Associate Director Heritage and Research

Overview

In this role you will provide strategic leadership for the University’s heritage, archives, special collections and research services. You will shape an ambitious vision for Archives, Special Collections, Research Services and digital heritage infrastructure, collaborating across the University and with external partners. You will drive major externally funded programmes and balance preservation, access, teaching, research and community engagement to enhance the University’s reputation as a leader in heritage innovation. You’ll lead transformation, manage multidisciplinary teams, and secure funding to deliver impact in research and public engagement.

Pay / Benefits

• competitive salary package
• excellent pension scheme
• generous annual leave
• career development opportunities
• supportive and collaborative environment

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for heritage, archives, special collections and research services
• Develop and deliver an ambitious vision for Archives and Special Collections, Research Services and digital heritage infrastructure
• Lead major externally funded programmes and secure investment from funders such as The National Lottery Heritage Fund
• Balance preservation, access, teaching, research and community engagement
• Influence senior stakeholders and develop compelling business cases
• Lead transformation and manage professional multidisciplinary teams through change
• Oversee management of significant collections and research infrastructure
• Drive digital transformation, digital preservation and AI-enabled services
• Position the University as a national leader in heritage innovation and digital collection development

Key requirements

• Experience in archives, heritage, libraries, research services, museums or related field
• Proven track record in developing organisational strategy and leading transformation
• Ability to manage significant collections and research infrastructure
• Strong communication skills and ability to influence senior stakeholders
• Experience in securing and managing external funding
• Financial and resource management capability
• Experience with digital transformation and digital preservation; knowledge of AI-enabled services is advantageous

• Influential leadership
• Effective communicator
• Relationship builder
• Digital transformation
• Digital preservation
• AI-enabled services

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