Associate Dean, Research and Enterprise

FTE: 1.0 FTE (working 37 hours per week)

Duration of Contract: Permanent on a 5 year renewable tenure

Annual Leave: 35 days plus standard public holidays and an additional 4 days including the closure of our office between Christmas and New Year

Location: College Lane Campus, Hatfield

The School of Creative Arts is characterised by strong industry connections that underpin applied learning, research, enterprise and Knowledge Exchange. While the curriculum is enterprising one, with graduate outcomes prioritised, the most established and successful (in REF terms) research is in the Humanities area – demonstrably strong in both History/ Heritage and English.

The successful candidate will be expected to build on this by extending both the scope and quality of the School’s research impact, developing less established areas that have shown promise and potential to date. These include film, animation, gaming and immersive technologies, architecture and design, music and sound design, art therapy and the intersection between art and sciences.

Research and enterprise will be prioritised equally, particularly in relation to the need to grow income. Opportunities abound, for example, in relation to the burgeoning Propeller Film Stages project, where we are eager to optimise impact and capitalise on an array of compelling opportunities. We are seeking to appoint a leader with a proven track record in coordinating impactful research, aligned with a commercially minded focus on enhancing the bottom line. 

Main duties and responsibilities

The Associate Dean will provide leadership for growth, sustainability and vitality for research, enterprise and innovation. This leadership role will involve formulating and implementing initiatives that ensure the School’s strategic objectives are achieved in the on-going pursuit of quality and excellence for research and enterprise at the University.

Skills and experience required

You will have a demonstrable track record of research and/or enterprise leadership in an area aligned with the School, which has included leading on local policy initiatives, and turning plans into action. You will also have significant experience of research or commercialisation, and Knowledge Exchange, with a track record of delivering outputs and impact as well as securing funding appropriate to your field.

You will also have excellent communication skills and the ability to form good working relationships on an internal and external basis. A track record relating to postgraduate research including for example, experience of admissions, supervision and the examination of PGR students is essential, as is experience of the leadership of people and management of financial resources.

A high level of strategic thinking and planning to deliver against the University’s strategic plan for research and enterprise will be required, along with strong networking skills and in-depth understanding of the research and enterprise policy and funding landscape.

Qualifications required

You will have a Doctorate or equivalent level of training and experience. You will ideally be a Fellow of Advance HE (formerly the Higher Education Academy) and will be committed to becoming a Senior or Principal Fellow of Advance HE within your first 2 years in post.

Contact Details/Informal Enquiries: Dr Stephen Partridge, Dean of School, s.partridge@herts.ac.uk

Closing Date: 19 March 2026

Interview Date: 14 April 2026

Advert information