Hybrid working available

Reporting to the Director of Enterprise and Engagement, the Head of Strategic Initiatives & Partnerships will be responsible for leading on the strategic business development and account management of key external partnerships with commercial, public and third sector organisations, whilst also maintaining and growing the existing partnership portfolio.

It will involve working with a range of senior stakeholders both internal and external on the development and management of partnership and funding initiatives, which are of strategic importance to the University and positively impact the wider economic area and community.


Responsibilities will include:

developing and overseeing a place-based approach to partnership development and funding initiatives in line with the regions’ needs and government priorities as per the Innovation Strategy and levelling up white paper.

working closely with the Directors and other Heads of function to support our ambitions to grow, protect and sustain our income from key strategic alliances, including UK Academic Partnerships, to deliver meaningful knowledge exchange and enterprise outcomes for the University.

being the point of contact with large funding bodies and innovation networks such as Innovate UK, KTNs, Catapults etc.

the establishment and management of a Strategic Projects Board to provide oversight and coordination of strategic initiatives and regional priorities at an institutional level.
working with a range of stakeholders, identification of opportunities through co-creation and collaboration resulting in the delivery of large-scale bids and consortia projects that are of strategic value to the University
The successful candidate will have experience in developing funding applications and securing partnership deals; proven track record of delivering significant projects/initiatives working with multiple stakeholders and at an organisational level; and be innovative and proactive with an outcome focused approach



The role will be based in Canterbury (with flexibility to work-from-home) and will involve travel throughout Kent and Medway.



Additional Information


Canterbury Christ Church University is located in the world famous Cathedral city amongst stunning history and heritage. Canterbury is a thriving international destination, with many students and staff choosing to study and work here, making this historic, cosmopolitan city vibrant and culturally diverse.


Canterbury Christ Church University is committed to equality of opportunity, supporting and encouraging underrepresented groups as well as valuing diversity. We promote wider inclusion through our policies such as the Race Equality Charter, StoneWall for LGBT+ groups and the Disability Confident Scheme, guaranteeing an interview to all disabled candidates which meet the essential criteria for our roles.


We aim to create an inclusive working culture in which all employees feel valued. We particularly welcome applications from disabled and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic candidates, which are currently underrepresented throughout Canterbury Christ Church. We are committed to improving employment opportunities for ethnic minorities. We also welcome applications from LGB, Trans and Non-binary candidates. All applications decisions and progression opportunities through the University will be determined by personal merit only.


#Equalityatcccu



How to apply



Start date for applications: Wednesday 10th August 2022
Closing date for applications: Tuesday 6th September 2022
Interviews are to be held: w/c 12th September (date tbc)



If you require further information regarding the post, please contact Abbie Kempe at abbie.kempe@canterbury.ac.uk (strictly no agencies, thank you) quoting reference number REQ03429



If you require further information regarding the application process please contact the Recruitment Team at hr.recruitment@canterbury.ac.uk quoting reference number REQ03429.


Please note applications must be made online via the University website; details sent directly via email cannot be considered.



Prior consideration will be given to applicants in the University’s redeployment pool. No agencies, thank you.