Edge Hill University is a thriving and ambitious modern university, nationally recognised for the quality of its student experience, teaching excellence, and research impact. With a diverse community of around 15,000 students across the Faculties of Arts and Sciences, Education, and Health, Social Care and Medicine, Edge Hill continues to play a vital role as an anchor institution in its region while expanding its influence nationally and internationally.
Following the appointment of our new Vice-Chancellor, Professor Michael Young, this is an exciting time to join Edge Hill as we shape our next Strategic Plan and further strengthen our reputation as a sector-leading institution.
We are now seeking an exceptional leader to take up the role of Deputy Vice-Chancellor (External Engagement and Business Development). This is a pivotal appointment for the University, responsible for leading our strategic interface with the world and ensuring our income growth, partnerships, and external profile deliver meaningful civic, regional, national, and global impact.
As a key member of the University Executive, the DVC will provide strategic leadership across a wide-ranging external portfolio. This includes oversight of home and international student recruitment, executive responsibility for research and knowledge exchange, innovation and commercial activity, civic and industry partnerships, alumni relations, and development. You will integrate academic leadership with commercial acumen to drive growth, diversify income streams, and enhance Edge Hill’s visibility and influence across the UK and internationally.
The DVC will play a central role in building long-term, purposeful relationships with business, industry, local government, and the voluntary and public sectors, as well as with international partners and networks. You will be responsible for shaping the University’s reputation management and rankings strategy and for ensuring that our research, teaching, and engagement activities are fully aligned with our civic responsibilities and global ambitions.
We are seeking a dynamic, outward-facing leader who possesses either academic or professional service leadership with an exceptional track record in external engagement. You will bring significant experience of leading enterprise, research, and commercial initiatives, alongside demonstrable success in generating income through student recruitment, partnerships, research funding, and knowledge exchange. With a visible and authentic leadership style, you will be an inspiring ambassador for the University, able to connect research, teaching, and civic responsibility in ways that maximise impact and unlock opportunity.
This is an outstanding opportunity to join a values-driven and ambitious university at a pivotal moment in its journey. Working alongside the Vice-Chancellor and the wider Executive, you will have the scope to shape Edge Hill’s external strategy, extend its national and international profile, and deliver lasting impact for the University and the communities it serves.
Edge Hill University has engaged the services of Perrett Laver to assist with the appointment process.
For details of the appointment, including further information about the job description, person specification and how to apply, please click on the 'Additional Details' button below. The job reference number is 8032.
The closing date for applications is 09.00am GMT on Monday 27th October 2025.
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