Development Director (ED

A Strategic Opportunity to Drive Regional Economic Innovation: Development Director at the Brunel Centre

This role presents a compelling opportunity for a strategic and dynamic leader to make a significant impact on regional economic research and development. As a Development Director at the Brunel Centre, you will be at the heart of a groundbreaking initiative, fostering collaboration between UWE Bristol, the University of Bath, and Futures West. Funded by the Research England RED Fund, the Brunel Centre is poised to become a pivotal hub for economic data, research, knowledge exchange, and policy innovation. If you are driven by the prospect of shaping economic futures and building impactful partnerships, this role offers a unique platform to do so.

Key Advantages for Your Career Path:

• Pioneering Initiative: You will be instrumental in the early stages of a vital and forward-thinking centre, contributing directly to its success and long-term vision. This is a chance to shape something from the ground up.
• Strategic Influence: This position offers significant autonomy and responsibility in leading external income generation, stakeholder engagement, and partnership development. Your strategic decisions will have a tangible effect on the centre's growth and influence.
• Collaborative Ecosystem: Working within a partnership of esteemed academic institutions and regional bodies provides a rich environment for cross-disciplinary learning and innovation. You will build a robust network of contacts across academia, business, and the public sector.
• Regional Impact: The role is deeply embedded in understanding and influencing the economic landscape of the West of England and the wider South West. You will contribute to tangible regional development and policy innovation.
• Professional Growth and Development: The University of Bath offers a comprehensive benefits package, including a wide range of personal and professional development opportunities, a generous pension scheme, and a strong commitment to work-life balance. The potential for longer-term employment as the centre grows is also a significant advantage.

Key Considerations for Aspiring Candidates:

• Proven Leadership and Business Development Acumen: The role demands a candidate with a demonstrable track record in strategy and/or business development, ideally within a business, university, or public sector setting.
• Partnership and Funding Expertise: Successful candidates will have hands-on experience in managing partnerships, navigating procurement and contracting, and a proven ability to secure research and innovation funding.
• Exceptional Interpersonal and Communication Skills: The ability to build trust and cultivate strong relationships with diverse stakeholders, both academic and commercial, is paramount. You must thrive in collaborative environments and possess excellent communication skills.
• Regional Contextual Understanding: A solid understanding of the regional policy landscape of the West of England and the research areas the Brunel Centre will focus on is essential for strategic alignment and effective engagement.
• Fixed-Term Contract with Potential for Extension: While the initial contract is fixed-term until March 2030, there is a strong indication that the role is a key component in establishing the centre's sustainability, suggesting a strong possibility of longer-term employment. Candidates should be comfortable with this initial structure.

This is an exceptional opportunity for an ambitious professional seeking to leverage their expertise in a role that combines strategic leadership, influential relationship building, and a direct contribution to regional economic prosperity. If you are ready to embrace this challenge and shape the future of economic policy, we encourage you to explore this exciting prospect.