Deputy Director of Innovation and Engagement

Open to academic or professional service staff

Are you an ambitious leader with extensive experience leading innovation-focused initiatives?  Can you develop and deliver compelling strategic plans to translate and drive innovation from climate research? Do you have a track record of developing and maintaining effective partnerships with businesses, communities and third sector organisations? 

The Priestley Centre for Climate Futures mission is to collaboratively design and deliver just and actionable climate solutions by integrating research, innovation, policy and education to imagine, influence and shape a better future for our communities, our region and the world. It builds from the Priestley International Centre for Climate with a focus on genuine impact on climate change by delivering on-the-ground implementation and impact underpinned by programmes of integrated research, innovation, policy and education. It will play a significant role in supporting the delivery of the University’s Climate Plan using the latest evidence and research expertise.

A Deputy Director post is available, providing an opportunity to become part of the Priestley Centre leadership team. You will support the Director of the Priestley Centre, working alongside two other Deputy Directors and the Head of the Priestley Centre to deliver on the Centre’s mission by leading the development and delivery of the Centre’s innovation strategy. You will also work closely with the newly appointed PVC Business Engagement and Enterprise (BE&E) and team to proactively develop partnerships with innovative organisations and companies to collaborate with University of Leeds staff and students to catalyse and accelerate the creation and application of real-world climate action. We are particularly keen to work with businesses, communities and third-sector organisations to develop a set of living laboratories and initiatives that support a resilient net-zero transition. 

This is an exciting opportunity to develop your own strategic vision for delivering innovation from world-leading climate research and resource its delivery. Reporting to the Director of the Priestley Centre for Climate Futures and drawing upon expertise from the University-wide Business Engagement and Enterprise team, you will build the capacity and capability of our staff and students to identify and deliver innovation from climate research with partners. You will act as an ambassador for the Centre representing the breadth of University of Leeds climate-related activities externally, and by developing and maintaining relationships with key partners. You will have the ability to influence outside of Leeds, leveraging opportunities to lead and participate in external networks, working groups and committees to provide thought leadership on climate innovation. 

Possessing substantial experience in creating innovation strategies and seeking out new opportunities to work with partners or groups to support innovative efforts embedded in the latest evidence, you will enhance the Centre’s and the University of Leeds’ external reputation and leadership by promoting innovative initiatives focused on climate and the net zero transition. You will be an effective communicator, comfortable in translating complex ideas across academia and business and build strong and genuine partnerships to ensure demonstrable impact. 

To explore the post further, or for any queries you may have, please contact:
Dr Shona Smith, Head of the Priestley Centre for Climate Futures   
Email: s.c.smith@leeds.ac.uk

For general enquiries about the Priestley Centre, please contact: climate@leeds.ac.uk

Interviews are due to take place on Tuesday 14 May 2024.

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