Professor of Faith, Culture and the Arts (Michael Ramsey Chair)

Do you have a proven track record of successful project and programme leadership in the culture and the arts, with the ability to work thoughtfully and creatively with religious heritages ? If so, this role may be ideal.

As Professor of Faith, Culture and the Arts you will focus on public engagement work that has demonstrable cultural and social benefits. In line with the University’s 2030 Strategy, the role will therefore be primarily concerned with work that fulfils the institution’s ambition to deliver on its civic mission, regionally, nationally and internationally. In particular, this role will operate as a key point of contact between the University and Canterbury Cathedral in the development and delivery of major projects and programmes in culture and the arts. This reflects both the University’s established strengths in this field, most recently through the work of its Institute of Cultural and Creative Industries, as well as future ambitions for the Cathedral.

You will be based in the Institute of Cultural and Creative Industries and will work closely with colleagues across the University, the Cathedral and other relevant external stakeholders for the delivery of their work. The role is offered on a fractional basis, although the fractional appointment may be increased by agreement dependent on further external funding secured by the role-holder.

As Professor of Faith, Culture and the Arts you can expect to be involved in :

• Working with colleagues at the University and the Cathedral to develop and deliver projects and programmes in culture and the arts that will have demonstrable public benefits;
• Providing intellectual and professional leadership in exploring issues in the intersection between faith, spirituality, culture and the arts, in ways that deepen a creative and critical engagement with religious heritages and traditions, create inclusive opportunities for reflection, experience and practice for people from any faith tradition or none, and open up new ways of thinking and forms of practice in this field;
• Identifying relevant external funders for agreed projects, lead on the development of funding applications for these and manage projects when funding is secured;
• Engaging actively with the wider programme and work of the Institute of Cultural and Creative Industries to promote opportunities to engage with issues of faith, spirituality, culture and the arts, and work with colleagues across the University to stimulate engagement and collaborations in this field;

What will you bring to the role :

• An established track record of successful project and programme leadership in culture and the arts, gained either as a creative practitioner, institutional director or manager, consultant or other relevant role
• A track record of successful capture of funding to develop and deliver projects in culture and the arts
• Experience of working in multidisciplinary teams, and of working successfully with networks of organisations, stakeholders and publics
• Experience of delivering projects and programmes with demonstrable public benefit

What we can offer in return:

As a member of our team, you can expect a friendly, open and collaborative working environment and support in your development and wellbeing. You'll enjoy a range of great staff benefits including:

• 43 days' leave per year (personal leave, bank holidays and additional days allocated for the Christmas period, pro rata for part-time staff)
• Excellent pension scheme with generous employer contributions
• Corporate employee-funded healthcare plan, in partnership with Benenden Health

For more information about what you can look forward to if you join us, visit our dedicated webpage: Working at Kent

We are ambitious for our people, our communities and the region we serve – join us in making the world a better place. Visit our website for more on who we are: http://www.kent.ac.uk/about/

Please see the links below to view the full job description and to apply for this post. For further information regarding the application process, please contact [email protected] quoting reference number CSF-1016-24.

Closing Date: 05 Jan 2025

Section: Academic

Salary: £72,136 to £101,404 per annum pro rata