Knowledge Exchange & Research Institutes (KERIs) Director x4

We are seeking to appoint four new Directors of Knowledge Exchange and Research. Each Director will be accountable for the overall leadership, co-ordination and development of Knowledge Exchange and Research within each KERI, including income and impact generation, strategic direction-setting and financial management. They will provide leadership to deliver the KERI business plan and the relevant University KPIs in Research and Knowledge Exchange (KE). Working with REF Unit of Assessment Coordinators, they will also lead preparations for REF 2029 in the research areas covered by their Institute and contribute to the periodic KEF return. 

Reporting to the Provost, KERI Directors will be responsible for creating an inclusive and positive working environment and a vibrant Research & KE culture with researcher development at its core. They will be required to demonstrate a strong track record in Research & KE including relevant evidence of leadership.  

This is a permanent appointment. The KERIs Director aspect of the role is a 4-year term, moving to a Professor substantive post on conclusion. The role will be based within the relevant faculty. The role holder will be a member of the Senior Leadership Group of the University. The role holder will need to work effectively in collaboration with other KERI Directors as well as with Faculty Deans and stakeholders and professional service teams to achieve the objectives of the KERI. 

More about KERIs 

Our KERIs focus on:

- Health, Education and Society 
- Cyber, Engineering and Digital Technologies 
- Behaviour, Business and Policy 
- Design, Arts and Creative Practice 

These institutes will drive excellence and collaboration, addressing key challenges through interdisciplinary research and knowledge exchange. They will: 

- Establish a strong research culture 
- Provide a clear presence for industry and external partners 
- Foster interdisciplinarity for tackling contemporary issues 
- Enhance grant acquisition 
- Support a collaborative and innovative environment for staff and students 

More about Town House Strategy 

Kingston University has launched the Town House Strategy, inspired by our award-winning Town House building. This forward-thinking initiative aims to: 

- Prepare students for the future job market through our sector-leading Future Skills campaign 
- Boost research and knowledge exchange 
- Enhance collaboration with local communities, businesses, and industries 
- Strengthen our impact on policy 
- Promote a sustainable society and economy

The Person

You will be results led and have significant knowledge and experience of leading Research and/or Knowledge Exchange in an HE context.  You will have a proven ability to develop research active staff and a strong track record in income generation. With a determination to drive vision and purpose, communicate and engage effectively, you will have the ability to develop talent, manage complexity, balance stakeholders and make quality decisions. 

Why Join us? 

We offer a range of benefits, including: 

- 35 days annual leave- Full time equivalent  
- Generous pension scheme (TPS)  
- Employee Assistance Programme helps with any work-related problems having a wider impact on your life and gives you access to the savings centre 
- Discounts on Perks at Work 
- Course fee waiver scheme and discounted courses across the University 
- Learn new skills with priority access to thousands of courses via LinkedIn Learning 
- Season ticket loans up to £10,000 to help you spread the cost of commuting and get the best value for money 

Kingston University values: 

Innovative:  To apply new methods or ideas to facilitate progress  
Inclusive:   To value the diversity of students and staff, treating them respectfully  
Enterprising: To recognise and act on opportunities  
Ambitious: To pursue excellence for oneself, the University, and our communities  

Further information

There are 4 permanent positions with a competitive starting salary (£71,132 – £86,940 per annum). 

The KERIs Director aspect of the role is a 4-year term, reverting to a Professor substantive post following this term. 

Please apply directly to Kingston University by clicking the ‘apply’ button and follow the instructions.   

Applications should consist of:  

- a concise covering letter (ideally no longer than two pages), addressing the criteria in the Person Specification; 
- State your preference for which KERI(s) Director Role you wish to be considered for: 
                - Health, Education and Society 
                - Cyber, Engineering and Digital Technologies 
                - Behaviour, Business and Policy 
                - Design, Arts and Creative Practice 
- an up to date curriculum vitae; 
- names and contact details of three referees (although referees will only be approached at the final stage of the process, and only with your express permission). 

For informal enquiries, please contact Priscila Morais, Executive PA. 

The closing date for applications is 28 July 2024. 

Indicative Timetable  

- Shortlisting: By 12 August 2024 
- Psychometric testing: w/c 19 and 26 August 2024 
- Formal Interviews: Interviews w/c 9 and 16 Sept 2024  

If the interview dates pose a problem for you, please let us know about this at the time of application.   

An appointment will be made subject to receipt of satisfactory references.  

The appointed candidate will be offered a salary that is commensurate with their experience and the seniority of their new role. 

Bring your true self, expertise, and passion to Kingston where we are continuing to strive to build a university where authentic inclusion and belonging is at its heart. Every one of our staff and students’ identities, backgrounds and diverse experiences makes us who we are - so harness and embrace yours by applying today. We welcome applications from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic backgrounds, LGBTQ+ communities and those with disabilities.

We are a place-based organisation, proud of our location in Kingston and the civic role we play in our community. Our campuses inspire collaborative, innovative and creative communities. Being present on campus is important to us because it helps us to create a sense of belonging for both our staff and students. Therefore, staff are expected to be on campus for the majority of their working week.

Candidates must be able to demonstrate their eligibility to work in the UK in accordance with the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006. Where required, this may include entry clearance or continued leave to remain under the Points Based Immigration Scheme. 

To apply click on ‘Apply Now’. If, for accessibility reasons, you need to apply in an alternative format, please email jobs@kingston.ac.uk or call the HR Shared Services team on 020 8417 3118.