Associate Director, Social Purpose Transformation

THIS JOB HAS NOW CLOSED

The opportunity

University of the Arts London (UAL) is looking for an Associate Director of Social Purpose Transformation to play a vital role in the implementation and embedding of our social purpose across teaching, research, operations and external relations. This is an exciting new job in a major £400m institution which has publicly declared its intention to be led by its social purpose: a pioneering decision, not just for a university, but for any organisation of this scale.

This is a keystone role within our newly formed Social Purpose Lab. The Social Purpose Lab is at the centre of the university’s ambition to put social purpose at the heart of everything we do. You will help drive the necessary changes to ensure we fulfil our social purpose, through building relationships, influencing and partnering, and applying and translating research and analysis into sustainable action for lasting transformation.

You will champion, challenge and co-ordinate teams across the university, ensuring a commitment to social purpose that is driven by every person across the student and staff body. You will work with partners, college functions and departments to guide decision-making around our social purpose agenda, co-designing and testing new pathways that facilitates a deeper positive impact. You will also conduct, commission or co-produce research of the university’s most significant social impacts, utilising this key information to prioritise the changes needed to deliver our social purpose goals.

About you

This is a varied role which could suit people from a wide variety of backgrounds. Candidates will have experience ideally in one or more of the following areas:

• Complex project / programme management
• Senior consultancy
• Organisational development or change management
• High-level partnership working
• Leadership of analysis, research, or evaluation

You will demonstrate a strongly analytical mindset, along with the ability to think strategically and prioritise resources accordingly.

You will possess a collaborative, inclusive and egalitarian working style, with the ability to inspire your colleagues to think differently, and to coach your team towards success. You will have a proven track record of ‘soft influencing’ and will be able to lead beyond your team to tactfully steer the decisions of seniors and peers.

A demonstrable commitment to positive social and environmental impact is essential, along with long-term resilience, stamina and persistence.

We are offering an informal pre-application Q&A session to interested candidates for this role on Wednesday 27th September 2023 at 1pm. Please email socialpurposelab@arts.ac.uk for the online joining link.

Closing date for applications, Monday 2nd October 2023 9.00 am

Interviews and assessment exercise to take place on Tuesday 10th October 2023 9.30am-4.30pm

If you have any queries about this role please contact socialpurposelab@arts.ac.uk or if you require any reasonable adjustments for your application, please contact Sahil Ibrahim, Resourcing Adviser via email at socialpurposestaffrecruitment@arts.ac.uk

We are UAL

University of the Arts London (UAL) generates and inspires the creativity the world needs for a better future. Since 1842, our colleges have been defining creative education. With curiosity, imagination and intent we make work which creates lasting change for people and our planet. London is core to who we are, a place where we meet and share ideas with people from different backgrounds and cultures.

Our creative network influences learning, culture, industry and society on a global scale. Our academics and practitioners deliver creative education and inspire new ways of thinking through research and innovation. We work with students at every level from pre-degree and short courses to postgraduate and online learning, enabling them to build the careers they want. Together, we are a community of makers, thinkers, pioneers and storytellers redesigning the future.

Our culture

We are a global University, welcoming over 22,000 students and 6,000 staff from 130 countries. We aim to be a university where people can be themselves and feel supported to reach their full potential. That’s why we are proud to be members of the Race Equality Charter (REC) and Business Disability Forum, are a Disability Confident Scheme Committed and Living Wage employer and maintain our status as a Stonewall Diversity Champion.

Application process

We operate a fair and open anonymous selection process. Thus, you will need to create an account and submit an application through our job board. As part of this, you will need to provide a supporting statement/answer some competency questions to demonstrate your suitability. Our recruitment process involves: Application, Shortlisting, Interview and Assessment, Offer, Onboarding.

We understand the benefits of using AI in work. But, if you are thinking of using it to submit an application, we ask you to think about what value it adds. AI tools tend to lack the personal touch and authenticity we value in candidates. We encourage you to showcase your unique knowledge and skills using your own voice.

If we receive a high volume of applications, the closing day date might close early. We aim to communicate any changes to the closing date with at least 24 hours’ notice. If you have any general questions or have accessibility needs, please refer to our Contact us page.

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