Deputy Director of the Institute for Cultural Innovation

Hours:14.8

Part time permanent

Introduction to York St John and the Institute for Cultural Innovation

York St John is an ambitious, modern university with campuses in the heart of historic York and London. As one of the fastest growing universities in the UK over recent years, we have a new strategy for the next decade. Central to our ambition across both campuses is an unwavering commitment to academic excellence and widening opportunity through the power of education, utilising our talents to create a fairer world and more prosperous region. 

At York St John, the inspirational learning and impactful research at the heart of our vision is supported by the Institute for Social Justice (ISJ), created in 2020, and the Institute for Health and Care Improvement (IHCI), formed in 2023. These institutes play a vital role in shaping our community’s culture and values, vitalising staff research and knowledge transfer activities, and providing direction for our expanding PGR provision. 

The final piece in York St John’s tripartite research infrastructure, the Institute for Cultural Innovation will be launched in 2027.   The ICI will be a national and international model of inclusive cultural leadership and activity, working alongside and in collaboration with the ISJ and IHCI to build on the university’s strong reputation for social impact. The third institute will devise an ambitious, diverse programme of research activities that take a bottom-up, holistic approach to cultural engagement and economies, attuned to local, national, and international audiences, creative practitioners, and service users. By challenging the hierarchies that have shaped exclusion across the arts and humanities, the institute will drive sector innovation by expanding the reach and relevance of cultural and heritage initiatives and their economic and societal benefits. As such, the Institute will provide timely leadership in response to the new significance of the creative industries in the 2025 Industrial Strategy and regional initiatives such as Our Great Creative North, the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority Growth Plan, and the York Cultural Strategy.

The role

York St John is committed to building diverse academic leadership and particularly welcomes applications from groups currently underrepresented in the cultural and heritage sector. 

We are seeking a deputy director to support the development of this new institute, providing strategic leadership across its portfolio of research-led cultural activities; coordinating and delivering projects to build capacity and enhance the vitality of York St John University’s research culture; advancing ethical, intersectional, and inclusive approaches to creative sector innovation; developing and maintaining close links with regional, national, and international organisations and stakeholders.  

Required skills and experience 

Commensurate with an appointment at Grade 9, the successful candidate will demonstrate a strong record of internationally excellent research outputs, either in standard form or practice-based, alongside the capacity to supervise PGRs, develop partnerships and initiate income generation in fields within the remit of the arts, culture, and heritage sector.

Evidence of collaborative and interdisciplinary research activity would be a distinct advantage.  Evidence of collegial leadership, exceptional interpersonal skills, mentorship, and contribution to inclusive academic environments will be particularly valued. Flexible patterns of engagement will be agreed to reflect the fractional nature of the appointment. 

Additional information

For informal enquiries please contact Vanessa Corby at V.Corby@yorksj.ac.uk

It is anticipated that the selection process will include an interview and a presentation. Further details will be provided if you are shortlisted for interview.

Unfortunately this role is not eligible for Skilled Worker Visa sponsorship however we welcome your application if you are able to evidence right to work in the UK via an alternative route.

Closing date - Wednesday 1^st July 2026 at midnight

Provisional interview date - Monday 20^th July 2026