Executive Director of Civic Engagement and External Relations

At Bath Spa University, we believe in the power of education to break down barriers to opportunity and to transform lives. We are the Professionally Creative for the future. Professional Creativity transcends subject disciplines, and is just as important for our sciences, education, business and law subjects as it is for our sector leading creative industries provision. We connect learners, staff and external partners with applied research and innovation. We power inclusive growth through skills development and practice based, innovation – intensive learning for all.

As we bring our new Strategy 2035 to life, we’re looking for an inspirational senior leader to play a pivotal role in raising our profile and ensuring our work delivers genuine social, cultural and economic value across the Southwest of England, London and Birmingham. This role sits at the heart of our external representation and internal engagement, supporting the Vice Chancellor and senior colleagues to influence regional priorities and shape policy developments that matter.

You’ll lead the development and delivery of our External Engagement Strategy, while keeping a close eye on regional needs, opportunities and policy landscapes to ensure our senior leaders are informed, connected and positioned to make a meaningful impact. Through building strong and credible relationships with senior partners across local authorities, regional networks and key civic organisations, you’ll help us form collaborations that are both purposeful and sustainable.

Internally, you’ll bring together our work on communication, reputation and engagement, ensuring we speak with coherence and confidence as one University. You’ll take responsibility for managing senior staff within the Vice Chancellor’s Office and will lead strategically important projects that support our long term vision.
We’re looking for someone with a higher academic or professional qualification and substantial senior level experience within regional policy, partnership-building and stakeholder leadership. You’ll bring the interpersonal warmth, influencing skills and strategic insight needed to operate confidently at the highest levels, paired with strong commercial awareness and the ability to turn big ideas into financially sustainable, practical outcomes. Credible, values led, collaborative and creative, you’ll be someone who builds trust quickly and genuinely enjoys working with people.

If you’re motivated by impact, partnership and purpose, and you’re excited by the idea of helping shape Bath Spa University’s next decade, we encourage you to apply.

For an informal conversation about the role, please contact our recruitment partners at GatenbySanderson: Manjit Mundair-Lalli - manjit.mundair-lalli@gatenbysanderson.com

Closing Date: 9am, Tuesday 28th April 2026

Job Ref: GSe130856