Associate Dean Research and Knowledge Exchange - FEHW

Location
Walsall Campus
Faculty/Department
Research & Enterprise Directorate
Contract Type
Permanent
Salary
£Competitive
Closing Date
30/01/2026
Job Reference
14657

The Faculty of Education, Health and Wellbeing is seeking appoint a new Associate Dean Research and Knowledge Exchange to join the senior leadership team. This role will be central to driving forward research and knowledge exchange in a large faculty of around 10,000 students and over 500 staff.

Our vision is to address societal challenges and improve lives through world-class research; you will be responsible for translating that vision to faculty level activities and outputs.

Role and Responsibilities

Working with the faculty Dean, other Associate Deans, the Heads of School, Heads of Research Centres and other research leads, you will lead a programme of transformation which will include the development and delivery of the faculty’s research strategy.

You will be an experienced academic with significant research, teaching and management experience. You will bring expertise and experience from one of the seven areas of the faculty: education, nursing, allied health and midwifery, public health, social work and social care, psychology and sport.

You will have a demonstratable experience of supporting and growing research and knowledge exchange into outcomes that have a clear impact within the region and professional practice.

You will have experience of leading on research strategy development and implementation at subject or faculty level in an organisation undergoing significant change, while successfully managing complex projects. You will demonstrate clear evidence of positive leadership skills and management performance, and line managing large teams.

Most importantly you will bring a commitment to inclusion and social justice within your leadership and research practice that will further enhance the faculty’s reputation in this area.

Potential applicants are encouraged to contact the Interim Dean of FEHW, Professor Phil Gravestock, to arrange an informal discussion: p.gravestock@wlv.ac.uk.

Staff Benefits

You may be eligible to choose from a number of benefits during your appointment, subject to any rules applicable to the relevant benefit (as amended from time to time). Further details of these benefits are available on the intranet.

We believe employees should be recognised for their hard work and contribution to the University's growth and success and offer an attractive range of competitive benefits to all staff:

Your Benefits:

  • Competitive salaries
  • Standard Life Pension scheme – with employer contribution of up to 12% to the University's defined contribution scheme.
  • Long Service Recognition - £200 gift voucher, certificate, and afternoon tea with Vice Chancellor for 25 & 40 years of service.   
  • Free Will Writing Service - Complimentary will drafting for employees and their partners.
  • IT & Mobile Discounts - EE Perk (20% off for family &
  • friends) & software discounts.

 

Supporting Your Health & Wellbeing

  • Wellbeing and Mental Health Support - 24/7 access to EAP service, free counselling sessions, wellbeing support resources and Occupational Health Service.
  • Gym memberships discounts – at our Walsall Campus and discounts at WV Active sites in Wolverhampton.
  • Eyecare Support - Free eVoucher for eye tests and glasses contribution.
  • Flu Vouchers - Free flu vaccinations for staff.
  • Paycare Health Benefit Plan - Covers optical, dental, physiotherapy, and personal accident insurance.
  • Chaplaincy & Prayer Rooms – Access to multi-faith chaplaincy services.

 

Valuing You:

  • Generous Annual Leave (see table below)
  • Flexible & Agile Working - Flexible and Hybrid working arrangements.
  • Free On-site Parking - available across campuses
  • Cycle Benefits Scheme - Save up to 42% on a bike & accessories via salary sacrifice.
  • Employee Discounts - Savings on groceries, fashion, and entertainment.
  • Travel Discounts - Up to 10% off holidays through Sodexo Circles.

 

Training and Development

  • Staff Network and Inclusion - Access to support networks and events with our LGBTQ+, Global Majority, Disability, and Women's networks.
  • Library Access - Staff have access to books and resources at our onsite libraries.
  • Staff Scholarship Scheme - Funding for part-time higher education, up to PhD level
  • Leadership and Management Development - Access to training opportunities to support you with advancing in your career.

 

The University of Opportunity for Students and Staff

As part of our commitment to ensure the diversity of our staff body reflects those of the student and local communities we serve, we particularly welcome applications from candidates of Black, Asian, or Ethnic Minority heritage, and candidates who are Disabled (including people who may not define themselves as disabled, but nevertheless encounter challenges)

PLEASE NOTE: Applications are scored against the criteria set out in the job description and person specifications attached to this advert. Applications are not assessed against the job advert so please ensure your applications are crafted against the Job Description and Person Specification contained within it.