Deputy Provost

The University of Birmingham is a global top 100, research-intensive institution and Britain’s first civic university. Home to over 42,000 students from 150 countries and more than 10,000 staff, we are a £1bn organisation with a bold ambition to become a global top 50 institution. Over 92% of our research is rated world-leading or internationally excellent, and we are the most targeted UK university by graduate employers.

As The University of Birmingham Dubai continues to grow, we reflect on how much has been achieved – and look forward with real ambition to what comes next. The first Russell Group university in the UAE, we welcomed our first students at Dubai International Academic City in 2018. Our state-of-the-art campus, inaugurated in 2022 by HH Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum‏, Crown Prince of Dubai, is home to over 2,800 students and has a capacity of up to 3,800 students. Our “One University, Two Campuses” model reflects the depth of integration between Dubai and Edgbaston, and our campus is playing an increasingly prominent role in supporting the UAE’s national agenda for education, innovation and economic diversification. This is an institution on an exciting upward trajectory, with the ambition and momentum to achieve even more in its next decade.

We now seek to appoint a Deputy Provost for our Dubai Campus, reporting directly to the Dubai Provost and a key member of the Dubai Senior Management Team. The Deputy Provost will provide strategic academic leadership across the campus education strategy, student experience, and the development of a thriving scholarly community, and will deputise for the Dubai Provost at external engagements across the UAE and the wider region.

Key areas of focus will include leading the delivery of the campus education strategy; championing new teaching methods and educational technologies; developing strategic education partnerships and income-generating opportunities, and fostering cross-campus collaboration between Dubai and Edgbaston. This is a rare opportunity, offering the potential to have a transformational impact on the University of Birmingham Dubai for years to come.

The successful candidate will bring a significant academic track record alongside substantial senior leadership experience in a large and complex higher education institution. They will demonstrate a proven ability to manage change in culturally sensitive environments, strong familiarity with the international higher education agenda, and experience of driving income generation and commercial partnerships. A genuine global outlook, outstanding interpersonal skills, and a commitment to inclusion and collaboration are essential.

The University is committed to building a fully inclusive and diverse community, including in its senior leadership, and welcomes applications from candidates from all backgrounds.

Applications should consist of a covering letter, full CV detailing academic and professional qualifications, employment history, latest remuneration and relevant achievements.  

Applications can be uploaded at https://plusportal.perrettlaver.com/VacancyDetail/4bae3750-a473-bd9f-386e-3a205f1be78b

The job reference number is 8343.

Closing date for applications is 5 May 2026 at 23:59 GST.

Salary: Competitive

Location: Dubai, UAE

Perrett Laver would be delighted to speak with any interested individuals and welcome all exploratory discussions. If you would like to discuss this opportunity further or have any questions about the role, please contact Ilona Motyer at Ilona.Motyer@perrettlaver.com or Emma Stone at Emma.Stone@perrettlaver.com.

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