Main duties and responsibilities
Help shape the future of partnerships, skills and inclusive growth at De Montfort University.
At De Montfort University (DMU), we believe universities have a vital role to play in strengthening the places and communities they serve. Through meaningful partnerships with businesses, public bodies, education providers and community organisations, we can create opportunities, tackle shared challenges and deliver lasting social and economic impact.
We are looking for an experienced and collaborative Place, Partnerships and Growth Manager to lead our newly established Place, Partnerships and Growth Unit and help translate this ambition into action.
The role
This is an exciting opportunity to lead a team at the heart of DMU's external engagement activity, strengthening our connections across Leicester, Leicestershire and our growing London footprint.
Working closely with the Principal Partnerships Officer, you will lead the operational delivery of our place, partnerships and civic engagement priorities, ensuring that relationships and opportunities translate into meaningful outcomes for the University and its partners.
You will:
- Develop and manage strategic relationships with employers, local authorities, education providers, community organisations and regional stakeholders.
- Lead the University's civic and community engagement programmes, connecting activity to student experience, employability and social impact.
- Identify emerging opportunities in skills, lifelong learning, regional development and institutional growth.
- Develop external intelligence and policy insights that inform University priorities and decision-making.
- Work collaboratively across academic and professional services teams, connecting external opportunities with the right expertise and resources.
- Lead, support and develop a team, establishing clear priorities and demonstrating impact.
About you
You will be an accomplished partnership professional with significant experience of building relationships and delivering results across complex organisational environments.
You will bring excellent stakeholder management and influencing skills, sound commercial awareness and a strong understanding of how partnerships contribute to economic, civic and social outcomes.
A confident and supportive leader, you will be equally comfortable engaging senior external stakeholders, working across organisational boundaries and translating strategic ambitions into practical delivery.
Experience in higher education, civic engagement, skills or place-based development would be particularly welcome.
Why join us?
This is an opportunity to shape a developing function, influence how DMU works with its external partners and make a tangible contribution to the communities and economy around us. If you are motivated by collaboration, purposeful partnerships and creating opportunities that make a difference, we would welcome your application.
Join us in connecting people, places and opportunities to create lasting impact.
To view the job description and person specification, please click here
Further Information
For any queries regarding this role please contact Sarah Thomson - Principal Partnerships Officer, sthomson@dmu.ac.uk
You will be employed by Innovative Educational Partnerships Ltd (IEPL), trading as DMU People, a wholly owned subsidiary of De Montfort University (DMU). As a DMU People employee, you will receive the pay, pension, annual leave, and benefits package applicable to DMU People colleagues. Your employment will also be governed by the relevant DMU People policies and procedures.
For further information about the benefits available to DMU People employees, please click here