Vice-Principal

Please note: the interview date for this post will take place on Friday 13th February 2026

The Role and Department

Josephine Butler College is seeking to appoint a Vice-Principal to a 1 year fixed position to cover the maternity leave of the current Vice-Principal Harriet Tebbs. Josephine Butler College is a friendly, vibrant, and inclusive community. Opened in 2006, we are named after the 19th-century social reformer, Josephine Butler, who had a profound influence on society's view of women's health and education. Her legacy of advocacy, commitment to social justice and kindness serves as an inspiration to our students, staff, and broader College community.

Josephine Butler College is led by Professor Gillian Hampden-Thompson, who took up the position as Principal/Head of College in July 2023. This is an excellent and unique development opportunity for a current member of the Durham University community. Furthermore, the College is currently heading towards celebrating its 20-year anniversary during the 2026-27 academic year, allowing the successful candidate to not only make a contribution to those celebrations but also enjoy being part of the community during those celebrations.

The acting Vice-Principal will be a member of the College senior management team and will have a strong strategic and developmental emphasis. The post holder will be involved in a wide range of activities aimed at furthering Josephine Butler College and University strategy, especially in relation to the personal development of students, embedding the wider student experience, and the future development of the College. Working as a part of a close-knit team, you will support the provision of student support within the College in partnership with the Student Support and Wellbeing Directorate. The Vice-Principal will act as deputy to the College Principal (a) in ensuring the College offers a supportive and stimulating environment for academic study, cultural and developmental activities, and social interaction which engages students, staff, Senior Common Room members, visitors and alumni; and (b) in promoting and enabling intellectual curiosity, personal eff ectiveness, wellbeing and resilience, and a sense of community and responsibility among all students. Balance and focus of responsibilities will be agreed with the College Principal.

Please note: Appointment to this post is fixed-term to cover the substantive post holder’s maternity leave and is not anticipated to be extended.

What you need to submit

• A CV: and
• A supporting statement which outlines how you meet all of the criteria within the Person Specification.

Contact details

For a chat about the role or any further information please contact Professor Gillian Hampden-Thompson (gillian.hampden-thompson@durham.ac.uk).

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