The Director (Research) will shape the direction of the Centre’s research and innovation and be at the centre of the Centre’s partnerships with research bodies, policymakers, philanthropic organisations, and the business world. The Director will lead the Centre in the build-up to its official launch during 2023 and will have strategic and operational responsibility for its activities, projecting the Centre’s work across the university and externally.
The appointee will position the Centre at the forefront of world-leading cross-disciplinary research and innovation in the areas described above.
The Director will be responsible for overseeing the establishment, leadership, finance and operations of the Centre.
They will report to the King’s Business School Executive Dean with direct oversight from the Vice Dean Research and provide regular updates to a King’s College Commission overseeing cross-institutional initiatives in the areas of climate and sustainability. In addition to being a Director of the Centre, the appointee will be a member of the King’s Business School department most appropriate to their disciplinary background, with dotted line management responsibility to the relevant Head of Department. The Director (Research) will contribute to educational delivery through relevant teaching responsibilities (c. 0.1–0.2 FTE).
The Director (Research) will work in close collaboration with their co-director, the Director (Impact), who will report to them. The Director (Impact) will be focused on overseeing the partnerships of the Centre and ensuring that its research is engaging closely with practice through an active programme of knowledge exchange and a varied portfolio of impact projects. This post-holder will be expected to take responsibility for ensuring the creation and delivery of an impact project portfolio, be able to demonstrate relevant knowledge, skills and expertise in the translation of research into impact and evaluate the impact of the work to report back to funders and the CSB steering committee.
A higher research degree (doctoral level or equivalent).
An outstanding record of accomplishment as a leader of international standing in the field of sustainability research.
The ability to articulate a vision for the Centre, to communicate that vision across the university, and to project the work of the Centre to the most senior levels of the research community, policy bodies and philanthropic organisations.
Exceptionally strong and enthusiastic advocate for sustainability-related research and innovation, with the capability to position the Centre at the forefront of world-leading, cross-disciplinary research into sustainable business.
The ability to lead complex, inter-disciplinary research and innovation programmes and to secure substantial funding from public and/or private sources.
Credibility with senior academics and the ability to grow a positive research culture that values and practises open research, equality, diversity and inclusion, and research integrity.
An entrepreneurial leadership approach and excellent strategic, operational, and interpersonal skills.
Applicants with a background in any area of management and business studies will be considered.
