The Role and Department
Research and Innovation Services (RIS) is a professional services directorate at the heart of Durham University.
We provide expertise, leadership and support to academics and professional colleagues across the University for all research, research-related, knowledge exchange and economic development activities. Our aim is to strengthen Durham's role at the leading-edge of research and innovation, inspiring extraordinary change across the world and in our region. Our vision is to facilitate world-leading research and knowledge exchange through a high-performing, high-quality service.
As Head of Sector and Place Development you will be a senior manager within the Commercialisation, Economic Development and Policy (CEDP) Team reporting to the Director of Economic Development, Commercialisation and Policy.
The economic development agenda is developing rapidly across the North East of England, creating a significant opportunity for Durham University to strengthen its work supporting the economy, to contribute to the realisation of its vision of being an active and strongly engaged anchor institution in County Durham and the region.
The University is working closely with the County Council and the regions two Combined Authorities to support sector development and place-based economic growth, for example through the County Durham Economic Partnership which oversees the Durham Inclusive Economic strategy, and supporting regional initiatives like Investment Zones and the forthcoming Local Growth Plans. This work is closely connected to national economic policy, including both industrial policy and devolution.
This role will provide a leadership capacity within RIS to co-ordinate and enable this work across the University, connecting the University's research and skills development capacities to the growth ambitions of key industrial clusters and sectors, and connecting these to place based projects and interventions at key sites in County Durham and the wider region. Our aim is to maximise the positive impact of our research, skills and innovation activities and ensuring our contribution to future economic change in the region.
Working with professional staff within CEDP and with other teams within RIS, and with colleagues across University faculties, departments and institutes you will develop a clear understanding of the opportunities to support growth in these sectors and develop plans, interventions and projects which can deliver new partnerships and secure investment, delivering new and diversified income into the University
Currently based in the Mountjoy Building in the centre of Durham, from early 2025, the base location for this role will change from our Durham City Centre site to our exciting new professional services hub based at Boldon House. Boldon House is situated on the outskirts of Durham near the Arnison Centre in Pity Me. Boldon House will bring a number of professional services teams together in a vibrant office environment which supports collaborative working and is designed to embrace hybrid working. To find out more about this project, please visit this webpage: Boldon House - Durham University.
Further information about the role and the responsibilities is at the bottom of the job description.
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