About the role

As one of three AHRC Directors, a member of AHRCs Executive Chair and Directors group and Senior Management Team, as well as a member of AHRC Council, you will share leadership responsibility for c.120 staff and a budget of c.£200m. Additionally, you will also share leadership responsibility for staff and budget at UKRI International. 

We are looking for a strong leader with an in-depth knowledge and consistent record of delivering sophisticated strategic change at organisational and system level in the public and / or private sectors. You will have the ability to strategically lead and sponsor major cross cutting projects that have high level of impact and secure return on investment. 

You will lead and inspire a diverse set of high-calibre multidisciplinary teams and will work in close partnership with a very wide network of internal and external bodies, including government, charitable sector and key industry partners nationally and internationally, to develop strategic direction and actions that can help improve the organisational efficiency and effectiveness and public standing of AHRC. 

About you 

You will have: 

  • Evidence of operating in a senior leadership position within an organisation with a similarly focused remit in either the public or private sectors, including staff management 
  • Understanding of and appreciation of the contribution of arts and humanities 
  • Strong project leadership expertise with experience of providing effective delivery within strong governance and assurance protocols 
  • Demonstrable understanding of finance and budgetary responsibilities at a senior level
  • Strong communication skills with the ability to establish credibility internally and externally in a complex environment with stakeholders at all levels of seniority 
  • Ability to lead and direct resource through change and to support the development of robust plans to deliver immediate priorities and strengthen medium and long-term capability 
  • Dedication to upholding and promoting equality and diversity policies from workforce planning to strategy development. 

    • Please contact seniorrecruitment@ukri.org for a full copy of the candidate pack which includes the full responsibilities and requirements of the role. 

    Key information

    The closing date for applications is 11th September 2022.
    1st stage interviews are scheduled to take place w/c 26th September 2022 and 2nd stage interviews on w/c 3rd October 2022 both stages will be held in person in Swindon, Wiltshire. 
    Dates are subject to change. 

    About The Arts and Humanities Research Council 

    The AHRC supports world-class research that furthers our understanding of human culture and creativity. It supports research and postgraduate training in a wide range of subject areas, from ancient history and heritage science to modern dance and digital content. Research into these areas helps us to interpret our experiences, probe our identities, interrogate our cultural assumptions and understand our historical, social, economic and political context. It adds to the economic success of the UK, through its contributions to the knowledge economy and innovation agenda. The research we fund can lead to improvements in social and intellectual capital, community identity, learning skills, technological evolution and the quality of life of the nation.

    Further details can be found via the following links: https://ahrc.ukri.org/

    About UK Research Innovation (UKRI) 

    UKRI is an organisation that brings together the seven disciplinary research councils, Research England and Innovate UK. Together, we build an independent organisation with a strong voice and vision ensuring the UK maintains its world-leading position in research and innovation. 

    Supporting some of the worlds most exciting and challenging research projects, we develop and operate some of the most remarkable scientific facilities in the world. We are pushing the frontiers of human knowledge through fundamental research and delivering benefits for UK society and the economy through world-class research, skills and business-led innovation. 

    More information can be found at www.ukri.org.

    Choosing to come to work at UKRI means that you will have access to a whole host of benefits from a defined benefit pension scheme, excellent holiday entitlement, access to employee shopping/travel discounts and salary sacrifice cycle to work scheme. For more details, visit benefits of working for UKRI.

    How we support EDI in the workforce 

    At UKRI, we believe that everyone has a right to be treated with dignity and respect, and to be provided with equal opportunities to thrive and succeed in an environment that enables them to do so. We also value diversity of thought and experience within inclusive groups, organisations and the wider community. For further information, please visit How we support EDI in the workforce. 

    Disability Confident Employer

    As users of the disability confident scheme, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the vacancy/ies. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.