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- Tasks: Lead civic engagement and external relations to drive social impact and collaboration.
- Company: Bath Spa University, a hub for professional creativity and innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary and the chance to shape the future of education.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in communities while influencing regional policies.
- Qualifications: Higher academic qualification and substantial senior-level experience required.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team focused on meaningful partnerships and sustainable growth.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
At Bath Spa University, we believe in the power of education to break down barriers to opportunity and to transform lives. We are the Professionally Creative for the future. Professional Creativity transcends subject disciplines, and is just as important for our sciences, education, business and law subjects as it is for our sector leading creative industries provision. We connect learners, staff and external partners with applied research and innovation. We power inclusive growth through skills development and practice based, innovation – intensive learning for all.
As we bring our new Strategy 2035 to life, we’re looking for an inspirational senior leader to play a pivotal role in raising our profile and ensuring our work delivers genuine social, cultural and economic value across the Southwest of England, London and Birmingham. This role sits at the heart of our external representation and internal engagement, supporting the Vice‑Chancellor and senior colleagues to influence regional priorities and shape policy developments that matter.
You’ll lead the development and delivery of our External Engagement Strategy, while keeping a close eye on regional needs, opportunities and policy landscapes to ensure our senior leaders are informed, connected and positioned to make a meaningful impact. Through building strong and credible relationships with senior partners across local authorities, regional networks and key civic organisations, you’ll help us form collaborations that are both purposeful and sustainable.
Internally, you’ll bring together our work on communication, reputation and engagement, ensuring we speak with coherence and confidence as one University. You’ll take responsibility for managing senior staff within the Vice‑Chancellor’s Office and will lead strategically important projects that support our long‑term vision.
We’re looking for someone with a higher academic or professional qualification and substantial senior‑level experience within regional policy, partnership-building and stakeholder leadership. You’ll bring the interpersonal warmth, influencing skills and strategic insight needed to operate confidently at the highest levels, paired with strong commercial awareness and the ability to turn big ideas into financially sustainable, practical outcomes. Credible, values‑led, collaborative and creative, you’ll be someone who builds trust quickly and genuinely enjoys working with people.
If you’re motivated by impact, partnership and purpose, and you’re excited by the idea of helping shape Bath Spa University’s next decade, we encourage you to apply.
To apply click apply on website. For an informal conversation about the role, please contact our recruitment partners at GatenbySanderson: Manjit Mundair‑Lalli - manjit.mundair-lalli@gatenbysanderson.com
Closing date: 9am, Tuesday 28th April 2026
Executive Director of Civic Engagement and External Relations in Bath employer: Bath Spa University
Contact Detail:
Bath Spa University Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Executive Director of Civic Engagement and External Relations in Bath
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in your field. Attend events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential contacts on LinkedIn. Remember, it’s all about building those relationships that can lead to opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Research the organisation thoroughly. Understand their mission, values, and recent projects. This will not only help you tailor your conversations but also show that you’re genuinely interested in what they do. Plus, it’ll give you some great talking points during interviews!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions and scenarios related to civic engagement and external relations. Think about how your experience aligns with their goals and be ready to share specific examples of your past successes. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, if you have any questions or want to chat about the role, reach out to our recruitment partners. They’re here to help you navigate the process!
We think you need these skills to ace Executive Director of Civic Engagement and External Relations in Bath
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know Your Audience: Before you start writing, take a moment to understand who will be reading your application. Tailor your language and examples to resonate with Bath Spa University's values and mission. Show us that you get what we're all about!
Be Authentic: We want to hear your voice! Don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through in your application. Share your passion for civic engagement and how your experiences have shaped your approach to leadership.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Make sure to showcase your senior-level experience in regional policy and partnership-building. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to influence and create meaningful collaborations. We love a good story!
Follow the Application Instructions: It might sound basic, but following the application guidelines is crucial. Make sure you submit everything we ask for and double-check your work for any typos or errors. A polished application shows us you care!
How to prepare for a job interview at Bath Spa University
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into Bath Spa University's mission and values. Understand their Strategy 2035 and how your experience aligns with their goals. This will show that you're not just interested in the role, but genuinely invested in the university's vision.
✨Showcase Your Network
Be ready to discuss your existing relationships with local authorities and civic organisations. Highlight specific examples of how you've built partnerships in the past and how those experiences can benefit Bath Spa University. This demonstrates your ability to hit the ground running.
✨Demonstrate Strategic Insight
Prepare to talk about regional needs and policy landscapes. Bring examples of how you've influenced policy or shaped priorities in previous roles. This will illustrate your strategic thinking and ability to navigate complex environments effectively.
✨Engage with Warmth
During the interview, let your interpersonal skills shine. Be personable and approachable, as this role requires building trust quickly. Share anecdotes that reflect your collaborative spirit and how you enjoy working with diverse teams to achieve common goals.