Director of Careers and Employability

As the Director of Careers and Employability you will provide strategic leadership for the University's careers, employability and enterprise agenda, shaping institutional policy, performance and reputation in relation to graduate outcomes and student success.

You will initially lead on the establishment of a University-wide Careers and Employability Service as part of a Service Development Programme, and will provide strategic oversight of Arts Temps, ensuring that both support the University's long-term ambitions and commitment to preparing graduates for successful and sustainable careers.   

You will define and deliver a university-wide employability strategy, driving organisational change to embed employability, enterprise and skills development throughout the student lifecycle. Working in partnership with academic and professional services leaders, you will influence curriculum development, strengthen industry engagement and ensure that students are equipped with the knowledge, skills and experiences needed to thrive in a changing world of work. 

Building strong relationships across the University and with external stakeholders will be central to success in the role. You will represent the University nationally and internationally, developing partnerships with employers, sector bodies and policymakers that enhance student opportunities and strengthen the University's reputation for innovation and impact. 

About the Department 

Careers and Employability plays a central role in supporting students and graduates to develop the skills, experiences and industry connections needed to succeed across the creative and cultural sectors. Working collaboratively across the University, the service supports the integration of employability within the curriculum, delivers innovative careers education and guidance, develops employer partnerships and leads institutional initiatives that enhance graduate outcomes and student success. 

The Department also oversees the University's Creative Skills Framework and Arts Temps, creating opportunities for students and graduates to gain valuable professional experience while supporting the University's wider strategic ambitions.  

About you

You will be an accomplished and influential leader with significant experience of leading careers, employability, enterprise or student success services within a complex higher or further education environment. You will have a track record of delivering strategic change, improving organisational performance and leading high-performing teams.

You will bring a strong understanding of employability, skills development and graduate outcomes, together with deep knowledge of the creative and cultural industries and the opportunities and challenges facing future talent pipelines. You will be experienced in working across organisational boundaries, building effective partnerships with academic leaders, employers and external stakeholders to deliver shared objectives.

The successful candidate will demonstrate strong commercial and financial acumen, with experience of managing significant budgets, resources and, ideally, commercial or income-generating activity. You will be highly credible in senior environments, able to communicate with influence, interpret complex data and provide confident strategic advice to executive leaders and governing bodies. 

Most importantly, you will be passionate about student success and committed to creating an inclusive environment where all students can develop the skills, confidence and experience needed to achieve their ambitions.

Closing date: 6^th August 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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