Director-Chair for the Institute for Community Research and Development

Centre for International Development and Training (CIDT); Wolverhampton; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading university in Wolverhampton is looking for a Chair of the Institute for Community Research and Development. The successful candidate will hold a PhD and have significant senior-level experience as well as a strong research profile. This role offers the opportunity to develop interdisciplinary research, contribute to policy change, and work closely with community partners. Competitive salary and benefits provided.

Benefits

Competitive salaries

Pension scheme

Gym membership discounts

Generous annual leave

Qualifications

• Proven track record of impactful research publications.
• Experience in securing funding for research projects.
• Ability to build and lead a high-performing research team.

Responsibilities

• Develop and grow ICRD with a talented team.
• Engage with local communities and partners.
• Contribute to postgraduate supervision and teaching.

Skills

Leadership experience

Research expertise

Interdisciplinary team management

Policy change expertise

Education

PhD or equivalent

Job description

Chair of the Institute for Community Research and Development (Director)

The University of Wolverhampton is seeking to appoint a new Chair (Director) of the highly successful Institute for Community Research and Development (ICRD).

Launched in 2017, ICRD has been working to improve the lives and life chances of people in the region through research‑driven policy development, promoting social mobility, and delivering effective community‑based transformational projects. ICRD uses interdisciplinary expertise to affect positive change by working collaboratively with local communities and partnership networks.

The Institute for Community Research and Development (ICRD) undertakes research across four key themes: Social and Community Wellbeing; Criminal Justice and Violence Prevention; Tackling Inequalities through Heritage and the Arts; and Migration and Mobilities.

ICRD offers innovative research and evaluation methods and services, such as:

• The ICRD model of Community and Peer Research
• Research and evaluation that supports developments in policy and practice
• Robust qualitative and quantitative research methods

The University has a long and distinguished history of providing applied research that drives policy developments, delivering effective community‑based transformational projects, and promoting social mobility. It has a unique and unrivalled reputation for working collaboratively with public and private sector agencies to provide social regeneration platforms and for using its partnership networks to champion for change.

ICRD is a thriving, collegiate, and financially stable research institute, which employs a team of research‑only staff, has a thriving community of research students, and members from across the university and a number of honorary fellows and professors. The Chair position offers an exciting opportunity for an exceptional research leader to develop and grow ICRD with a talented team and strong reputation for the institute both within and external to the university.

Qualifications and Experience

To be successful, you will hold a PhD (or equivalent), have significant senior‑level experience, and be a recognised international authority in a discipline relevant to ICRD’s themes. You should have a demonstrable and impactful portfolio of research publications and societal impact, a proven track record of leadership and mentorship, and the ability to build and manage a high‑performing research team. You should currently be a Reader, Professor, or equivalent level with considerable experience of research in the community, aligned to one or more of ICRD’s core themes, and a strong research profile in disciplines such as social policy, sociology, public policy, public sector reform, social welfare, community health and wellbeing, applied psychology, mental health, and criminal justice.

You will be skilled in effecting change in policy and practice at the most senior levels, have a proven track record in securing significant external funding, leading interdisciplinary teams, delivering research projects, and strong flexible teamwork skills. You will identify opportunities to develop and lead short‑course and CPD programmes for community partners, and demonstrate excellent collaboration with partners from research, practice, third sector, and lay communities. You will be committed to the continued development of the ICRD and ensuring its activities achieve maximum impact.

There will be opportunities to contribute to postgraduate supervision and teaching.

Professor Laura Caulfield welcomes informal conversations about the role. Please email [e-mail].

Staff Benefits

You may be eligible to choose from a number of benefits during your appointment, subject to any rules applicable to the relevant benefit (as amended from time to time). Further details of these benefits are available on the intranet.

Your Benefits

• Competitive salaries
• Standard Life Pension scheme – with employer contribution of up to 12% to the University’s defined contribution scheme
• Long Service Recognition – £200 gift voucher, certificate, and afternoon tea with the Vice Chancellor for 25 & 40 years of service
• Free Will Writing Service – complimentary will drafting for employees and their partners
• IT & Mobile Discounts – EE Perk (20% off for family & friends) and software discounts

Supporting Your Health & Wellbeing

• Wellbeing and Mental Health Support – 24/7 access to the EAP service, free counselling sessions, wellbeing support resources and Occupational Health Service
• Gym memberships discounts – at our Walsall Campus and discounts at WV Active sites in Wolverhampton
• Eyecare Support – free eVoucher for eye tests and glasses contribution
• Flu Vouchers – free flu vaccinations for staff
• Paycare Health Benefit Plan – covers optical, dental, physiotherapy, and personal accident insurance
• Chaplaincy & Prayer Rooms – access to multi‑faith chaplaincy services

Valuing You

• Generous Annual Leave (see table below)
• Flexible & Agile Working – flexible and hybrid working arrangements
• Free On‑site Parking – available across campuses
• Cycle Benefits Scheme – save up to 42% on a bike and accessories via salary sacrifice
• Employee Discounts – savings on groceries, fashion, and entertainment
• Travel Discounts – up to 10% off holidays through Sodexo Circles

Training and Development

• Staff Network and Inclusion – access to support networks and events with LGBTQ+, Global Majority, Disability, and Women’s networks
• Library Access – staff have access to books and resources at on‑site libraries
• Staff Scholarship Scheme – funding for part‑time higher education, up to PhD level
• Leadership and Management Development – access to training opportunities to support career advancement

Commitment to Diversity

As part of our commitment to ensure the diversity of our staff body reflects those of the student and local communities we serve, we particularly welcome applications from candidates of Black, Asian, or Ethnic Minority heritage and candidates who are Disabled (including people who may not define themselves as disabled, but nevertheless encounter challenges).

Note on Application

Applications are scored against the criteria set out in the job description and person specifications attached to this advert. Applications are not assessed against the job advert, so please ensure your applications are crafted against the Job Description and Person Specification contained within it.