Head of School (GSA, Literature and Languages, Music and Media) at University of Surrey
Job Description
The University of Surrey is home to an international community of staff and students coming together to address global challenges and deliver innovation and real-world impact. The Times Higher Education rated Surrey 46th in the world for impact and in REF 2021 Surrey was placed 33rd for overall research quality. Underpinned by our exceptional teaching which inspires and empowers students our heritage shows a recurring theme of doing things differently and achieving notable results. Our interdisciplinary strengths allow the Faculty to constantly explore new opportunities to cross boundaries in Research and Education. Consistent investment has built up an impressive infrastructure that further supports this including our overseas campus in Dalian China.
As the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences moves to a new structure, with three new, large, interdisciplinary schools, the Head of School (GSA, Literature, Languages, Music and Media) offers a unique opportunity to shape the School’s ways of working, governance structures by bringing together these disciplines into a larger, multi-disciplinary unit. Grouping together subjects that involve the study or practice of human cultures and arts the new school supports our capacity to create realistic creative industry working environments, where, for example, creative writers, actors, filmmakers, game designers, and critics work together on real-world outputs.
About the role
Reporting to the Pro Vice-Chancellor and Executive Dean, the postholder will take strategic leadership of the School, bringing together the school in new, mutually enriching ways, delivering the strategic objectives through innovative, inclusive and entrepreneurial approaches
The role holder will also contribute to pan-university activities defined by the broader strategic priorities set by the Executive Board. .
The school is home to a diverse student population of c1164, including c90 PGR students c285 academic staff (118 FTE) and two cognate research Units of Assessment (UoA).
About you
To be successful in this role you will:
- Have an established academic track record of research and leadership relevant to discipline.
- Likely be an inspiring and inclusive research-active leader who can articulate a compelling vision for the new school and inspire confidence and engagement.
- Be an advocate of interdisciplinary research and teaching to innovate and deliver a contemporary school-wide strategy.
- Have a high level of proficiency in developing strategic partnerships internally and with external stakeholders.
If you are a pioneering academic leader, passionate about making a difference to the academic mission of the university and leading your School to the next level, we want to hear from you.
Whilst the successful candidate will be appointed to a permanent senior academic post, the Head of School role is for a fixed 5-year tenure, with the potential to extend, subject to internal processes.
How to apply
Please see the candidate pack and job description for more about us and the role. If you have any queries or would like to have an informal conversation with the PVC Executive Dean, please contact resourcingteam@surrey.ac.uk.
What we can offer
The University of Surrey is a prestigious UK University set in a beautiful campus in Guildford, half an hour’s journey from the centre of London. In addition to a generous salary and relocation support where eligible, we offer a vibrant and forward-thinking working environment, childcare assistance, first-class sports and leisure facilities and access to a variety of staff development opportunities to help you fulfil your potential.
Interviews 14th March 2024
