Associate Dean Research and Knowledge Exchange - FABSS

University of Wolverhampton - Faculty of Arts, Business and Social Sciences

The University of Wolverhampton is seeking an outstanding academic leader to join the Faculty of Arts, Business and Social Sciences as Associate Dean for Research and Knowledge Exchange (RKE). This is a strategic leadership role that will support the faculty in delivering the University’s 2035 Strategy and advancing our commitment to inclusive student success and world-class research. The purpose of the role is to shape and deliver our research and knowledge exchange ambitions, driving impact, success, and growth across our large and diverse multidisciplinary faculty.

This role ensures that the faculty contributes to the university’s reputation for research excellence, knowledge transfer, and societal impact. It bridges academic scholarship with real-world application, helping universities meet national priorities for innovation and regional economic development. As Associate Dean you will:

• Lead the development and implementation of the Faculty’s Research and Knowledge Exchange Strategy.
• Champion research excellence and innovation, building on our performance in REF and KEF.
• Foster an inclusive and collaborative research culture that reflects our commitment to equality, diversity, and engagement.
• Collaborate closely with senior leaders, Heads of School, and Research Centres to enhance research quality, external funding, and enterprise activity.
• Chair or represent the faculty on key University committees and external networks, influencing policy and practice regionally and internationally.

We are looking for a visionary leader with a proven record of research leadership and external engagement, experience in managing research strategy and supporting academic teams, and the creativity and ambition to position FABSS as a leader in research and knowledge exchange. You will also demonstrate excellent communication and influencing skills to build strong strategic partnerships internally and externally.

The University of Wolverhampton’s vision is to create opportunity, transform lives and deliver a more inclusive, productive and sustainable society. We have a proud history of widening access and delivering excellence in teaching, research, and business engagement. Our research makes a transformative impact through collaboration, public engagement, and multi-disciplinary projects addressing global challenges. This is your opportunity to make a lasting impact on research and knowledge exchange at a university that values innovation, inclusivity, and excellence.

If you would like to discuss the role informally before applying, please contact the Dean of Faculty, Professor Clare Schofield clare.schofield@wlv.ac.uk.

Staff Benefits

You may be eligible to choose from a number of benefits during your appointment, subject to any rules applicable to the relevant benefit (as amended from time to time). Further details of these benefits are available on the intranet.

We believe employees should be recognised for their hard work and contribution to the University's growth and success and offer an attractive range of competitive benefits to all staff

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.