Sam Toolan

Head of External Engagement, Faculty of Arts & Social Sciences @ The Open University

About

I work at the intersection of strategy, creativity, and systems thinking, building partnerships that deliver social, cultural, and economic impact. With leadership experience across higher education, the arts, and social ventures, I specialise in turning complex ideas into commercially viable programmes and sustainable collaborations. My approach blends strategic foresight, economic insight, and inclusive practice to align long-term vision with practical delivery. Core Strengths - Product and programme development - Strategic external engagement and partnerships - Project leadership and delivery Skills Builder Framework in Action: - Listening: Actively evaluate diverse perspectives to guide inclusive decision-making - Speaking: Communicate clear, purpose-driven narratives that elevate organisational vision - Problem-Solving: Align plans with strategic priorities and resource realities - Creativity: Cultivate innovative solutions through collaborative thinking - Staying Positive: Translate challenges into opportunities through foresight and optimism - Aiming High: Balance ambition with adaptability in complex environments - Leadership: Tailor leadership style to empower others and build trust - Teamwork: Foster partnership, co-creation, and shared success Note: Ideas expressed on this profile are my own and do not represent an official position of my employer or organisations with which I am associated.

Country

United Kingdom

City

London Area

Industry

Higher Education

Skill

Engineering, Arranging, Artist Development, Creative, Performing Arts, Teaching, Content Development, Risk, Product Development, External engagement and partnerships, Programme and project management, Digital systems and data, Strategy, Research, Management, Business Strategy, Fundraising, Change Management, Entrepreneurship, Training

Experience

Head of External Engagement, Faculty of Arts & Social Sciences

The Open University

2019-10 - Present · 7 yrs

Founded and established the External Engagement function in the Faculty of Arts & Social Sciences, the largest faculty of the largest university in Europe. The Faculty incorporates the Schools of Creative Industries, Arts & Humanities, Social Sciences & Global Studies and Psychology & Counselling. Lead a team responsible for a large portfolio of projects involving external stakeholders. Represent the university in maintaining and developing strategic partnerships.

Philanthropy Manager (Arts, Humanities, Social Sciences, Psychology and Counselling lead)

The Open University

2017-12 - 2019-11 · 2 yrs

Led strategic initiatives such as the Disabled Veterans' Scholarships Fund involving alumni donors and corporate supporters such as BAE Systems, BT and Thales. Worked collaboratively with academics, national and international partners on various social impact projects. Lead liaison to Faculty of Arts & Social Sciences consisting of 17 academic disciplines. Contributed to the award-winning #OU@50 campaign, generating £16 million in philanthropic income.

Parental leave

The Open University

2019-7 - 2019-10 · 4 mos

Consultant

Tezo Hybrid Coconut Farming Project

2025-4 - Present · 1 yr 6 mos

Kilifi County, Kenya

Supporting early stage development of a Community Based Organisation to advance its vision to establish a community of farmers with profitable and sustainable means of livelihood to benefit individuals and the wider community.

Board Trustee (with Risk oversight)

Soumik Datta Arts

2014-1 - Present · 12 yrs 9 mos

Designated Risk Trustee for a charity pioneering collaborative arts projects. Oversight of risk management for the organisation, a critical component of its status as an Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation.

Business Development Manager

University of the Arts London

2016-4 - 2017-12 · 1 yr 9 mos

London, United Kingdom

Developed a mixed portfolio of partnerships, including programmes with charities and institutions like The British Museum. Scoped development of courses offering Fourth Industrial Revolution-informed creative skills for businesses in various industries and country contexts.

Operations and Development Lead

The King's Foundation School of Traditional Arts

2013-5 - 2016-4 · 3 yrs

London, United Kingdom

Supported the delivery and development of visual arts and crafts education. Managed donor engagement, major fundraising, and facilitated several Royal Visits.

Founding Executive Lead

Omnibus Theatre

2011-1 - 2013-5 · 2 yrs 5 mos

London, United Kingdom

Executed a successful £1.7 million bid to establish Omnibus Theatre and led the creation of the centre. Developed fundraising strategies, governance, artistic programming, and operational processes.

Fundraiser

Centrepoint

2012-1 - 2012-6 · 6 mos

London, United Kingdom

Raised funds from individuals, trusts and foundations for Centrepoint, a leading youth homelessness charity.

Research Consultant

Comic Relief

2011-9 - 2011-12 · 4 mos

London, United Kingdom

Researched and produced a report on residential rehabilitation services for young people, informing grant-making policies.

Research Consultant

Focus Birmingham

2010-3 - 2010-6 · 4 mos

Birmingham, United Kingdom

Designed and produced an exhibition on third sector support for blind and partially sighted people.

Administrator

University of Cambridge Professional and Continuing Education

2009-5 - 2009-10 · 6 mos

Cambridge, United Kingdom

Education

The Open University

Sociology

2019 - 2026 · 7 yrs

Funded by the ESRC Grand Union Doctoral Training Partnership. Exploring relationships between migration, settlement and mental health among two groups of post-War immigrants to the UK.

City Lit

Course takes students through the basics of writing and running Python scripts to more advanced features such as working with data, and using Python modules.

University of Southampton

2016 - 2018 · 2 yrs

Received the Dean's List Award for Outstanding Achievement in the Faculty of Social, Human and Mathematical Sciences, 2016/17 and 17/18. Dissertation: The role of migration in early adulthood in shaping perceptions of culture and family among East Africa-born older women of South Asian heritage in the UK.

Bayes Business School

2010 - 2011 · 1 yr

Aston Business School

2009 - 2010 · 1 yr

Dissertation: Gemstone or stepping stone? Judging the Success or Failure of Innovative Organisations and the Case of Plastic Logic (developer of electronic paper technology).