Executive Dean (2 Posts)

Executive Dean - School of Medicine, Pharmacy & Biosciences

Executive Dean - School of Psychology, Health & Clinical Sciences

Aston University is seeking two exceptional academic leaders to join our Vice-Chancellor’s Executive team as Executive Dean School of Medicine, Pharmacy & Biosciences and Executive Dean School of Psychology, Health & Clinical Sciences.

These are transformative opportunities to shape the future of one of the UK’s most innovative and inclusive universities, driving excellence across education, research, and enterprise.

Aston University 

The Executive Dean of School will lead the cross-disciplinary Schools covering either Medicine, Pharmacy & Biosciences, or Psychology, Health & Clinical Sciences.

As Executive Dean, you will lead one of Aston’s dynamic Schools, steering its academic strategy and operational performance in alignment with our ambitious Aston 2030 Strategy.

You will be pivitol in driving our aspiration for growth and geographic diversification through our innovative omni-channel education model, integrating traditional in-person teaching and learning with cutting-edge online learning platforms and digital resources including Aston Online, Aston London, other international hubs, and Aston Professional.

You will implement strategic and operational plans to the highest professional standards within a cross-disciplinary School to create a compelling, high-quality offering for students, businesses and the wider community. Delivery of our Strategy and plans will be achieved through inspiring leadership and effective management of the School's workforce, which consists of highly skilled, motivated and experienced academic and professional staff.

You will be responsible for:

• Strategic growth in student numbers, research income, and global reputation
• Academic leadership across teaching, research, and external engagement
• Driving world-class research and interdisciplinary collaboration
• Budget management and financial prudence
• People management, fostering a high-performance culture
• Building strong partnerships across industry, government, and the third sector
• Championing innovation in digital, transnational, and professional education
• Driving success of the University's  Aston 2030 Strategy  and  Measures of Success

The successful candidate will join the VC’s Executive Team and contribute to the development of the University Strategy and implementation plans, participating fully in the decision-making responsibilities of this Executive Group to ensure the University is best placed to succeed and thrive in an increasingly competitive environment.

You will identify and actively encourage innovative collaboration and integration across School’s, leading to significant improvements and outcomes for the University and will be responsible for rising the profile of teaching quality, research, business development and financial performance.

We are seeking a visionary leader with:

• A distinguished national and international academic profile and leadership experience in higher education
• Proven ability to deliver strategic growth and transformation
• A collaborative, inclusive leadership style aligned with Aston’s values
• Strong commercial acumen and external engagement capabilities
• Strong credibility with key beneficiaries, evidenced by success in securing agreements and effective collaborations with relevant external beneficiaries, including industry and technology sector organisations, as well as funders such as EPSRC and Innovate UK
• Commitment to leading and inspiring student success, research excellence and staff development

Please find further details  showing excellence in teaching and research , growth and impact across the Schools.

Note: The role is underpinned by a continuing substantial professorial role within the relevant School coupled with a 5 year fixed term as Dean of School with honorarium.  

Further details:
Job Details

Further Particulars

The University celebrates the rights of freedom of speech and academic freedom and is committed to maintaining and protecting these rights within the law. An offer to work at Aston University will never be denied on the basis of an individual’s lawful expression of their beliefs, ideas or opinions. 

Aston University is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community.  It promotes equality and diversity in all aspects of its work. We strive to have robust inclusivity strategies in place, to encourage colleagues to have the confidence and freedom to be themselves in the workplace. For more information, visit: https://www2.aston.ac.uk/about/inclusive-aston

We recognise the value of flexible working.  Please contact the recruiting manager to discuss what flexible working options are available for particular roles.

If you require the job details document or an application form in an alternative format please contact the recruitment team at recruitment@aston.ac.uk

Advert information