Job Description
Leeds School of Arts is a significant creative community at the heart of one of the UK’s most dynamic cultural cities. Bringing together over 3,000 students and 200 staff across art, design, architecture, film, music, performance and creative technologies, the School plays a central role in Leeds Beckett University and in the wider Leeds City Region.
At its centre sits the £90m Leeds School of Arts building – the University’s largest ever capital investment – providing a distinctive environment for creative education and practice‑led research. The School is deeply embedded in the city’s cultural and creative industries, with strong and established relationships across the regional ecosystem.
Leeds Beckett University is a modern, professional university with a clear civic mission to make a positive and decisive difference to people, communities and organisations. The University is financially stable and has established a leading position in knowledge exchange, ranking within the top quintile nationally alongside research‑intensive institutions.
This is a pivotal leadership role that will contribute to the University’s research and knowledge exchange strategy, while providing strategic and operational leadership for research and knowledge exchange within the Leeds School of Arts. Reporting to the Dean and working closely with the Pro Vice‑Chancellor for Research and Knowledge Exchange, and the Director of Research across the University, the postholder will play a central role in shaping the direction and development of research and knowledge exchange within the School.
As a leadership role within a collegiate and supportive academic environment, the School operates within a flat organisational structure. The role requires a hands‑on and engaged approach, working through influence and collaboration.
Responsibilities
* Provide strategic and operational leadership for research and knowledge exchange within Leeds School of Arts.
* Shape the direction and development of research and knowledge exchange within the School.
* Support staff and students to develop and enhance their research activity.
* Collaborate closely with the Pro Vice‑Chancellor for Research and Knowledge Exchange and the Director of Research across the University.
* Act as an ambassador for the School and articulate a clear and coherent narrative for research and knowledge exchange internally and externally.
Qualifications & Experience
* Strong international profile in research and knowledge exchange leadership.
* Clear understanding of the UK research landscape.
* Experience supporting others to develop research activity.
* Strong ambassadorial skills and a pragmatic, inclusive approach.
Application Information
Candidates should apply for this role through our retained advisors Networked at https://www.networkedpeople.com/lsa-research-director/
The deadline for receipt of applications is midnight on Tuesday 5th May 2026.
Informal questions regarding the post should be directed to Hamish Laing at Networked via hamish.laing@networkedpeople.com or +44 (0)7861 329463.
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