Director

UCL is a world-leading global university, consistently ranked among the top ten worldwide. With a diverse community of over 50,000 students and 18,000 staff from more than 150 countries, UCL is committed to academic excellence, social impact, and addressing global challenges through research, education and innovation.

Founded in 1915, the UCL School of Slavonic and East European Studies (SSEES) is one of the world’s foremost centres for the study of Central, Eastern and South-Eastern Europe, the Baltics, Russia, the Caucasus and Central Asia. SSEES is home to over 80 academics and more than 1,000 students from 60+ countries, offering a distinctive interdisciplinary environment across Economics & Business, Politics & Sociology, History, and Languages & Cultures. Its research and teaching address critical global issues including geopolitics, security, migration, populism, economic transformation and cultural memory, supported by the internationally renowned SSEES Library and a strong programme of public engagement.

About the role

We are seeking an outstanding academic leader to join UCL as Director (Head of Department) of SSEES. Reporting to the Dean of the Faculty of Arts & Humanities, this is a high-profile leadership role at the heart of one of UCL’s most globally engaged Schools. The Director will provide strategic, academic and operational leadership, shaping the future direction of SSEES while championing academic freedom, collegiality and inclusion.

You will lead and inspire a large, diverse academic and professional services community; strengthen SSEES’ global research profile and interdisciplinary collaborations; deliver an outstanding and inclusive student experience; and represent SSEES and UCL to international partners, funders, alumni and external stakeholders. As a member of UCL’s senior academic leadership community, you will also contribute to Faculty- and institution-wide strategy.

About you

You will be an internationally recognised academic with the credibility and experience to lead a complex, interdisciplinary School. You will bring a strong record of academic leadership and people management; an established international research profile with evidence of research income; experience of managing budgets and resources; excellent communication and influencing skills; and a collaborative, inclusive leadership style aligned with UCL’s values and EDI priorities.

What we offer

UCL offers an excellent rewards and benefits package including 41 days’ holiday, a defined benefit pension scheme, flexible and hybrid working (minimum 40% onsite), family-friendly policies, wellbeing support, and relocation assistance where applicable. This role is eligible for Skilled Worker or Global Talent visa sponsorship.

UCL is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and particularly welcomes applications from groups underrepresented in its workforce.

Closing date: 15 February 2026
Interviews: 9–10 March 2026

Customer advert reference: B03-02898

Advert information