Location
London

Hours
Full Time

Salary
£170,000 per annum

About the Role
The Executive Chair of the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) is a distinguished and innovative leader with international standing, responsible for driving world-class independent research and innovation across the full range of arts and humanities disciplines. AHRC supports ambitious projects addressing major societal challenges such as tackling modern slavery, exploring ethical implications of artificial intelligence, and understanding the human condition.

Leading a team of over 100 staff across multiple locations, the Executive Chair sets the strategic vision for AHRC and manages a record UK budget to maximise research outputs and impact for the public benefit. As a key member of UK Research and Innovation’s (UKRI) Executive Committee, the Executive Chair contributes to the collective leadership of UKRI, delivering research, skills development, and infrastructure investment goals aligned with government priorities, including the Creative Industry Sector Plan.

The role involves fostering interdisciplinary collaboration across UKRI councils, engaging with a wide range of stakeholders including academia, business, charities, government, and the creative industries, and representing AHRC nationally and internationally. The Executive Chair is accountable for robust financial planning, maximising value for money, and ensuring the health and vibrancy of both AHRC and the wider UK research and innovation system.

Experience
- A highly respected arts and humanities leader of international standing with a consistent track record of excellence in research and/or innovation.
- Demonstrable ability to translate research into application and economic benefit.
- Politically astute with excellent interpersonal skills, able to influence and build strong collaborative relationships across diverse partners.
- Proven leadership and management experience within complex organisations, including successful cultural change and organisational development.
- Experience managing and developing skilled teams and motivating colleagues at all levels.

About you
- Committed to the overarching goals of UKRI and the health of an integrated research and innovation landscape.
- Able to develop and lead a clear strategic vision for arts and humanities research and innovation, delivering high-quality, value-for-money programmes.
- Skilled at stakeholder engagement, able to communicate strategic outputs and foster positive relationships with government, public funding agencies, academia, business, and the wider research community.
- Demonstrates a broad understanding of arts and humanities research and its cultural, social, and economic impact.

Qualifications
- While specific academic qualifications are not detailed, the role requires a candidate with international standing and a proven record of leadership in arts and humanities research and innovation.