About this role
We are a world class research-intensive university. We deliver teaching and learning of the highest quality. We play a leading role in economic, social and cultural development of the North East of England. Attracting and retaining high-calibre people is fundamental to our continued success.
We are seeking an experienced innovation and engagement leader to join Newcastle Innovations and play a pivotal role in turning our innovation ambitions into action. Working across academic and professional services teams, you will be a senior specialist adviser and delivery partner, helping colleagues connect ideas, capabilities and external needs to create meaningful economic and societal impact.
Working closely with the Head of Innovation Ecosystem, Business and Innovation Senior Partners and colleagues across the University, you will build connections between academia, industry, government and communities; translate ecosystem priorities into high-quality programmes and partnerships; and embed open, mission-led innovation practice across Newcastle University.
In this role, you will
- Connect and catalyse relationships across academia, industry, government and communities, building vibrant communities of practice and innovation networks and brokering strategic partnerships.
- Develop innovation-led growth programmes, using insight, co-design and design-thinking approaches to develop solutions that respond to stakeholder needs.
- Build a strong pipeline of high-quality innovation projects and investible propositions, bringing together cross-functional and transdisciplinary teams and aligning opportunities with university and external funding priorities.
- Develop innovation roadmaps, horizon scanning and funding intelligence, identifying opportunities from sources including UKRI, ARIA, Innovate UK, Horizon Europe and industry-led open innovation calls.
- Lead or support business cases, major proposals and complex bids, ensuring initiatives are impactful and financially sustainable.
- Embed collaborative innovation and engagement skills and practice across the University through programmes, events and direct delivery.
- Strengthen systems and processes that enable the University to respond quickly to innovation demand, including contract research, facilities, LLP and CPD opportunities, and ensure outcomes and impact are effectively captured and communicated.
- Provide leadership and line management for Innovation Managers, Engagement Project Managers and the Community Engagement Manager, creating a collaborative, high-performing team.