Director of Policy & Skills, National Innovation Centre for Data (NICD)
Requisition ID: 29272
Location: Newcastle, GB
Contract Type: Open Ended
Working Pattern: Full Time
Posted Date: 27 Apr 2026
Closing Date: 24 May 2026
The Role
This is an excellent opportunity to join the UK’s National Innovation Centre for Data (NICD) as a member of the leadership team. You will develop and lead the Centre’s policy and skills activities, improving productivity through data and AI by transferring in‑demand data science and AI skills into UK organisations. You will also lead initiatives that enhance Newcastle University’s skills offer to students.
Key Accountabilities
* Develop close links to national and regional AI skills policy makers to influence government policy.
* Lead bids to secure significant project income from programmes that deliver against AI skills policies.
* Design AI skills programmes aimed at industry and the public sector.
* Contribute to the development of Newcastle University’s student offer by leveraging NICD’s real‑world projects.
* Manage the delivery of AI skills programmes by the NICD team.
* Develop and monitor KPIs for skills programme delivery, ensuring all key deadlines are met.
* Lead rigorous, pedagogically sound programme evaluation to enable continuous improvement and influence future policies.
* Act as a senior communicator and main AI policy and skills interface for NICD, both internally and externally.
* Represent NICD at regional, national and international events.
* Contribute to long‑term strategic plans for the Centre.
* Contribute to daily operational management for the Centre.
* Perform any other duties within the scope and general nature of the grade which may be required.
* Work inclusively and respectfully with individuals from a wide range of backgrounds, recognising diverse perspectives and balancing academic freedom.
The Person (Essential)
Knowledge, Skills and Experience
* Highly developed knowledge and experience of the principles, theory, and practice of AI skills programmes for industry and the public sector.
* Experience contributing to AI skills policy development.
* Experience delivering industry‑focused skills programmes.
* Proven ability to lead, empathise, inspire confidence and foster a team‑based approach.
* Successful experience building and maintaining trusted relationships with stakeholder groups internally and externally.
* An emerging or established external profile in AI skills, e.g. engagement through regional and national events.
Attributes and Behaviour
* Articulate, confident and politically adept communicator, able to handle difficult situations and challenge where necessary.
* Initiate and develop new ideas and approaches to ensure future success.
Qualifications
* Professional qualification with a PhD or equivalent experience, combined with significant relevant management and leadership experience in the AI skills area, and proven success in this area.
Equal Opportunities & Diversity
Newcastle University is a global university that treats everyone with dignity and respect. We are an equal opportunities employer and encourage applications from individuals who can complement our existing teams. We are a Disability Confident employer and offer interview support for disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria. We hold a Gold Athena Swan award and a Race Equality Charter Bronze award, and we support researchers through the Euraxess initiative.
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