Executive Dean of the Faculty of Health, Life Sciences and Education

Executive Dean, Faculty of Health, Life Sciences and Education

As we enter the next phase of our strategy, we are strengthening our financial sustainability and deepening our impact across Northamptonshire and beyond. In a challenging and fast-changing higher education landscape, we remain clear about our purpose and confident in our ability to make a difference.

Working closely with fellow Executive Deans and the University Leadership Team, the Executive Dean of the Faculty of Health, Life Sciences and Education will play a pivotal role in translating strategy into action. You will drive student success, academic excellence, research, enterprise, partnership growth and external impact, while ensuring the Faculty remains responsive to the needs of communities, employers and public services.

Reporting directly to the Vice Chancellor, you will lead the Faculty through two Deputy Deans, a Faculty Manager and a Director of Commercial and Enterprise. Alongside Faculty leadership responsibilities, you will hold cross-university strategic responsibilities agreed with the Vice Chancellor, contributing to institutional priorities and transformation programmes.

You will be accountable for delivering annual and longer-term Faculty objectives across student recruitment, outcomes, academic quality, financial performance, research, partnerships and external engagement. As a member of the University Leadership Team, you will act as an institutional leader, working collaboratively across Faculties, Professional Services, students, Governors and external stakeholders to achieve outstanding outcomes.

About You

We are seeking an inspiring and experienced academic leader who combines ambition, sound judgement and a commitment to people. You will be a visible and approachable leader, able to build confidence through change, create momentum and inspire high performance while fostering an inclusive and supportive culture.

You will have a strong track record of success in a discipline relevant to the Faculty and significant senior leadership experience within higher education. You will demonstrate your ability to grow and enhance an academic portfolio, develop new markets and partnerships, and lead commercial and enterprise activity.

The successful candidate will balance strategic leadership with collaboration, bringing colleagues with them through clear direction, support and shared purpose. Equally important is your ability to contribute constructively to the wider success of the University beyond Faculty boundaries.

You will demonstrate integrity, professionalism and a commitment to equality, inclusion, sustainability and responsible practice.

This is an exciting opportunity to help shape a forward-thinking, student-centred university that plays a vital role in the civic, social and economic life of Northamptonshire.

Qualifications

• Relevant postgraduate qualification or equivalent professional experience.
• Research degree or equivalent professional experience.
• Relevant and current professional registration.

About the Faculty

The Faculty of Health, Life Sciences and Education sits at the heart of addressing some of society's most pressing challenges, from improving health outcomes and public services to educating future generations and developing a skilled workforce.

The Faculty comprises six Schools, the Nursing and Midwifery Competency Testing Centre and the Multi-Disciplinary Clinic, serving over 7,000 students across Behavioural Sciences, Nursing and Midwifery, Sport and Public Health, Science, Education, Culture and Society, and Health.

Advert information