Interim Director of Digital, Data and AI Strategy (0135-26) – Derby, DE22 1GB
About the University
We have one simple promise – to make a positive impact. Through our ground-breaking research, teaching excellence and commitment to sustainable living, we are changing lives for the better.
The University of Derby is a modern university with a modern outlook. Everything we do is driven by delivering excellence and opportunities for our students, our staff and our region.
We have some of the best university facilities in the UK and achieve outstanding results for our teaching and research and have been awarded Gold in the prestigious Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023 – making it one of the top universities in the country recognised for its outstanding student experience and student outcomes.
Financially strong and seriously ambitious we offer our employees an inclusive culture that centres itself around staff wellbeing, where you can be confident you will receive all the help and encouragement you need to build a rewarding career with lots of opportunities to enhance your skills.
About the College/Department
Digital Solutions & Services are responsible for providing the digital platform to enable the best possible service to staff, students and stakeholders across the University and beyond. We take a collaborative approach to developing strategic goals to provide a diverse range of information technology and business services designed to support learning, teaching and research at the University of Derby.
We ensure that the University’s IT capability is fit for purpose, future focused and able to protect, support and enhance the full breadth of services that will be delivered either on campus or digitally online with contributions across the department. We aim to assist students, teaching staff, support departments and collaborative partners to ensure we are making an impact on the University’s current and future digital landscape.
About the Role
The Interim Director of Digital, Data and AI Strategy will lead the development and delivery of the University’s digital, data and AI ambitions, enabling transformational change across teaching, learning, student experience and operations. Working at executive level, the role will provide strategic leadership, robust governance and expert advice to ensure digital and AI initiatives deliver measurable value and align with the University’s long-term strategy.
Upon appointment, this role will require a Fit and Proper Persons check. For more information, please refer to this guidance.
The anticipated interview date will be Tuesday 12th May
Please note this is a fixed term position for 6 months.
About You
We are looking for a strategically minded digital leader with substantial senior-level experience shaping and delivering digital, data and AI strategies within large, complex organisations. You should bring a strong track record of leading transformational change, building effective partnerships, and evidence of translating vision into clear priorities that improve academic delivery, operational efficiency and staff and student experience.
Benefits
- Generous annual leave entitlement of 42 days inclusive of bank holidays and concessionary days (pro rata)
- Local Government Pension Scheme
- Suite of holistic wellbeing benefits and support including family-friendly policies, generous sick pay provision and comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme
- Access to a variety of staff discounts at high street retailers
- Discounted onsite gym
- Access to employer-funded Private Health Insurance
- Holiday purchase
- Cycle to Work scheme
- A flexible working environment
- A commitment to personal and professional development
Key Contact
For further information and informal enquiries regarding the role, please contact Susan Ambler, Chief Financial and Infrastructure Officer: s.ambler@derby.ac.uk
For enquiries regarding your application and for sponsorship eligibility, please contact the recruitment team via recruitment@derby.ac.uk
Important Information
The University is unable to sponsor the employment of international workers under the Skilled Worker route for this role; however, applications are welcome from candidates who are able to demonstrate an alternative right to work in the UK.
Please visit our website for more information.
The University of Derby is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all our staff, students and children. At the University of Derby, safeguarding is everybody's concern.
Please find our Safeguarding pages including our Safeguarding Policy here.
Closing Date: 05 May 2026
Area: Senior Management
Salary: £94,298 to £117,872 per annum (for exceptional performers, there is scope for further progression up to £135,553 per annum).
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