The University of Reading has been at the forefront of UK Higher Education for nearly a century. Since receiving our Royal Charter in 1926, we have become innovators and pioneers, pushing academic boundaries and leading social change. We strive to create a stronger, better University, building on our past to create an exceptional future. Our four guiding principles form the foundation of our Strategy 2020 – 2026: a genuine love of learning, creating new knowledge, embracing and celebrating diversity of people and ideas, and caring for our environment.
A comprehensive research-intensive institution, which is home to a global, diverse community of 25,000 students and more than 4,000 staff, we are ranked in the top 200 universities globally (Times Higher Education World University Rankings). The 2021 Research Excellence Framework saw Reading achieve a 10% rise in 3 and 4* research, and an overall placement of 35th in the UK. Our strengths across Business, Sustainability and Environment, and Agriculture, Health & Food aim to influence our impact in solving some of the most pressing global challenges of our time.
The University of Reading’s research is supported and underpinned by our Research Services Function which is led by the Director, Dr Anne-Marie van Dodeweerd, and which comprises of four main pillars – Research Development, Research Contracts, Impact and Knowledge Transfer (which includes knowledge exchange and commercialisation). The Research Services team provides the primary support to academics and Schools to enable the successful development and winning of research and enterprise funding bids and the development of research excellence and enterprise opportunities within the University.
The University’s Strategy 2020 – 2026 has set an ambitious framework to enhance local partnership working, including creating a clear ‘front door’ to the University, so that external stakeholders can access University knowledge and services. Reflective of that ambition, we now seek to achieve a step-change in our Knowledge Exchange, Commercialisation and Partnership agendas to create a more porous environment where the achievements of our research capabilities are developed enabling us to increase our activity, income and impact through our regional and international collaborations.
We seek to appoint a Director of Knowledge Exchange, Commercialisation and Partnerships to lead the development, implementation and monitoring of the University’s Knowledge Exchange (KE) and commercialisation strategy and associated delivery plans. This will involve working in partnership with internal and external stakeholders to ensure this is aligned to the wider University and regional strategy. You will take a leading role in the delivery of new strategic business partnerships, enhancing our reputation and generating and diversifying income streams, in order to achieve a step change in the University’s performance and role as an anchor institution in the Thames Valley region. You will also lead, develop, motivate and manage a professional services team to deliver collaborative projects and programmes across the institution.
You will have had experience in leading comparative portfolios with experience in the creation and implementation of KE and commercialisation strategies and of developing and maintaining successful relationships and partnerships between diverse stakeholders and partners from different sectors. You will have supported the development of successful industry collaborations and innovation proposals with a Higher Education sector organisation. Furthermore, you will be adept in securing strategic development contracts working closely with collaborators across the Thames Valley and beyond.
The University of Reading is committed to building a fully inclusive and diverse community, including in its senior leadership. We welcome and encourage applications from candidates from all backgrounds with the qualifications and experience to undertake this role, including under-represented groups and we are a disability confident employer. Please see our “Faces of Reading” to meet some of our staff.
We also actively support flexible working arrangements to enable colleagues to have opportunities of creating a balance of where and when to work within the working week in line with business need. This enables colleagues to balance experiencing campus life (to develop and strengthen informal networks and collaboration) with individual preferences.
Applications should consist of a covering letter, full CV detailing academic and professional qualifications, employment history, latest remuneration and relevant achievements.
Applications can be uploaded at Perrett Laver: Director of Knowledge Exchange, Commercialisation and Partnerships.
Perret Laver reference 6521.
The closing date for applications is Midnight BST, Tuesday 30th May 2023
Salary: Competitive for the role.
Location: Reading, England
Benefits: Please find a link here to our employee benefits.
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Please visit the following link in order to find more information about the use of personal information provided by candidates to the university: https://www.reading.ac.uk/imps/data-protection.
Applications from job seekers who require sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. By reference to the applicable SOC code for this role, sponsorship may be possible under the Skilled Worker Route. Applicants should ensure that they are able to meet the points requirement under the PBS. There is further information about this on the UK Visas and Immigration Website.
The University is committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce, supports the gender equality Athena SWAN Charter and the Race Equality Charter, and is the leading LGBT+ rights organisation. Applications for job-share, part-time and flexible working arrangements are welcomed and will be considered in line with business needs.