Head of Business Engagement

The Directorate of Civic Engagement and Social Responsibility is currently seeking to appoint an exceptional candidate to the post of Head of Business Engagement

The successful candidate will report to the Director of Civic Engagement and Social Responsibility and will be responsible for the leadership and strategic direction of a team of professionals who will deliver the University’s Business Engagement function.

The post-holder will work with the Director of Civic Engagement and Social Responsibility (CESR) and the Assistant Director in co-ordinating and leading the University’s relationship with business representative bodies, including the NI Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NICCI), IoD, CBI, NI Business Alliance, Women in Business, Belfast Chamber of Commerce, the British-Irish Chamber of Commerce, InterTradeIreland, ensuring that they have a thorough understanding of the University’s impact and objectives and act as strong advocates for the University.

The successful candidate will take the lead in the management of the University’s Chief Executives’ Club (CEC), ensuring an annual programme that engages, informs, and aids the development of the membership. Providing a platform for world leading speakers, as well as students and staff to further enhance the University’s role as a centre for civic debate and thought leadership.

They will increase external business leaders’ awareness and support for the University’s strategic ambitions and contribution to the economy and be a point of contact for NI business bodies. The postholder will also design and deliver a range of showcasing and networking events to provide platforms for students and staff to show case their expertise, positioning the University as a centre for civic debate and thought leadership

Applicants must evidence:

• Degree (or equivalent qualification) in a relevant subject (e.g. Communications, Marketing or Business); OR
• Substantial relevant experience in similar post(s) including extensive strategic relevant management and leadership experience.
• Proven track record (including recent experience) leading and managing a Business Engagement team in a large and complex organisation*, to include:
  • Demonstrable experience of leading a team in delivering multiple, competing demands within tight deadlines and pre-agreed budgets. Setting objectives, monitoring progress and designing metrics of success.
  • A proven track record of building relationships with and managing a wide variety of stakeholders, developing bespoke products or services to meet their needs.
  • Project management experience associated with the development, delivery, reporting and monitoring systems for programmes, publications and events, to include measures of success.
  • Demonstrable experience of working at a strategic level including collaboratively to design and implement a Business Engagement strategy.
• Relevant experience of representing an institution to business representative organisations, ensuring mutually beneficial outcomes
• Experience and demonstrable understanding of financial management procedures.

Please note the above are not an exhaustive list. For full job details and to view the Essential and Desirable criteria, please visit our website.