At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the development of engagement strategies and grow external partnerships.
- Company: Lancaster University, a prestigious institution focused on excellence in education and research.
- Benefits: Competitive salary uplift, research support, and a collaborative work environment.
- Other info: This is an interim role until July 2027, offering a unique opportunity for current employees.
- Why this job: Make a significant impact on the university's reputation and engage with diverse stakeholders.
- Qualifications: Senior Lecturer level or above with leadership experience in academic settings.
The predicted salary is between 58500 - 71500 £ per year.
We are seeking an individual to lead the development and implementation of the University's strategy as it relates to Engagement within LUMS. You will have had leadership experience gained, for example, as part of the management team of academic departments, project leadership or work with external organisations.
The role is designed to lead the School's engagement activities and grow external partnerships and networks to support our excellence in education and research, develop new income streams and lead activities that further the development of our reputation and profile. You will be responsible for identifying and developing new areas of business and for energising and stimulating mutually beneficial engagement across all of our disciplines.
You should have a good understanding of the business and management engagement context and have excellent external networks, for example with business, government, professional bodies, employers and community groups. Candidates should be members of academic staff within LUMS at Senior Lecturer level or above and must hold a substantive post that exceeds the duration of the term of appointment.
You should have experience of a departmental leadership role and sufficient expertise to enable you to lead with credibility - these experiences do not need to be limited to Lancaster University. You will have the ability to lead by influence, work collaboratively and within a matrix structure, have excellent communication skills and represent the faculty in a variety of fora.
Excellent communication, negotiation and influencing skills are essential, as is the ability to work well as part of a team, both as a leader and as a supportive team member. You should demonstrate enthusiasm and a commitment to the University's Engagement Strategy and to the development of the school's brand, visibility, reputation, accreditation and rankings.
As a member of FLG you will have collective responsibility for delivering the school's objectives and for helping to develop a positive and supportive culture that enables individual and organisational success.
Please note: this job is only available to current employees of Lancaster University. This is an interim appointment until July 2027. The appointed candidate will be allocated 50% workload allowance for the role and the department from which the Interim Associate Dean comes will receive annually a salary transfer (pro-rata). Additionally, the appointed candidate will receive an unconsolidated, non-superannuable salary uplift. This is equivalent to one increment for staff on the professorial scale or two increments for staff on Grade 9 plus a £3,000 allowance per annum to support research, knowledge transfer, scholarly activity, and/or educational enhancement which may be paid into salary or Personal Research Account (PRA).
Interim Associate Dean, Engagement employer: Lancaster University
Lancaster University is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and inclusive work environment that prioritises student wellbeing and success. With a strong commitment to professional development, employees benefit from flexible working arrangements and opportunities to lead impactful initiatives in widening participation. Located in the vibrant city of Lancaster, staff enjoy a supportive culture that values diversity and fosters collaboration across disciplines.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Interim Associate Dean, Engagement
✨Leverage Your Network
Tap into your existing network in corporate circles—friends, former colleagues, or even acquaintances from industry events. A temporary role often isn't widely advertised, so having someone inside a company like Lancaster University can give you the inside scoop or even a referral.
✨Stay Alert for Short-term Opportunities
Many corporate leadership roles are filled during peak business cycles or project launches. Keep your eyes peeled for announcements or staffing needs from companies like Lancaster University; they might be looking for temporary support during busy times.
✨Showcase Your Flexibility
In temporary roles, adaptability is key. When you're chatting with potential employers, emphasise your ability to quickly adjust to new challenges and demands. Highlight specific instances where you've successfully managed change or stepped into new projects on short notice.
✨Join Corporate Management Forums
Get involved in online corporate management forums or local business groups. Networking in these spaces can help you discover temporary opportunities as well as gather insights about industry trends. Plus, being active in these communities can help you establish yourself as a knowledgeable candidate when applying to places like Lancaster University.
We think you need these skills to ace Interim Associate Dean, Engagement
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Leadership Experience:For a role in corporate leadership management, it’s crucial to emphasise your past leadership experiences. Mention specific projects where you led teams or initiatives, detailing the outcomes and skills you developed. This shows that you understand what it takes to guide a team and deliver results.
Show Your Adaptability for Temporary Roles:Since this is a temporary position, employers will be looking for someone who can hit the ground running. In your cover letter, explain why you're interested in a temporary role at Lancaster University and how your previous experience equips you to adapt quickly to new challenges.
Include Relevant Certifications:If you have any certifications in project management, team leadership, or similar areas, definitely include them in your CV. These credentials can set you apart from other applicants, showing you’re not just qualified but also committed to your professional growth.
Tailor Your CV to the Company Culture:Take some time to research Lancaster University's values and leadership style. Adjust your CV language and examples to reflect their culture, demonstrating that you're not only a good fit for the job itself but for the organisation as a whole. This adds a personal touch that can really make your application stand out.
How to prepare for a job interview at Lancaster University
✨Show Off Your Leadership Stories
For a temporary role in corporate leadership management, we want to hear your stories! Think of specific examples where you’ve led teams or projects successfully, particularly under tight deadlines or challenging situations. This isn't just about what you did, but how your actions positively impacted the team or the business.
✨Be Ready for Situational Questions
Expect situational interview questions where you'll need to demonstrate your problem-solving and decision-making skills. Think of common scenarios in corporate settings, like managing a conflict or implementing a new strategy, and practice articulating your thought process and outcomes. This will help show off your ability to navigate corporate complexities.
✨Talk Strategy, Not Just Tasks
In a temporary leadership role, understanding the bigger picture is crucial. Brush up on strategic management principles and be prepared to discuss how you can quickly adapt and contribute to the company's objectives. Consider how you would initiate change or drive efficiency within a limited time frame—this will show that you're ready to hit the ground running!
✨Demonstrate Flexibility and Adaptability
Given the temporary nature of this position, we need to see how adaptable you are! Think of examples where you've had to adjust your leadership style or approach based on team dynamics or company culture. We want to know how you can blend in quickly while still making an impact during a short-term engagement.
