Vice-Principal and Head of College of Social Sciences

We are seeking to appoint a Vice-Principal and Head of College of Social Sciences to provide strategic and academic leadership to one of the client's largest colleges. Reporting directly to senior leadership, the postholder will be part of the Senior Management Group and contribute to the overall leadership and direction of the institution. The College of Social Sciences consists of five academic schools and a center focused on public policy, supporting over 12,000 students and more than 1,100 academic and professional staff members.

The Vice-Principal and Head of College will be responsible for developing and implementing a compelling strategy for the college that aligns with the client's broader objectives, focusing on driving academic performance in research, education, and impact. The role includes leading the management of significant human, physical, and financial resources, fostering a collaborative and inclusive culture, and empowering school heads through distributed leadership.

The successful candidate will work closely with colleagues across the institution to reinforce interdisciplinary activity, increase external funding, and forge strong relationships with policymakers, funders, industry professionals, alumni, and international stakeholders.

Candidates for this role must have a distinguished academic profile and a strong track record of senior leadership in a complex, research-focused university environment. Demonstrated experience in delivering strategic change, inspiring high-performing teams, and engaging effectively with varied stakeholders is required. Essential qualities include integrity, emotional intelligence, and a collaborative leadership style. The client is an equal opportunities employer and actively encourages applications from candidates who are currently underrepresented at this level, with the closing date for applications being midday on Monday, 23 February 2026.