Head of Knowledge Exchange, Enterprise and Impact Full Time

Department: Research and Knowledge Exchange Directorate

Contract Type: Permanent

Grade: 9

Location: Bloomsbury

Hours: 35 hours per week

SOAS University of London is the leading Higher Education institution in Europe specialising in the study of Asia, Africa and the Near and Middle East. SOAS University of London is positioned to play a leading role in reimagining higher education globally, with a new strategic plan in place as the basis for the renewal and revitalisation of the School which commits SOAS to both student responsiveness and research intensity. SOAS is moving towards a new model of international partnerships which is responsive to the transnational character of our global challenges.

About The Role

The role will provide strategic and operational leadership to grow the University’s external engagement, business development and income generation activities, particularly across the social sciences and humanities. The role is responsible for strengthening the University’s knowledge exchange, innovation and enterprise performance in a way that is financially sustainable, values-led and aligned with the University’s academic mission. You will have line management responsibility for two small teams within the Research and Knowledge Exchange Directorate (RKED) focussed on (I) developing partnerships with a range of external clients who can draw upon the School’s unique expertise and broker contracts for research, consultancy and CPD and (II) maximising the impact of our portfolio of underpinning research.

About The Department

The Research and Knowledge Exchange Directorate (RKED) is a growing team that manages the whole lifecycle of research and knowledge exchange activities at SOAS, from supporting researchers to applying for funding, to generating research impact, and commercialising new knowledge.

About You

You will be part of an executive team of four within the Research and Knowledge Exchange Directorate comprising Director of Research and Knowledge Exchange, Head of Research and Knowledge Exchange Delivery, Head of Research Culture and Excellence, and Head of Knowledge Exchange and Enterprise. You will work closely with Heads of College to set ambition and determine priorities in relation to knowledge exchange across the School. You will lead through others to build a strategic and operational space for an enterprising and engaged culture which develops and sustains equitable partnerships in line with SOAS’ vision, mission and strategy.

You can find further information on the key criteria for the role in the Job Description and Person Specification, along with a full list of duties and responsibilities, which can be found on the SOAS website

What We Offer

We are committed to providing a supportive and rewarding work environment. In addition to a competitive salary, we offer a comprehensive range of benefits designed to enhance your well-being and work-life balance:

• Generous Holiday Entitlement: Benefit from 44 days of holiday (30 days annual leave, plus bank holidays and 5 closure days over Christmas and Easter) to ensure ample time for rest and relaxation.
• Flexible Working Arrangements: We recognise the importance of flexibility and offer options to help you manage your professional and personal commitments effectively.
• Generous occupational pension scheme: To provide financial security for your future
• Learning and Development: We are dedicated to your professional growth and development and offer diverse learning and development opportunities to enhance your skills and advance your career.
• Health and Well-being Initiatives: Take advantage of our cycle to work scheme, eye tests, and season ticket loan to support your health and mobility.
• Enhanced Family Leave: We offer enhanced maternity, paternity & partner leave, and shared parental leave to support you during significant life events.
• Employee Assistance Programme: Access our confidential EAP for advice and support whenever needed.
• Discounted Gym Membership: Maintain your fitness with our discounted gym membership.

How To Apply

Please complete the online application form and upload your CV and a supporting statement.

Closing date: 18th May 2026

Interviews to be held: TBC

Use of AI

While AI tools can be beneficial, we value the personal touch and authenticity in job applications. We encourage you to highlight your unique experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, ensuring all information is accurate. Please use AI tools responsibly and with integrity throughout the application and selection process.

Further information

Please note that the application system does not currently have a save-and-return feature. To avoid losing any information, we strongly encourage you to complete and submit your application in one sitting. Make sure you have all necessary details ready before you begin.

Successful candidates will need to demonstrate their eligibility to work in the UK or have limited leave to remain in the UK and associated right to work for the duration of their employment with SOAS, in accordance with the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006.

We are not able to offer sponsorship for candidates who do not currently possess the right to work in the UK.

If you have any questions or require any assistance with regard to the application process, please contact us via the HR Contact Form | SOAS. If you would like an informal chat regarding this role, please kindly contact Dr Rachel Lawlor via: rl23@soas.ac.uk

For information on how and why SOAS processes personal data about its job applicants, please read our Job Applicant Notice.