Head of Environmental Sustainability Research Partnerships

At the University of Plymouth, it is in our nature to innovate – be that in our teaching or in our research. We strive for the highest quality in all that we do; pushing boundaries isn’t just encouraged, it is expected. The University’s mission – advancing knowledge, transforming lives – is manifested in the compelling combination of first-class, innovative teaching, clusters of world-class research, and a commitment to widening participation and social inclusion, so that our students are supported and encouraged to unlock their true potential.

The University’s 2030 strategy has an ambition to provide thought-leadership, set policy agendas locally, nationally and internationally, and to communicate and engage effectively with all stakeholders, achieving influence and impact through significant industry and business partnerships.

The Research and Innovation Directorate plays a crucial role in supporting the University in these ambitions, working with academics from across the breadth of the institution’s portfolio. We have therefore created three new roles to help take this work forward; Head of Health Partnerships, Head of Environmental Sustainability Research Partnerships and Head of Regional and Civic Engagement.

Reporting to the Director of Research and Innovation, and supporting the Directors of the Sustainable Earth Institute and Marine Institute, and other senior staff, the Head of Environmental Sustainability Research Partnerships will lead the University’s engagement with national and international policy makers, NGOs and other key stakeholders, relating to the University’s research strengths in environmental sustainability (including catchment-to-coast systems, environmental diagnostics and intelligence, environmental management and change, environmental politics, nature based solutions), as well as engaging with key industry partners with an interest in this agenda.

The aim is to ensure the University is proactively engaged in, and influences, national and international environmental sustainability policy and agendas concerning e.g. climate change adaptation and mitigation, environmental health and biodiversity, sustainable resource management, reducing risk, net zero and clean growth) and is well positioned to exploit opportunities to further its mission around research and its translation.

Politically astute, you will be able to effectively utilise strong national and international relationships and networks and will have an in depth understanding of the HE and policy landscape, as well as experience of working proactively with both academics and a range of senior stakeholders. Proven experience in building and maintaining positive and constructive relationships with partners at a senior level is essential. You will have experience of working within a national / international policy environment and of influencing policy, related to environmental sustainability issues such as systems thinking, environmental pollution, climate change adaptation and mitigation, environmental land management, natural resource management.

For an informal discussion to find out more about the role please contact Adrian Dawson:  Adrian.dawson@plymouth.ac.uk

Closing date:  12 midnight, Sunday 26 February 2023

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