Executive Dean Social Sciences and Health

A globally outstanding centre of teaching and research excellence, a warm and friendly place to work, a unique and historic setting – Durham is a university like no other.  As one of the UK’s leading universities, Durham is an incredible place to define your career. The University is located within a beautiful historic city, home to a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and surrounded by stunning countryside. Our talented scholars and researchers from around the world are tackling global issues and making a difference to people’s lives.

We believe that inspiring our people to do outstanding things at Durham enables Durham people to do outstanding things in the world. Being a part of Durham is about more than just the success of the University, it’s also about contributing to the success of the city, county and community. Our University Strategy is built on three pillars of research, education and wider student experience, but also on our keen sense of community and of inspiring others to achieve their potential.

We are seeking to appoint an exceptional individual to provide academic leadership, advocacy for, and management of our Faculty of Social Science and Health to deliver against our strategic ambitions. The Faculty is a diverse community of students, academic and research colleagues engaged in pioneering research and innovative learning. We are regularly ranked within the world’s top 50 for the quality and significance of our research, our students enjoy an un-paralleled learning experience, and our graduates are some of the most sought after by employers. We believe that inspiring our people to do outstanding things at Durham enables Durham people to do outstanding things in the world

As Executive Dean you will ensure a culture of excellence and high performance across the Faculty that will further strengthen its international standing and profile locally, domestically and globally. You will identify opportunities for development of the academic portfolio and engage with external partners and organisations to foster opportunities for the Faculty and our students.

With an exceptional research reputation and profile and significant senior leadership and management experience, you will be an excellent communicator, able to inspire and engage those around you and build effective relationships with University colleagues and peer organisations across the globe.  With the ability to think broadly and strategically, you will be someone who can challenge convention, push boundaries, and work innovatively to enhance the international reputation of the Faculty.  Importantly, you will be committed to continuous improvement and the University’s values, aims and objectives, with an enthusiasm for all that Durham University is seeking to achieve, notably with regards to equality, diversity, inclusion and respect.

At Durham University, our aim is to create an open and inclusive environment where everyone can reach their full potential and we believe our staff should reflect the diversity of the global community in which we work.  We welcome and encourage applications from members of groups who are under-represented in our work force including people with disabilities, women, and black, Asian and minority ethnic communities.

If you would welcome an informal discussion about this significant opportunity, please contact Emma Wilkins at emma@dixonwalter.co.uk