University of Essex, Faculty of Social SciencesThe University of Essex is equally committed to excellence in research and education. We were ranked 19th in the Research Excellence Framework 2014 and in 2017 awarded the top Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework. We are ranked in the top 25 for research quality in The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2020 and are one of a select group of 11 ‘dual-intensive’ universities who feature in the top 25% of performance in the Teaching Excellence Framework. The University is ranked 40th in the Times Good University Guide 2021 and, confirming our global reputation, the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2020 placed Essex 21st for international outlook.
We are seeking to appoint an Executive Dean of Social Sciences at a very exciting time in our development. Though UK universities face unprecedented challenges, we take encouragement from the increase in demand for an Essex education and our research expertise. The University is growing in reputation and standing, making significant step-change investments in our education and research capacity and we are confident about our future.
More information on our Faculty of Social Sciences can be found at the following link: https://www.essex.ac.uk/about/faculty-of-social-sciences
Duties of the RoleReporting directly to the Vice-Chancellor and a member of the University's executive team (University Steering Group), the Executive Dean (Social Sciences) plays a central role in the delivery of the University’s Strategic Plan. They provide academic leadership for the faculty, and have responsibility for the financial management of the faculty. They line manage a number of key academic roles. They are directly supported in this by a faculty support team led by a Faculty Manager, and by relevant colleagues in professional support services.
You will be appointed to a substantive Chair (Professorship) in one of our academic departments, to which you will revert at the conclusion of your term of office. The normal term of appointment to the role of the Executive Dean (Social Sciences) is three years, with eligibility for re-appointment for a further three years. You may exceptionally be re-appointed for a further period of up to three years making a total of nine years. Upon return to your home department, you will undertake the full remit of academic duties including education, research, and leadership/citizenship. We recognise that in a research-intensive university research credibility is essential and a percentage of the post will be ring-fenced for research and we will provide research support as necessary.
A full list of duties and responsibilities can be found within the job pack.
Qualifications and Skills requiredThe successful candidate should hold a PhD in a discipline relevant to the University, or have an equivalent level of experience, and have a distinguished academic record, including an internationally excellent research standing. A proven track record of successful academic leadership at a senior level in a higher education institution that includes a broad range of disciplines together with excellent planning skills, allied to well-developed analytical and problem solving skills are also essential. The applicant will need to publish in an area that allows the University to submit them to one of our Units of Assessment in future REF submissions.
At the University of Essex, internationalism and diversity is central to who we are and what we do. We are committed to being a cosmopolitan, internationally oriented university that is welcoming to staff and students from all countries, faiths and backgrounds, where you can find the world in one place.
To support this commitment we have our Global Forum, a staff-led network that promotes and celebrates the rich cultural diversity among Essex staff, and our Colchester campus based Faith Centre, which hosts regular services, meetings and events organised by our chaplains and faith representatives. For more information see: https://www.essex.ac.uk/life/student-facilities/religion-and-faith
Please see the attached job pack, which contains a full job description and person specification, which outlines the full duties, skills, qualifications and experience needed for this role plus more information relating to the post. We recommend you read this information carefully before making an application, which can be done via Harvey Nash (www.harveynash.com/essex-uni/).
*More information: Working at the University