Pro-Vice-Chancellor and Head of the College of Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities

About the role

The University of Leicester is one of the top 200 universities in the world and top 25 in the UK according to the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2023. Working hard together, our ambitious staff and students work in cooperation to deliver research, teaching and learning of the highest quality.

We are seeking an exceptional candidate for the position of Pro-Vice-Chancellor and Head of the College of Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities. The College of Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities is comprised of seven schools and there are twelve research centres/institutes within the College, some of which sit wholly within one School, while others are independent or inter-departmental.

The College is ambitious, innovative, future-facing, and interdisciplinary; guided by a desire to nurture a stimulating, creative, and collegial working and learning environment. The College embraces diversity and works to achieve excellence in research and teaching that shapes policy and changes minds through the interpretation of the past and the present.

The Pro-Vice-Chancellor and Head of College will lead on the development and implementation of College level strategies and operational management in line with the University’s strategy, aims and objectives. The successful candidate will be responsible for excellence in research, teaching, student experience, and enterprise, deepening inter-school collaboration, through effective leadership, annual planning and resource management.

As a member of the Executive Board, the successful candidate will help to shape the University’s future strategic direction and drive its implementation. This is a significant and challenging role for a candidate of the highest calibre who will inspire others to achieve their best, with the vision and drive to ensure that there is a lasting legacy of excellence and innovation in all that the College of Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities seeks to achieve.

About you

This is a high profile and pivotal appointment providing an exciting opportunity for a highly credible academic with outstanding leadership skills to make a real impact to our ambitious institution, making a major contribution in delivering the University’s enduring success.

You will be an accomplished communicator who can lead, inspire and motivate colleagues across the College, and crucially you must be capable of leading change and delivering against the strategic priorities of the University. You will be committed to enhancing the student experience and improving the working environment for staff, ensuring academic excellence, in all its forms, across the diverse disciplines.

For further information on the role and its responsibilities, please refer to the Candidate Brochure, available to download from the Additional Information option. 

Additional information

For further information and detail of how to apply, please contact Alan Walter at [email protected]   or on 07876 766 972.

Further information and details of how to apply can be found at: https://www.dixonwalter.co.uk/opportunities/pvc-and-head-of-college-of-social-sciences-arts-and-humanities/

Applications should be made via email to [email protected]  by midnight on Sunday 7 April 2024 and should consist of:

• A curriculum vitae detailing relevant qualifications and experience, full employment history, and achievements.
• A 2-page cover letter describing briefly how you feel you meet the criteria outlined in the Job Summary Form, your achievements, why the appointment is of interest, and what you’d like to achieve in the role.
• Details of three referees and notice period (referees will not be contacted without your permission).
• A completed Personal details form (available from the link above).

Preliminary interviews with Dixon Walter will commence from Monday 15 April 2024.

First stage interviews will take place on Friday 17 May 2024, shortlisted candidates will also be asked to make a presentation to members of the School prior to interview.

The University of Leicester has been changing the world, and changing people’s lives, for 100 years. When you join us, you’ll become part of a community of Citizens of Change , which includes not only our staff and our current students but also thousands of Leicester graduates around the world.

As a diverse and forward-thinking employer, we embed the principles of equality, diversity and inclusion into everything we do. That includes not just our core missions of teaching and research, but also our support for staff, students and our local community through our values of Inspiring, Impactful and Inclusive.

We’re committed to the wellbeing of all our staff and to the sustainability of our environment, on our campus and beyond. We offer a competitive salary package, excellent pension scheme and a generous annual leave allowance, along with opportunities to develop your career in a supportive and collaborative environment.