Director of Creative Engagement (INTERNAL CANDIDATES ONLY)

### **Description**

We are seeking an ambitious and visionary Director of Creative Engagement to lead the University’s creative and cultural ambition, positioning us as a regional creative hub of national significance.

This is a leadership role with responsibility for shaping and delivering a Creative Engagement Strategy that aligns with Strategy 2035, strengthens our civic and regional impact, and places creativity, inclusion and collaboration at the heart of the student experience. Working closely with regional partners, creative practitioners, researchers and communities, the postholder will play a pivotal role in enhancing cultural programming, research leadership, student outcomes and the creative life of Bath and the wider region.

**This position is for internal candidates only**

### **About the Role**

• Lead and deliver the University’s Creative Engagement Strategy, positioning it as a regional creative hub of national significance.
• Provide strategic leadership for creative engagement across student experience, curriculum, research and civic activity.
• Lead and develop high‑performing teams and flagship creative programmes.
• Build impactful partnerships and a connected creative ecosystem across the University, city and region.
• Represent the University externally and provide expert advice, strategic leadership and financial oversight at senior level.

### **About You**

**Essential:**

• Postgraduate qualification and strong knowledge of the arts, cultural sector, and creative practice within higher education
• Proven academic leadership experience and ability to manage complex projects or initiatives in a higher education context
• Demonstrated success in building partnerships and collaborating with external stakeholders (e.g. community, cultural, research)
• Excellent communication, strategic thinking, and ability to navigate complex academic environments
• Clear commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and fostering a collaborative, innovative, and inspiring culture

**Desirable**

• Track record of research outputs and/or interdisciplinary or community-engaged practice
• Experience securing research funding or grants for innovative projects
• Involvement in high-profile or sector-leading research, pedagogical, or outreach initiatives
• Experience enhancing institutional reputation through external engagement, events, or national/international activity
• Proactive, adaptable, and creative approach with a strong passion for arts, education, and community impact.

### **Additional Information**

**Salary Grade Ac4A - Starting from £63,606 rising to £67,469 per annum**

***The salary range shows the potential maximum pay progression in addition to any annual inflationary increase to your pay. Please note that our default position is to appoint into the lower end of the range, unless there are exceptional circumstances.***

**Special conditions:**

• **You must have the ability to attend relevant meetings and events, both on and off-campus, as required.**
• **You must be an internal candidate to apply for this role.**

**Interview Date - w/c 18th May 2026**

*We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.*

### **About Bath Spa University**

At Bath Spa University, we believe in the power of education to break down barriers to opportunity and to transform lives. We are the Professionally Creative for the future. Professional Creativity transcends subject disciplines, and is just as important for our sciences, education, business and law subjects as it is for our sector leading creative industries provision. We connect learners, staff and external partners with applied research and innovation. We power inclusive growth through skills development and practice based, innovation – intensive learning for all.

Our main Newton park campus is based in stunning countryside just a few minutes from a World Heritage City. We are also proud to offer courses to students at our other campuses around Bath, and in London at our Canary Wharf and Hackney sites.

An impressive 84% of our staff said they would recommend the University to a friend as a good place to work.

We are a community of colleagues, striving for excellence to ensure students thrive. Our values are:

• Respect
• Inclusivity
• Collaboration
• Sustainability

We are committed to maintaining a safe and secure environment for our students, staff, and community. We foster inclusivity, celebrating and respecting differences. We welcome diversity and encourage applications from all backgrounds and genders. We consider our recruitment practices to be comprehensive and unbiased; ensuring fairness, transparency, and equal opportunity for all.