Associate Director Heritage and Research

We are seeking an outstanding Associate Director of Heritage and Research to provide strategic leadership for the University’s heritage, archives, special collections and research services.

You will develop and deliver an ambitious vision for Archives and Special Collections, Research Services and digital heritage infrastructure. Working across the University and with external partners, you will ensure that our collections, digital resources and specialist services make a significant contribution to research, education, public engagement and the University’s reputation.

A key priority will be leading major externally funded programmes, including securing and delivering investment from The National Lottery Heritage Fund and other funders. You will balance preservation, access, teaching, research and community engagement while positioning the University as a nationally recognised leader in heritage innovation, sound heritage and digital collection development.

You will be an experienced and influential strategic leader with a strong track record in archives, heritage, libraries, research services, museums, cultural organisations or a related environment.

You will bring demonstrable experience of developing organisational strategy, leading transformation and managing professional or multidisciplinary teams through change and growth. You will also have experience of managing significant collections, research infrastructure or specialist services, alongside the ability to provide clear strategic direction in a complex organisation.

An effective communicator and relationship builder, you will be confident influencing senior stakeholders, developing compelling business cases and leading major programmes and projects. Strong financial and resource management skills will be essential, together with the ability to balance preservation, academic use, public engagement and institutional priorities.

Experience of securing and managing external funding, digital transformation, digital preservation, AI-enabled services or The National Lottery Heritage Fund programmes would be particularly valuable. You will share our commitment to innovation, collaboration, inclusion and continuous improvement.