Vice Chancellor

The University of Chichester is the only university in West Sussex. With 5,500 students, Chichester has two distinctive campuses in Chichester and Bognor Regis.  We are consistently ranked in the top 40 in the Guardian League Tables, and enjoy a strong reputation for student experience through fostering a supportive and student-centred community of learning.  The University is part of the Cathedrals Group of Universities and enjoys collaborative relationships with our neighbours in the region.  Our current strategic plan, ‘Open for Change’, comes to an end in 2025 and much has been achieved: we have been rated Gold for the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF); delivered a £30 million Technology Park; established a successful School of Nursing and Allied Health; and achieved Platinum Tier status in the latest Uswitch Green Universities Report (2023).  

With our current strategic cycle reaching its conclusion, it is an exciting time for the University to be looking to appoint a new Vice-Chancellor.  The successful applicant will develop and lead the next strategy.   In addition, as Chief Executive of the University, the Vice-Chancellor is responsible to the Board of Governors for the academic and organisational leadership and management of the University. The post holder will develop, promote and champion the distinctiveness, quality and profile of the University through clear vision, informed academic and professional service leadership and sound management.

Candidates will need to bring well developed executive leadership skills, most likely from within another higher education institution, and possess an excellent understanding of the challenges facing the sector at present.  They will be ambitious, entrepreneurial, financially astute and committed to academic and research excellence alongside having a demonstrably student-focussed approach.  Our new Vice-Chancellor will also need to be wise, empathetic and committed to the values of the University.  They will need to demonstrate excellent communication skills and be prepared to be a pro-active and enthusiastic ambassador for Chichester.

Saxton Bampfylde Ltd is acting as an employment agency advisor to the University of Chichester on this appointment. Alternatively telephone +44 (0)20 7227 0880 (during office hours). Applications should be received by noon on Friday 19 April.