Head of the School of Area Studies Sociology History Politics and Literature

Head of the School of Area Studies Sociology History Politics and Literature

Portsmouth

Employment Type: Basis Full-Time

Reference: REC

Salary: £83,506 - £92,015 per annum

Contract: Permanent - Full-Time

The University of Portsmouth is a global employer of choice where exceptional people create, share and apply knowledge that makes a difference. Experience the pride of being part of a select group – one of only four universities in the south‑east of England to achieve a prestigious Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework. Additionally, we proudly rank among the top 140 universities globally in the Times Higher Young University World Rankings.

Ambition, Responsibility and Openness drive our every endeavour. Join our esteemed institution with a proven track record of success, where dedication to excellence is key.

The Role:

As a Faculty Executive member, the Head of School (HoS) shapes the strategic and financial direction of the Faculty, overseeing its implementation at the School level. This role encompasses substantial staff management, development, and workload coordination, all aligned with broader University and Faculty plans, and evolving priorities. The HoS plays a pivotal role in advancing Faculty and University objectives, such as student recruitment, diversified teaching offerings, academic partnerships, and enhancing research and innovation.

The Head of School ensures the Faculty’s objectives persist and evolve to fulfil local enhancement plans throughout the post’s duration.

• Provide leadership of the academic provision, including education, research and innovation and curriculum development. Maintain and enhance the ongoing quality of all School activities, ensuring the quality of the student experience from initial marketing and recruitment stages through to graduation, including the implementation of quality assurance processes and the maintenance and enhancement of academic standards.
• Determine and manage an effective organisational and committee structure within the School and manage this structure to ensure fitness for purpose. Establish, implement and review local policy within the wider University framework and seek compliance with general University policies and regulatory framework.
• Establish, implement and review School strategic plans in line with those of the Faculty and University and in the context of managing this within revenue budgets; produce financial and investment plans, encourage income‑generating activities and manage the School infrastructure and equipment needs. Acquire and manage resources (academic staff, finance, space and equipment).
• Make a substantial contribution to the School’s reputation for research and/or innovation excellence. Strengthen leadership in the Faculty and School in these areas, including contributing to developing internal and external networks necessary for collaborative activity and funding.
• Manage academic staff, ensuring effective annual staff performance reviews are conducted and staff development plans implemented, while providing leadership across the School in delivering the Athena SWAN action plan. Lead and motivate groups of people within the School to facilitate and encourage a high level of performance.
• Represent the School to the University and fulfil an ambassadorial role by maintaining and enhancing the standing and reputation of the School to external academic, professional and employer communities and to potential students. Make a wider contribution to the success of the University through participation in Faculty and University‑wide governance and development activities.
• Ensure the school continues to evolve its portfolio and meet university and faculty KPIs. Alongside this, ensure the school’s continual readiness to meet external audit and professional body requirements including, but not limited to, Ofsted, OfS, British Council and CMIL.
• Engage in teaching and curriculum development, oversee postgraduate dissertations and PhD students, and actively secure external research funding from various sources, including research councils, government bodies, and industry.

Whilst there is a…