Director of the Centre for Environmental Futures

University of Reading; Reading; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Reading invites applications for an outstanding founding Director to lead the Centre for Environmental Futures, a flagship initiative within the University's Strategy 2026-2040. The post offers a unique opportunity to shape a transdisciplinary research agenda and maximise impact.

The appointee will provide strategic leadership across Schools and disciplines, build influential partnerships with government, industry and the third sector, and champion inclusive research that

Job description

The University of Reading is internationally recognised for excellence in climate science, environmental sustainability and the natural environment. Ranked joint 30th globally in the QS Sustainability Rankings 2026 and named Sustainable University of the Year 2025 by The Times and The Sunday Times, Reading is now establishing a major new platform for research, innovation and impact: the Centre for Environmental Futures.

The Centre is a flagship initiative within the University’s Strategy 2026-2040, which places environmental sustainability at the heart of its ambitions. Bringing together expertise across the sciences, social sciences, arts and humanities, it will develop whole-systems responses to the interconnected challenges of climate change, biodiversity loss, food security and sustainable development. Its purpose is to connect research excellence with the policy, industry and societal changes needed to build a more resilient future.

We are now seeking to appoint an outstanding founding Director to lead the Centre and help deliver this vision. This is a significant opportunity to build on Reading’s established strengths, enable ambitious collaborative research and strengthen the University’s position as a global leader in environmental sustainability.

The Director will provide strategic, transdisciplinary leadership, working across Schools, institutes and disciplines to bring researchers together around shared priorities and develop major, challenge-led programmes. As the public face of the Centre, they will build influential partnerships across academia, government, industry and the third sector, attracting funding and investment and extending Reading’s national and international influence. Leading through collaboration and persuasion, the postholder will champion an inclusive research culture and ensure that the University’s expertise translates into tangible benefits for society, the economy and the environment.

Candidates will be accomplished leaders with substantial experience in environmental sustainability, bringing backgrounds in academia, commercial organisations, policy or other relevant sectors. They will have a track record of leading complex interdisciplinary research programmes, securing or managing significant external research funding, and developing partnerships that influence policy, practice or innovation. They will combine intellectual credibility, strategic vision and strong influencing skills with the ability to unite diverse communities around shared ambitions and enable others to deliver research with lasting impact.

By reference to the applicable SOC code for this role, sponsorship may be possible under the Skilled Worker Route. Applicants wishing to consider the SWR must ensure that they are able to meet the points requirement before applying. There is further information about this on UK Visas and Immigration Website.

There may be costs associated with a visa application, including the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), which are not paid for by the University of Reading and cannot be claimed back. For further information on potential costs please visit: Healthcare Surcharge Information GOV.UK

The University is committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce, supports the gender equality Athena SWAN Charter and the Race Equality Charter, and champions LGBT+ equality. We are a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2). Applications for job-share, part-time and flexible working arrangements are welcomed and will be considered in line with business needs

Competitive salary