Pro Vice-Chancellor and Dean

The University of Derby is an ambitious, modern university with a strong commitment to transforming lives. We are a university with deep civic roots, strong regional partnerships and a growing national reputation for delivering professionally focused education that supports individuals, communities and employers to thrive.

As part of a major institutional transformation, the University has recently established a new academic structure. At the heart of this vision is the College of Health and Humanities. The College comprises three schools; Health and Social Care, Health, Sport and Rehabilitation, and Humanities, Law and Creative Arts. With approximately 600 staff, it one of the largest and most significant areas of the University.

This is a rare opportunity to lead one of Derby's flagship colleges at a pivotal moment in its development. The successful candidate will play a central role in delivering the University's strategic ambitions, leading a broad and distinctive academic portfolio, while helping to shape the future direction of the institution as a member of the senior executive team.

Reporting to the Provost and Deputy Vice-Chancellor, you will provide strategic, academic and operational leadership across the College. You will lead the continued enhancement of student experience and outcomes, support sustainable growth, strengthen research and knowledge exchange activity, and champion innovation across education and curriculum delivery. You will also play a key role in the University's transformation agenda as new approaches to the student journey and curriculum flexibility are implemented across the institution.

You will lead on the further development of strategic external relationships, especially across the health sector. Working with NHS trusts, healthcare providers, civic partners and employers, you will build influential partnerships that enhance student opportunity, support workforce development and create new avenues for growth and collaboration. The ability to operate credibly at senior executive level, both internally and externally, will be essential.

We are seeking an experienced and inspiring academic leader with the vision, resilience and judgement to lead through a period of significant opportunity and change. You will bring a strong track record of leadership, the ability to inspire confidence and engagement across diverse academic communities, and a commitment to delivering outstanding outcomes for students. Most importantly, you will be a collaborative and forward-thinking leader capable of joining institutional priorities with external opportunity and translating ambition into impact.

Closing date: Friday 9^th October 2026

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