Deputy Director (Research & Engagement)

University of Leeds; Leeds; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious university in Leeds is looking for a Deputy Director for the Leeds Institute for Societal Futures. The role involves leading the strategic vision for research and engagement, fostering partnerships, and promoting interdisciplinary collaboration. Candidates should have a PhD or equivalent experience, along with substantial experience in impactful research and stakeholder management. This is a unique opportunity to shape societal futures through collaborative research and engagement.

Qualifications

• PhD or equivalent experience in a societal-challenge topic.
• Substantial experience in leading impactful research and engagement.
• Knowledge of the higher education research landscape.

Responsibilities

• Lead the strategic vision for research and engagement.
• Engage communities in delivering research and innovation.
• Develop partnerships with external stakeholders.

Skills

Stakeholder relationship management

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Knowledge exchange

Education

PhD or equivalent experience

Job description

Overview

Deputy Director (Research & Engagement), Leeds Institute for Societal Futures (LISF). This is a 0.4 FTE role at All Grade 8 / Grade 9 / 10 levels, open to University of Leeds Academic or Professional Service Staff only.

The University of Leeds Strategic Plan (2020-2030) aims to position the University within a global network to address regional, national and global challenges. LISF will focus on interdisciplinary and trans-disciplinary collaboration, external partnerships and knowledge exchange to drive impact in societal futures. The Institute will co-create and deliver research, education and engagement with stakeholders across sectors, including policymakers, businesses and the public.

This Deputy Director will join LISF’s leadership team, supporting the Director and working with one other Deputy Director (Education) and the Head of LISF to deliver the Institute’s mission. The post-holder will lead the delivery of the research and engagement strategic vision, working across the University to engage LISF’s community and external organisations.

This is an opportunity to develop and resource a strategic vision for research and engagement, grow internal and external profile and networks, and contribute to advancing interdisciplinary, challenge-led research. As a founding member of the leadership team, you will help build an accessible model for external engagement and partnerships that supports knowledge exchange and impact generation.

Eligibility: Open to University of Leeds Academic or Professional Service Staff only.

Contact for further information: Professor Louise Waite, Director, Leeds Institute for Societal Futures. Email: [e-mail]

Responsibilities

• Lead the delivery of LISF’s research and engagement strategic vision and ensure its resource alignment.
• Work across the University to engage LISF’s community and external organisations in co-creating and delivering research and innovation.
• Develop and sustain partnerships with external stakeholders, communities, policymakers, businesses, government bodies and the public to shape inclusive futures.
• Grow internal and external profiles and networks to raise LISF’s external standing and impact.
• Foster interdisciplinary and trans-disciplinary collaboration and remove barriers for inter-faculty research, collaboration and postgraduate education.
• Play a founding role in establishing a collaborative, co-production led model of knowledge exchange and impact generation.

Qualifications

• PhD or equivalent experience in a societal-challenge topic.
• Substantial experience in developing, supporting, leading and/or delivering impactful, co-produced research and engagement activities, including significant external partnership and stakeholder relationship experience.
• Detailed, current knowledge of the higher education research and engagement landscape.

How to apply / Contact

For queries, please contact: Professor Louise Waite, Director, Leeds Institute for Societal Futures. Email: [e-mail]