Associate Provost

Located in the heart of England, the University of Derby is the only university in Derbyshire, and offers industry-relevant, expert teaching, from foundation and undergraduate degrees to postgraduate study and research. A Top 50 UK University (Guardian University Guide 2023), with our recently awarded TEF Gold placing us in the top 20% of English universities for learning and teaching and student outcomes, the University of Derby also boasts world-leading research that demonstrates real-world impact.

At Derby, we have a long-established reputation as a strong regional university, and our profile and influence continue to grow at pace both nationally and internationally. This excellence is underpinned by industry-relevant and applied research, innovation and skills activity which impacts directly on our students, staff, stakeholders and wider community. We are a place-based institution with a national and global outlook that delivers outstanding opportunities and outcomes for our students.

A robust, insights-driven and University-wide approach to industry engagement is critical to enabling our continued success and the fulfilment of our strategic ambitions. As Associate Provost for Industry Engagement you will be joining an institution that understands and values the life-changing power of education. As a key leader, strategic thinker, and effective collaborator the postholder will have a prominent role in ensuring that the University’s approach to industry engagement is best placed to deliver against the aims and ambitions outlined in our Strategic Framework and Institutional Success Measures.

By leading the Industry Engagement and Employability department, the postholder will ensure that the University has in place the industrial engagement framework necessary to establish, develop and continue relationships with key strategic partners. Central to this will be their ability to provide senior representation in discussions with key external partners at national and international stakeholder committees, leading focus on the University’s innovation and industry engagement. The Associate Provost will focus on driving forward the organisation’s capabilities to commercialise the University’s activities and resources. This is a role that holds significant leadership and influence, reporting directly to the Provost Innovation and Research and working closely with the University Executive Board and University Leadership Group.

A confident and motivational leader with demonstrable experience managing high performing teams to deliver impact across a complex ecosystem, the Associate Provost - Industry Engagement will foster an entrepreneurial culture, underpinned by efficient and effective systems and processes which support high-performance, to ensure that the University is best placed to deliver against the aims and ambitions outlined in the Strategic Framework. Critically, they will share our values as an inclusive University that is passionate about social mobility and affording all our students the best possible opportunity to excel, and will evidence a leadership style that fosters positive team spirit and high staff engagement.

Applications should consist of a covering letter, full CV detailing academic and professional qualifications, employment history, latest remuneration and relevant achievements.