a happy, inclusive work environment. Our client therefore welcomes people across age, race, ethnicity, culture, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity / expression, neurodiversity and disability status who will proactively support their aim to be a happy, inclusive university that deeply cares for its students, community and region.

Closing date: 9am Monday 12 January 2026

Interview date: To be confirmed