Director of Innovation, Impact and Business

Innovation, Impact and Business

The University of Exeter is a member of the Russell Group of research-intensive universities, having ranked in the top 150 universities in the world and the top 15 UK universities in prestigious global and national league tables. The University has a proud history and has grown from its roots in the South-West of England to be a truly inclusive and diverse global university. With a community of around 30,000 students from over 150 countries, and 6,400 staff across four campuses in Devon and Cornwall, as well as alumni, academics and global university partners that bring the world to Exeter and take Exeter to the world. 

Launched in October 2021, our new Strategy 2030 aims to use our outstanding education, research and global connections to create a sustainable, healthy and socially just future. Our vision is to be a globally-networked university, offering outstanding education and research opportunities for our communities, and creating strong global partnerships to tackle the world’s biggest challenges and to increase the diversity of our student population.  

It is in this context that we are now seeking a Director of Innovation, Impact and Business. The incoming Director will have a responsibility for the University’s business partnerships, impact development, innovation and knowledge exchange, regional engagement and impact, place-based innovation, business skills and student entrepreneurship.     

The Director of Innovation, Impact and Business will lead the team that supports academics and students by connecting organisations to the University of Exeter, creating new business opportunities and generating new innovation. The Director will report to the Registrar and Secretary with a strategic reporting line to the Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Business Engagement and Innovation. They will support the University to become a leader in innovation, commercialisation and business engagement through delivering on key strategic outcomes. The role requires expert knowledge of business, experience delivering innovative projects and excellent networking skills to work with organisations and represent the university at regional, national and international scales. 

Candidates will be passionate about the University’s mission and ambitions. They will offer a successful track record of leading strategic development, implementation and management of relevant portfolios of activity in comparably complex contexts. Previous experience of leading large and diverse teams will be important.  

Please ensure you read the Job Description and Person Specification for full details of this role. 

Our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Commitment  

With over 30,000 students and 6,400 staff from 150 different countries we offer a diverse and engaging environment where our diversity is celebrated and valued as a major strength. Whilst all applicants will be judged on merit alone, we particularly welcome applications from groups currently underrepresented within our working community. Reasonable adjustments are available for interviews and workplaces. 

Why our staff love working here 

To find out more or for a confidential discussion please contact Sophie Hawkes to arrange this, [email protected] .