Deputy Vice-Chancellor (External Engagement and Business Development)

Edge Hill University; Ormskirk; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading modern university in the UK is seeking a Deputy Vice-Chancellor (External Engagement and Business Development). This role involves strategic leadership across various external functions to enhance the university's visibility and partnerships. The ideal candidate will have a strong track record in external engagement and excellent leadership skills. They will work closely with the Vice-Chancellor to shape the university's external strategy.

Qualifications

• Dynamic, outward-facing leader with academic or professional service leadership experience.
• Track record in external engagement, generating income through partnerships and research funding.
• Visible leadership style, able to connect research, teaching, and civic responsibility.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership across a wide external portfolio.
• Integrate academic leadership with commercial acumen to drive growth.
• Build relationships with business, industry, and government.

Skills

Leadership

External Engagement

Commercial Awareness

Partnership Development

Job description

Overview

Edge Hill University is a thriving and ambitious modern university, nationally recognised for the quality of its student experience, teaching excellence, and research impact. With a diverse community of around 15,000 students across the Faculties of Arts and Sciences, Education, and Health, Social Care and Medicine, Edge Hill continues to play a vital role as an anchor institution in its region while expanding its influence nationally and internationally.

Following the appointment of our new Vice-Chancellor, Professor Michael Young, this is an exciting time to join Edge Hill as we shape our next Strategic Plan and further strengthen our reputation as a sector-leading institution.

We are now seeking an exceptional leader to take up the role of Deputy Vice-Chancellor (External Engagement and Business Development). This is a pivotal appointment for the University, responsible for leading our strategic interface with the world and ensuring our income growth, partnerships, and external profile deliver meaningful civic, regional, national, and global impact.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership as a key member of the University Executive across a wide external portfolio, including oversight of home and international student recruitment, research and knowledge exchange, innovation and commercial activity, civic and industry partnerships, alumni relations, and development.
• Integrate academic leadership with commercial acumen to drive growth, diversify income streams, and enhance Edge Hill’s visibility and influence across the UK and internationally.
• Build long-term, purposeful relationships with business, industry, local government, and the voluntary and public sectors, as well as with international partners and networks.
• Shape the University’s reputation management and rankings strategy and ensure research, teaching, and engagement activities align with civic responsibilities and global ambitions.

Qualifications and Experience

• Dynamic, outward-facing leader with either academic or professional service leadership experience and an exceptional track record in external engagement.
• Significant experience leading enterprise, research, and commercial initiatives with demonstrable success in generating income through student recruitment, partnerships, research funding, and knowledge exchange.
• Visible and authentic leadership style, able to act as an inspiring ambassador for the University and connect research, teaching, and civic responsibility to maximise impact and unlock opportunity.

Opportunity and impact

This is an outstanding opportunity to join a values-driven and ambitious university at a pivotal moment in its journey. Working alongside the Vice-Chancellor and the wider Executive, you will have the scope to shape Edge Hill’s external strategy, extend its national and international profile, and deliver lasting impact for the University and the communities it serves.

Edge Hill University has engaged the services of Perrett Laver to assist with the appointment process.

How to apply

For details of the appointment, including further information about the job description, person specification and how to apply, please visit the portal quoting reference 8032.

The closing date for applications is 09.00am GMT on Monday 27th October 2025.

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