Outside of the gateway building as the sunsets

Associate Dean Research/Knowledge Exchange College of Leadership and Innovation (1768)

Associate Dean Research/Knowledge Exchange College of Leadership and Innovation (1768)

Associate Dean Research/Knowledge Exchange College of Leadership and Innovation

Full Time – Permanent - High Wycombe

Salary - £75,000 - £80,000

 

 

Buckinghamshire New University is an ambitious, modern university that is always open to fresh ideas and thinking. We believe in the transformative power of education, and in doing the right thing by our students, people and local community. That’s why our BNU community is a special place to work and study, and where people who want to make a difference can contribute and succeed. 

 

Our University’s DRIVE values and are at the heart of all that we do.  We are united in being dynamic, responsible, inclusive, visionary and empowering to ensure that we provide the best experience to our learners and offer excellent service to our partners and to each other as colleagues. Our commitment to these values is unwavering and they are central to our mission.

  

The post holder will be responsible for delivering our research strategy and establishing and sustaining a vibrant research community within the College, whilst also leading on the College approach to RDAP, REF, and KEF – they will also be responsible for their own research through outputs and research income.

 

They will support the Dean in leading the College in alignment with the strategic objectives of the University, ensuring an excellent experience for students and staff. They will practice an inclusive approach and support building an inclusive university community where people can be themselves.

 

What we offer: 

  • a generous holiday entitlement (30 days per annum, plus bank holidays & closure days)  
  • Hybrid working (dependent on business needs)
  • training & development support opportunities  
  • contributory pension scheme 
  • discounted gym membership for our on-site gym  
  • a range of staff discounts with major retailers. 

 

Please click here to see our wide range of benefits available for employees.
Please click here for our behavioural based interview question bank.
Please click here to view our employee handbook.

 

If you have the qualities and attributes representative of the University’s values and ambition, we would be delighted to hear from you.   

 

For further information about this role please contact Leah Fox, Dean of College (Leadership and Innovation) at Leah.Fox@bnu.ac.uk

 

All applications are to be made in full and online. 

 

BNU is proud to have a diverse community and a strong track record of diversity, equity and inclusion.  We are committed to promoting an inclusive and diverse workplace and aim to continue building an environment where everyone thrives and can be themselves. We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in BNU’s workforce. These include people from global majority backgrounds, people with disabilities, and LGBTQI+ people, particularly in more senior roles.

 

Please let us know if you require any adjustments or support during the recruitment process.   We are happy to discuss any reasonable adjustments that would enable you to perform to the best of your abilities in your role. Please reach out to Cristina Serrano, Recruitment advisor at Cristina.Serrano@bnu.ac.uk, if you have any specific needs or if you would like more information on how we can support you.

We ensure that our interview/shortlisting Chairs complete the relevant e-learning and/or inclusive recruitment training.

 

Closing Date: 7th June 2025

Interview Date: TBC

 

Please note that an Enhanced Disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) is required for this position.  The successful applicant will be required to give consent to check their criminal record status through the DBS. Information will be kept in strict confidence.  Your offer of appointment will be subject to the University being satisfied with the outcome of this check.   

 

If you are successful in securing an interview for the role, you will be required to provide proof of eligibility to work in the UK.  

 

BNU is a Disability Confident employer and as such you will be given the opportunity to declare a disability as part of the application process. The University is also committed to achieving the Race Equality Charter.  

 

 

Location
High Wycombe
Contract Type
Permanent
Salary Range
Spot salary
Hours per week
37
Closing Date
07/06/2025
Ref No
1768

Job Description

JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Title:  Associate Dean (Research & Knowledge Exchange)

 

College: Leadership and Innovation 

 Grade:  Senior Management

Location:  High Wycombe/hybrid (occasional travel to other campuses)

 

Hours: 37

Responsible to:  Dean of College

 

Responsible for:  Professors

 

Job Purpose:

Support the Dean in leading the College in alignment with strategic objectives of the University, ensuring an excellent experience for students and staff.

Practice an inclusive approach and support building an inclusive university community where people can be themselves.

 

 

Main Duties & Responsibilities of the role:

  • Line management responsibilities including recruitment and selection, performance
    management, professional development, motivation, health & safety and wellbeing.
  • Improve research and knowledge exchange outcomes
  • Build the College’s consultancy portfolio
  • Grow doctoral student numbers
  • Lead the REF and KEF at College level
  • Achieve RDAP
  • Lead collaborative research and knowledge exchange projects
  • Lead and develop a highly motivated team and instil a culture of high performance and belonging
  • Oversee health and Safety, budget and risk management, and compliance with University regulations, policies and procedures in your area
  • Comply with relevant legislative and other requirements (e.g., the Data Protection Act 2018 and GDPR; Health and Safety; UKVI; and Equality and Diversity) in all working practices
  • Such other duties temporarily or on a continuing basis, as may reasonably be required

 

 

PERSON SPECIFICATION – Essential Criteria Only

A = Application     T = Test     I = Interview           

Education, Qualifications & Training

Means of Testing

Doctorate and/or member of professoriate

A

Relevant teaching qualification/Advance HE recognition

A

Professional registration as appropriate

A

Knowledge & Experience

 

Experience of effective leadership in a school, department or faculty

A/I

Evidence of effective people management and collaborative working

A/I

Proven impact on improving research and knowledge exchange outcomes

A/I

Deep understanding of the REF and KEF

A/I

Experience of research and knowledge exchange innovation

A/I

Delivering an excellent customer experience

A/I

Skills

 

Personal resilience to enable difficult and honest conversations, including proven experience of dealing with staff and student complaints

A/I

Passion for equity and social justice

A/I

Digitally able and proficient in Microsoft tools

A/I

Special Requirements

 

Able to travel to other locations as required

I

 

 

Behavioural INDICATORS

The BNU Behaviours Framework (BBF) is a framework for all University staff that sets out the key behaviours that exemplify the DRIVE values and ethos of the University.  The nine categories provide a clear steer on behavioural expectations that will help support a step change in the performance and culture of the University.  The three key behavioural indicators for this post are as follows:

Delivering excellent service

Providing the best quality service to external and internal customers/students/stakeholders. Building genuine and open long-term relationships in order to drive up customer service standards.

 

Achieving results

Consistently meeting agreed objectives and success criteria. Taking personal responsibility for getting things done.

 

Finding solutions

Taking a holistic view and working enthusiastically to analyse problems and to develop workable solutions. Identifying opportunities for innovation.

 

Classifications