The Open University

Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research, Enterprise & Scholarship)

Milton Keynes, Cardiff, Edinburgh or Belfast (requiring regular MK presence) | Competitive salary

The Open University (OU) is a public research university and the largest in the UK, with over 160,000 students. We are also unique, thanks to our flexible distance learning approach, open entry requirements and four nations reach. Over the last 50 years, millions of people of all ages and backgrounds have achieved their potential through studying with us.

Our focus on student success and widening access is complemented by our pedagogical innovation and research excellence. We invest around £50m per year in our academic community to deliver interdisciplinary, high-impact research, which benefits society, industry and students. Research and enterprise activity takes place in our four faculties and two research institutes, and across strategic themes such as Citizenship & Governance, International Development and Space Science. We partner with many research-intensive institutions through a dozen Doctoral Training Centres, and have notable strengths in disciplines spanning the Arts, Humanities, Social Sciences and STEM. Scholarship, which is the impact and learner benefit we seek to achieve from our research in teaching and learning, extends well beyond the OU’s student community, thanks to the OpenLearn hub and our long-standing partnerships with the BBC and FutureLearn.

We are now seeking an outstanding PVC (Research, Enterprise & Scholarship) to lead the continued development of the OU’s research portfolio as we prepare for the next REF cycle. Reporting directly to the Vice-Chancellor, the new PVC (RES) will ensure the OU maintains a strong research and impact profile that is recognised externally in REF and KEF exercises and by government, key stakeholders and global partners. S/he will be expected to build on and diversify our research income, lead the successful development and delivery of the next Research & Enterprise plan, and assume a broader institutional leadership role as a key member of the University Executive.

The appointed candidate, who will take up a permanent salaried professorship in any of our four faculties, will have gained significant relevant leadership experience in a university or other research-focused organisation. You must already hold a professorial position and have a significant research profile of repute, with a demonstrably successful track record of grant capture. And most importantly, you will be attracted to and excited by the OU’s unique nature and mission. The knowledge and empathy to operate credibly, as well as the interpersonal and communication skills to engage with a wide range of academic, government and industry partners, are essential.

This is a career-defining role that offers the opportunity to make a genuine difference to the lives of millions more people.

For the full job description, candidate specification and details of how to apply, please see: www.odgers.com/80096

Applications are invited by close of business on Friday 30 October 2020.

We promote diversity in employment and welcome applications from all sections of the community.