Head of Department of Society and Environment

FTE: 1.0fte (37 hours per week)

Duration of Contract: Permanent

Annual Leave: 35 days plus standard public holidays and an additional 4 days including the closure of our office between Christmas and New Year

Location: De Havilland Campus, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield

The School of Law, Education and Society is seeking an innovative, collaborative academic leader to become the inaugural Head of the Department of Society and Environment. This is a unique opportunity to shape the strategic direction, culture and success of a new department encompassing Sociology, Geography, Environmental Management, Planning, Politics and International Relations.

Main duties and responsibilities

The Head of Department will provide strategic and operational leadership for a diverse academic portfolio. The postholder will shape departmental direction, performance and development, ensuring excellence in teaching, learning, research, enterprise and student experience.

Working with the Dean, Deputy Dean and Associate Deans, the successful candidate will lead departmental planning and delivery in line with School and University priorities. They will oversee academic quality and standards, support curriculum innovation, and ensure effective deployment of staff and resources.

A key aspect of the role will be building a positive, inclusive and high-performing culture in which staff and students can thrive. The Head of Department will support academic colleagues, oversee workload allocation and staff development, and promote collaboration, innovation and continuous improvement.

The postholder will enhance student recruitment, retention and success and use data and evidence to inform decisions and deliver an excellent student experience. They will contribute to business planning, budget management and resource allocation, while working with the Associate Dean Research and Enterprise to advance research, external funding, partnerships, impact and the department’s profile.

Skills and experience required

We are seeking an experienced academic leader with a strong understanding of higher education and the ability to lead strategically in a complex environment. Applicants will have a proven track record of leadership and management within higher education, successful academic delivery, and leading teams to achieve shared goals.

The successful candidate will build effective relationships across disciplines, professional services and external organisations. They will have excellent communication, organisational and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence, motivate and inspire others. A commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion, and to the University’s FACES values, is essential.

Candidates should have experience of programme development, academic quality, staff performance and development, and using data to support planning. Experience of leading initiatives related to student recruitment, retention and success is essential.

Qualifications required

Applicants will hold a relevant first degree and master’s qualification, or equivalents. A doctorate and membership of a relevant professional or academic body are desirable.

We are looking for an individual with strategic vision, a collegiate leadership style and a passion for developing people, enhancing academic excellence and securing outstanding outcomes for students, staff and stakeholders.

Internal applicants – please ensure you apply via your employee self-service portal.

Contact Details/Informal Enquiries: Professor Penny Carey (Dean) p.carey@herts.ac.uk or Elizabeth Kirkbride (Deputy Dean) e.kirkbride@herts.ac.uk

Closing Date: 1 October 2026

Interview Date: To be held in early November

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