Aston University
Director (External Engagement) – Sir Peter Rigby Digital Futures Institute (DFI)
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Director (External Engagement) – Sir Peter Rigby Digital Futures Institute (DFI)
Aston Digital Futures Institute
Location: Aston University Main Campus
Salary: £67,280 to £104,712 per annum
Grade: Band 01
Contract Type: Permanent
Basis: Full Time
Closing Date: 23.59 hours BST on Monday 27 July 2026
Interview Date: Friday 04 September 2026
Reference: 0920-26
Release Date: Monday 29 June 2026
We are seeking a collaborative and strategically-minded leader to lead the external engagement activity of the Sir Peter Rigby Digital Futures Institute (SPR DFI). This is a high-profile opportunity to shape a nationally recognised institute that connects research, innovation, and emerging technologies with real-world industry need.
As Director (External Engagement), you will provide strategic leadership, support sustainable growth, and build effective partnerships across industry, government, and academia. You will help position DFI as an industry-facing institute that delivers practical solutions, market-ready propositions, and meaningful impact.
Working alongside the Director (Academic), you will shape the strategic direction of SPR DFI, develop commercial opportunities, and build strong partnerships that translate research and innovation into practical solutions. The role also requires visible and inclusive leadership across senior stakeholder networks, contribution to regional and national strategy, and effective oversight of delivery, governance, and performance.
You will bring senior leadership experience in industry, applied innovation, or commercial technology environments, together with sound commercial judgement and a proven ability to turn ideas into outcomes. You will be able to build confidence with senior stakeholders, work effectively across academia, industry, and government, and bring a strong commitment to delivery, growth, and impact.
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This is a rare opportunity to shape a high-impact institute at the forefront of digital innovation and applied research, influencing strategic partnerships and delivering meaningful economic and societal value.
If you are a strategic and collaborative senior leader with the vision, commercial insight, and inclusive approach to help build a nationally significant institute, we would welcome your application.
If you have any questions about this opportunity, please contact Clare Noakes to arrange an informal conversation with Professor Mike Caine, Pro-Vice Chancellor Research & Enterprise.
What we offer:
- Aston University is a vibrant campus located within Birmingham city centre, which has excellent transport links via bus or train.
- Hybrid working is possible for this role, which means working both on campus and from home depending on the activity. Further information on hybrid working can be found here.
- Excellent training and development opportunities.
- A generous annual leave scheme with 31 days’ bookable leave and a further 13 days of bank holiday and University closure days.
- Everyday discounts for a number of activities and retailers.
- Great family-friendly policies.
- On-site gym and pool with discounted staff membership available.
- Further information on our Benefits and Rewards can be found here.
This role may meet the requirements for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship.
If you require sponsorship, Aston University will assess eligibility if you are shortlisted for the role.
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Please note, we are unable to confirm individual eligibility before shortlisting.
See here for more information on Skilled Worker visa eligibility.
Further details:
The University celebrates the rights of freedom of speech and academic freedom and is committed to maintaining and protecting these rights within the law. An offer to work at Aston University will never be denied on the basis of an individual’s lawful expression of their beliefs, ideas or opinions.
Aston University is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. It promotes equality and diversity in all aspects of its work. We strive to have robust inclusivity strategies in place, to encourage colleagues to have the confidence and freedom to be themselves in the workplace. For more information, visit: https://www2.aston.ac.uk/about/inclusive-aston
Guidance on AI-Assisted Applications
While we cannot prevent applicants from using AI tools to support their application, we ask that all submissions reflect your own experience, achievements, and motivations. We want to understand what you personally bring to the role, so please ensure your application represents your own voice and capabilities.
We recognise the value of flexible working. Please contact the recruiting manager to discuss what flexible working options are available for particular roles.
If you require the job details document or an application form in an alternative format, please contact the recruitment team at recruitment@aston.ac.uk
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