Director of National Innovation Centre for Data (NICD)

Newcastle University; Newcastle upon Tyne; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading university in the UK is seeking a Director for the National Innovation Centre for Data to drive innovation in AI and data skills. The role involves leading strategic initiatives, fostering collaborations, managing substantial funding bids, and ensuring the Centre's programmes align with national objectives. Ideal candidates should have a proven record in senior leadership, AI, and experience in building partnerships with various stakeholders. The position offers competitive benefits and an opportunity to impact the UK economy significantly.

Benefits

Generous holiday packages

Pension schemes

Health and well-being initiatives

Qualifications

• Substantial senior leadership experience in complex organizations.
• Recognized profile as a thought leader in AI or data science.
• Experience leading multi-partner high-impact AI initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and delivery of the Centre's strategic plan.
• Establish strategic relationships with policymakers.
• Direct and oversee effective delivery of activities.

Skills

Leadership experience

Strategic planning

AI expertise

Communication skills

Funding acquisition

Policy influence

Education

PhD in a relevant field

Job description

Overview

The National Innovation Centre for Data (NICD) Director will play a key role in driving a successful innovation centre that has a material impact on the UK economy by addressing the data skills gap in industry. The Director will provide strategic leadership for the Centre’s work in advancing the UK’s AI and data skills agenda, lead major funding bids and strategic partnerships, and oversee programme development and delivery. As a senior leader, you will champion innovation across Newcastle University, promote experiential learning, and build high‑level relationships with policymakers, industry, academia and the public sector.

Leadership & Development

• Leading on the development and delivery of the Centre’s long‑term strategic plan.
• Establishing and maintaining strategic relationships with national and regional policymakers, influencing the development and implementation of AI skills policy.
• Providing strategic and academic leadership in the design and development of innovative AI skills programmes that address the evolving needs of industry, the public sector and society, ensuring alignment with institutional strategy and sector trends.
• Directing and overseeing the effective delivery of the Centre’s portfolio of activities, ensuring all programmes are delivered to a high standard, achieve intended outcomes and contribute to the Centre’s strategic objectives.
• Promoting the development of experiential learning throughout the curriculum and ensuring that NICD acts as a pathway to impact across the academic and research base.
• Assessing and appropriately managing risks.
• Providing strategic and thought leadership for NICD.
• Acting as an advocate for the centre, promoting the Centre’s expertise, impact and strategic vision at institutional, regional, national and international levels.
• Working closely with academics and professional services at Newcastle University to achieve NICD and institutional goals.
• Leading the development of major funding proposals and strategic partnerships to secure significant investment, enabling the growth, reach and sustainability of AI skills initiatives that align with the centre, institution, regional and national priorities.
• Leading the design and implementation of robust, pedagogically informed evaluation frameworks and reflective practices to support continuous programme enhancement and inform the future development of policy and practice within the sector.
• Ensuring NICD complies with its legal, regulatory and contractual obligations and building the operational processes and tools required to achieve ongoing compliance.
• Developing the necessary organisational and operational structures for NICD to deliver its services.
• Taking responsibility for the recruitment and delivery of the NICD team.
• Creating and delivering a programme of activities that focus on ‘AI innovation education’ both internally (students) and externally (business, governmental, at technical and executive levels).
• Providing leadership in embedding principles of equality, diversity and inclusion across all aspects of programme design, delivery, evaluation and engagement.

Financial Responsibilities

• Working to secure private and public funding in line with the business plan.
• Taking responsibility for the NICD Budget and for headcount of circa 20 colleagues.

Stakeholder Management

• Refine and deliver on a communication and engagement plan which engages key stakeholders and partners.

Internal Relationships

• Working closely with colleagues from the SAgE Faculty, including the Faculty Pro‑Vice‑Chancellor, Heads of School and Deans.
• Working closely with colleagues from other academic and professional service units.

External Relationships

• Establishing strong relationships and active collaborations with government, industry and the public sector.
• Establishing strong relationships with other relevant, data‑focused research and innovation centres (e.g. UK Catapults).
• Establishing strong relationships with the members of the NICD Strategic Advisory Group and the internal management board to elicit constructive advice and feedback.
• Establishing strong relationships with other UK universities.

Qualifications

• Substantial senior leadership experience within a complex organisation, with a proven ability to set strategic direction and deliver against institutional objectives.
• A recognised profile as a thought leader in AI, data science or digital skills development, with a demonstrable contribution to national or international debates, policy forums or advisory bodies.
• Demonstrable experience of leading large‑scale, multi‑partner, high‑impact data and AI‑focused skills programmes or initiatives at a strategic level.
• Proven ability to shape and influence policy and strategy at regional and national levels through effective engagement with senior stakeholders, policymakers and external partners.
• Credibility with senior figures in industry, academia and government.
• Significant experience in the design, development and delivery of innovative skills or education programmes within the AI, data or digital skills domains.
• A strong track record of embedding innovative, pedagogically robust approaches and evidence‑informed practice into skills programme design and evaluation.
• Experience of establishing and monitoring key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure impact, drive continuous improvement and ensure quality enhancement.
• Knowledge of how universities manage research and teaching, and how the skills and innovations they develop can translate into benefits for industry, government and civil society.
• Proven success in building and sustaining strategic partnerships across government, industry, academia and the public sector.
• Demonstrable experience in leading major funding bids and securing significant investment to support organisational growth and strategic objectives.
• Strong profile as a senior representative or advocate in relevant regional, national or international contexts.
• Proven ability to represent an organisation’s strategic vision and impact to diverse audiences, including policymakers, funders, industry leaders and academic partners.
• A strong record of securing significant funding from a range of sources, including government, research councils, industry partnerships and philanthropic organisations.
• Experience of representing an organisation or initiative at a senior level on national or international committees, panels or boards.
• Evidence of successful leadership of multi‑disciplinary teams, fostering a culture of trust, collaboration and high performance.
• Proven ability to support the professional growth of others and to develop leadership and team capability.
• Evidence of embedding principles of equality, diversity and inclusion across programme design, delivery, evaluation and engagement.
• A PhD or equivalent professional standing in a relevant field (e.g. data science, AI, digital skills or a closely related discipline).
• Evidence of continuing professional development and a commitment to ongoing leadership and subject expertise.

Attributes and Behaviours

• A strategic thinker with the ability to anticipate future trends, challenges and opportunities in AI and data skills.
• Exceptional communication, negotiation and influencing skills, with the ability to operate effectively at the most senior levels internally and externally.
• High levels of enthusiasm, empathy and resilience, with a proven ability to deliver at pace and scale.
• A collaborative, inclusive leadership style and a commitment to the mission and values of the Centre and the University.

Benefits

Newcastle University offers generous holiday packages (with the option to purchase additional days), pension schemes, and a range of health and well‑being initiatives to support staff. The university also provides a welcoming and inclusive environment, supporting diversity and equality across all levels.

Closing Date

Closing Date: 11 January 2026