Vice-Principal (Regional Engagement & Innovation)

Type of Contract: Substantive

Founded in 1495, the University of Aberdeen is Scotland’s third oldest university and the fifth oldest in the UK. Today, we are recognised as one of the country’s leading institutions, ranked 18th in the UK by the Guardian University Guide 2026 and 23rd by the Times/Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026. Our education and impact are powered by world-class research across five interdisciplinary priority areas: Energy Transition; Social Inclusion and Cultural Diversity; Environment and Biodiversity; Data and AI; and Health, Nutrition and Wellbeing.

We are deeply committed to playing a leading role in the economic, social and cultural life of our region, working in partnership to deliver innovation, enterprise and inclusive growth locally, nationally and internationally.

We are seeking an outstanding senior leader to join the University as Vice-Principal (Regional Engagement & Innovation). Reporting to the Principal and Vice-Chancellor and working as a key member of the Senior Management Team, the Vice-Principal will lead institutional strategy and policy for enterprise, innovation and civic engagement ensuring the University makes a strong contribution to regional prosperity and economic growth.

The Vice-Principal will provide strategic and operational leadership across the regional engagement and innovation portfolio, embedding enterprise and civic impact within School Plans and wider institutional activity. Working closely with internal and external partners, the role will ensure alignment between new ventures, regional initiatives and the University’s Aberdeen 2040 strategy.

Key responsibilities include overseeing delivery of the University’s Knowledge Exchange and Innovation Fund (KEIF) strategy; representing the University within the regional, national and international enterprise and innovation ecosystem; and leading engagement with major initiatives such as the Aberdeen City Region Deal and the North East Scotland Investment Zone. As an anchor institution, the University of Aberdeen plays a central role in the economic, social and cultural life of the North East of Scotland.

The Vice-Principal (Regional Engagement & Innovation) will be supported by the Dean for Enterprise & Innovation and colleagues across the Directorate of Research and Innovation, Public Affairs and Stakeholder Engagement, and wider professional service teams.

You will be an outward-facing leader with significant experience in enterprise, innovation and/or civic engagement, and a strong track record of delivering external impact through education, research and partnership. You will bring substantial senior leadership experience within academia or a similarly complex organisation with the ability to operate strategically and collaboratively.

You will demonstrate excellent communication and influencing skills, credibility in representing the institution externally, and the ability to build trusted relationships across government, industry and the wider HE sector. You will also have a clear understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing higher education and the role universities play in driving regional and national economic development.

How to Apply

This is an exceptional opportunity to play a defining role in shaping the future of one of the UK’s oldest and most ambitious universities. To find out more and apply, please click here or contact Nick Edwards  n.edwards@abdn.ac.uk  for an informal discussion.

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