Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead regional engagement and innovation strategies to boost economic growth and community impact.
- Company: University of Aberdeen, a prestigious institution with a rich history and commitment to innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, dynamic work environment, and the chance to shape future education.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in higher education and regional development while leading impactful initiatives.
- Qualifications: Significant senior leadership experience in enterprise, innovation, or civic engagement.
- Other info: Join a collaborative team dedicated to driving positive change in the community.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 ÂŁ per year.
Founded in 1495, the University of Aberdeen is Scotland’s third oldest university and the fifth oldest in the UK. Today, we are recognised as one of the country’s leading institutions, ranked 18th in the UK by the Guardian University Guide 2026 and 23rd by the Times/Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026. Our education and impact are powered by world‑class research across five interdisciplinary priority areas: Energy Transition; Social Inclusion and Cultural Diversity; Environment and Biodiversity; Data and AI; and Health, Nutrition and Wellbeing. We are deeply committed to playing a leading role in the economic, social and cultural life of our region, working in partnership to deliver innovation, enterprise and inclusive growth locally, nationally and internationally.
We are seeking an outstanding senior leader to join the University as Vice‑Principal (Regional Engagement & Innovation). Reporting to the Principal and Vice‑Chancellor and working as a key member of the Senior Management Team, the Vice‑Principal will lead institutional strategy and policy for enterprise, innovation and civic engagement ensuring the University makes a strong contribution to regional prosperity and economic growth.
The Vice‑Principal will provide strategic and operational leadership across the regional engagement and innovation portfolio, embedding enterprise and civic impact within School Plans and wider institutional activity. Working closely with internal and external partners, the role will ensure alignment between new ventures, regional initiatives and the University’s Aberdeen 2040 strategy.
Key responsibilities include:
- Overseeing delivery of the University’s Knowledge Exchange and Innovation Fund (KEIF) strategy;
- Representing the University within the regional, national and international enterprise and innovation ecosystem;
- Leading engagement with major initiatives such as the Aberdeen City Region Deal and the North East Scotland Investment Zone.
As an anchor institution, the University of Aberdeen plays a central role in the economic, social and cultural life of the North East of Scotland.
The Vice‑Principal (Regional Engagement & Innovation) will be supported by the Dean for Enterprise & Innovation and colleagues across the Directorate of Research and Innovation, Public Affairs and Stakeholder Engagement, and wider professional service teams.
You will be a dynamic, outward‑facing leader with significant experience in enterprise, innovation and/or civic engagement, and a strong track record of delivering external impact through education, research and partnership. You will bring substantial senior leadership experience within academia or a similarly complex organisation with the ability to operate strategically and collaboratively.
You will demonstrate excellent communication and influencing skills, credibility in representing the institution externally, and the ability to build trusted relationships across government, industry and the wider HE sector. You will also have a clear understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing higher education and the role universities play in driving regional and national economic development.
This is an exceptional opportunity to play a defining role in shaping the future of one of the UK’s oldest and most ambitious universities.
Please Note: If you are unable to complete an application online, please contact the Recruitment Team to make alternative arrangements for submitting your application within plenty of time before the advertised post closes.
Vice-Principal (Regional Engagement & Innovation) in Scotland employer: University Of Aberdeen
Contact Detail:
University Of Aberdeen Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Vice-Principal (Regional Engagement & Innovation) in Scotland
✨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 folks on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the university’s recent initiatives and projects. Show us that you’re not just interested in the role but also passionate about our mission. Tailor your responses to highlight how your experience aligns with our goals in regional engagement and innovation.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Do mock interviews with friends or mentors to get comfortable with common questions. Focus on articulating your vision for the role and how you can contribute to the University of Aberdeen’s strategic objectives.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our team and making an impact in the region.
We think you need these skills to ace Vice-Principal (Regional Engagement & Innovation) in Scotland
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know Your Audience: Before you start writing, take a moment to understand who you're addressing. The University of Aberdeen is looking for a dynamic leader, so make sure your application reflects your leadership style and experience in enterprise and innovation.
Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send a generic application! Highlight your relevant experience and how it aligns with the role of Vice-Principal. Use specific examples that showcase your impact in previous roles, especially in civic engagement and regional development.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your writing clear and to the point. Avoid jargon unless it's necessary, and make sure your key achievements stand out. We want to see your strengths without wading through unnecessary fluff!
Apply Through Our Website: Make sure to submit your application through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss any important details. Plus, it shows you’re tech-savvy!
How to prepare for a job interview at University Of Aberdeen
✨Know Your Impact
Before the interview, dive deep into the University of Aberdeen's recent initiatives and their impact on regional engagement and innovation. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals, especially in areas like enterprise and civic engagement.
✨Showcase Strategic Thinking
Prepare examples that demonstrate your strategic leadership skills. Think about times when you've successfully led initiatives that required collaboration across various stakeholders, and be ready to articulate how you can contribute to the University’s Aberdeen 2040 strategy.
✨Build Relationships
Highlight your ability to build trusted relationships with external partners. Share specific instances where you've engaged with government, industry, or other educational institutions to drive innovation and economic growth.
✨Communicate Clearly
Practice articulating your vision and ideas clearly and confidently. Given the importance of communication in this role, consider preparing a brief pitch about how you would approach the Vice-Principal position and its responsibilities.
