Midlands Innovation Assistant Director (fixed term) (FAB

Midlands Innovation is a strategic collaboration between eight research intensive universities in the Midlands which has operated for a decade. In this role you will have the opportunity to work with senior leaders from across eight universities in the region.   You will play a vital role in shaping the collaboration as it moves into its second decade and in advocating for the fantastic research and innovation that takes place across the partnership.

As Assistant Director you will be part of a small team that delivers on behalf of the partnership. You will work closely with university leaders, researchers and professional service staff to shape and deliver new collaborative initiatives, to share best practice between institutions and to champion the research and the people that do research in the Midlands.

You will be experienced in working in a collaborative partnership and balancing the needs of multiple stakeholders. You will be able to develop effective relationships with stakeholders and able to engage with staff at all levels from across the eight universities.

You will be degree educated (or have equivalent experience) and will have experience working in the Higher Education sector or in supporting research and innovation. Experience working in the Midlands is desirable. You must be able to demonstrate having successfully delivered complex collaborative initiatives with multiple stakeholders.

What we can offer you in return:

1.A friendly and diverse working environment

2.Hybrid working arrangements, with a blended approach to office and home working and the need to travel to partner universities

3.The unique opportunity to gain insights and experience working with stakeholders in eight universities and learn from the different approaches they take

4.Midlands Innovation is hosted by the University of Nottingham, as a result you will benefit from the generous employment packages which support the wellbeing of staff and support you to reach your full potential

5.As a University of Nottingham employee, you will an excellent choice of benefits and rewards including access to fitness and health facilities, staff discounts and travel schemes, along with 30 days' holiday allowance (plus additional university closure days) and a highly attractive pension scheme.

This role is offered on a full-time basis, initially available on a fixed term contract until the end of July 2026. Midlands Innovation members commit to the collaboration over a 5 year period which currently ends in July 2026. It is fully expected that the collaboration will continue and subject to the extension of the collaboration agreement it is expected that the contract would be extended to align with the ongoing collaboration.

Requests for secondment from internal candidates may be considered on the basis that prior agreement has been sought from both your current line manager and the manager of your substantive post, if you are already undertaking a secondment role.

Please contact (Helen Turner, h.turner@midlandsinnovation.org.uk) if you have any questions about this role. Please note that applications sent directly to this email address will not be accepted.

Closing Date: 05 Jun 2025 Category: Administrative, Professional and Managerial (APM)