Associate Dean of Knowledge Exchange

The opportunity  

London College of Fashion, UAL, is seeking an exceptional senior academic leader to join us as Associate Dean of Knowledge Exchange (ADKE), based at our landmark East Bank campus in Stratford.

This is a rare opportunity to shape and champion the College's knowledge exchange agenda at a pivotal moment in its history. You will work at the heart of one of the world's leading creative institutions, bridging the worlds of academic scholarship, industry, community and public policy to deliver meaningful, lasting impact.

As ADKE, you will lead the development and delivery of knowledge exchange strategy across the College and at UAL level, cultivating partnerships with community, government and industry stakeholders both nationally and internationally. You will foster dynamic communities of practice, enabling cutting-edge academic thinking to flow into industry and society — while ensuring that community-led insight enriches our curriculum in return.

Alongside strategic leadership, you will maintain your own academic or artistic practice and support colleagues to do the same, contributing to a vibrant research and KE culture that reflects the College's distinctive creative mission.

We are looking for a compelling communicator and experienced leader with a strong track record in higher education and the creative industries, who thrives on building relationships, identifying new opportunities, and driving innovation.

About you

You will bring a postgraduate qualification and a strong track record in higher education, with demonstrable knowledge of the creative industries. An experienced leader and manager, you will have a proven ability to manage resources, influence strategy, and deliver complex projects with long-term impact.

You will be an engaging and adaptable communicator, equally at home with academic colleagues, industry partners, and community stakeholders. You will have experience building effective teams and cross-organisational networks, with a genuine commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.

A record of research, scholarly activity or professional practice in your specialist area is essential, as is the ability to apply that expertise to develop learning and drive innovation across the institution.

To be considered for this role, a satisfactory Basic DBS check is required in addition to our standard pre-employment checks.

We are UAL

University of the Arts London (UAL) generates and inspires the creativity the world needs for a better future. Since 1842, our colleges have been defining creative education. With curiosity, imagination and intent we make work which creates lasting change for people and our planet. London is core to who we are, a place where we meet and share ideas with people from different backgrounds and cultures.

Closing date: 20th April 2026, 23:55.

UAL is committed to creating diverse and inclusive environments for all staff and students to work and learn – a university where we can be ourselves and reach our full potential. We offer a range of family friendly, inclusive employment policies, flexible working arrangements and Staff Support Networks. We welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds, including race, disability, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion and belief, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, and caring responsibility.

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