Head of Knowledge Exchange

Centre for International Development and Training (CIDT); Wolverhampton; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A major UK university is seeking a candidate for a strategic role in Knowledge Exchange. The successful applicant will lead initiatives, develop relationships with partners, and manage staff development. Ideal candidates will have strong leadership and communication skills, alongside an understanding of Government policies relating to higher education. This is an opportunity to make a significant contribution to the university's growth.

Benefits

Competitive salaries

Standard Life Pension with employer contribution

Free Will Writing Service

Gym membership discounts

Generous Annual Leave

Qualifications

• Extensive knowledge of Government policies and priorities in relation to university business.
• Proven experience of managing and motivating a team.
• Extensive understanding of the Knowledge Exchange Framework.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership in the growth and development of Knowledge Exchange.
• Lead existing and new knowledge exchange initiatives.
• Develop and maintain relationships with external partners.

Skills

Strong interpersonal skills

Outstanding leadership skills

Analytical and problem-solving capability

Excellent communication skills

Emotional intelligence

Education

Experience in knowledge exchange

Job description

Our newly created Research and Enterprise Directorate (RED) will drive positive change and significant growth across the University of Wolverhampton and through our engagement with external partners and stakeholders. We have a number of newly established critical roles available in the Directorate and we are ready to invite applications from talented, experienced, ambitious, and enthusiastic colleagues who embody the university values and behaviours: Inclusive, Accountable, Ambitious and Resilient.

We need an excellent candidate to provide strategic leadership in the growth and development of Knowledge Exchange, including Commercialisation, Intellectual Property (IP), Continuous Professional Development (CPD), Regional Development, Public and Community Engagement and Enterprise.

You will play a key role in leading existing and new knowledge exchange initiatives and seek to develop, maintain and expand working relationships with external partners as well as identify commercial opportunities for growth and income.

You will take responsibility for staff development, and training within the team, ensuring all staff have the necessary skills and experience to provide the support required alongside devising, managing, supporting and monitoring the delivery of a suite of training and development opportunities for university staff related to KE and Enterprise activity.

We are looking for someone with strong interpersonal skills and an extensive academic and/or professional background in knowledge exchange. You will need to demonstrate a high level of emotional intelligence and have the ability to develop strong working relationships with staff at all levels across the University to ensure quality service delivery, demonstrating political awareness, diplomacy and tact. You will need proven experience of managing and motivating a team; outstanding leadership skills; proven analytical and problem‑solving capability; excellent communication skills, verbal and written and to present coherent arguments to achieve the desired outcome and excellent presentation skills to communicate effectively in all situations to varied audiences. You will also have a proven track record of supporting KE and Enterprise activities and developments; extensive knowledge of Government policies and priorities in relation to university business, engagement and UK industrial strategy and an understanding of the Knowledge Exchange Framework, HEBCIs and KEF Concordat.

Join the University of Wolverhampton at this exciting time of ambition and growth in research and enterprise. Be part of a directorate that is committed to driving and supporting a vibrant and effective research and enterprise culture, committed to delivering excellence and making a real difference to the university, partners and communities we serve.

Staff Benefits

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 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) & software discounts.

Supporting Your Health & Wellbeing

• Wellbeing and Mental Health Support – 24/7 access to 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 & 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 our LGBTQ+, Global Majority, Disability, and Women's networks.
• Library Access – Staff have access to books and resources at our onsite libraries.
• Staff Scholarship Scheme – Funding for part‑time higher education, up to PhD level
• Leadership and Management Development – Access to training opportunities to support you with advancing in your career.

The University of Opportunity for Students and Staff

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).

PLEASE NOTE: 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.