Deputy Vice-Chancellor Full Time

Derby, Derbyshire
University of Derby

Hybrid
This role will be based on site, primarily in the named location with the opportunity to work remotely available in line with our Adaptive Working Framework.

Reference: 0390-24

About the University

We have one simple promise – to make a positive impact. Through our ground-breaking research, teaching excellence and commitment to sustainable living, we are changing lives for the better.

The University of Derby is a modern university with a modern outlook. Everything we do is driven by delivering excellence and opportunities for our students, our staff and our region.

We have some of the best university facilities in the UK and achieve outstanding results for our teaching and research, having been awarded Gold in the prestigious Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023 – making it one of the top universities in the country recognized for its outstanding student experience and student outcomes.

Financially strong and seriously ambitious, we offer our employees an inclusive culture that centers around staff wellbeing, where you can be confident you will receive all the help and encouragement you need to build a rewarding career with lots of opportunities to enhance your skills.

About the Role

The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (DVC) is a senior executive role, reporting directly to the Vice-Chancellor, and is crucial in leading the university’s strategic direction. This position focuses on achieving academic excellence, operational efficiency, and the university’s strategic goals. The DVC will drive the academic strategy, uphold high academic standards, and ensure institutional success and financial sustainability. They will enhance the student experience and boost student achievement through effective leadership and a deep understanding of university and sector trends.

As a key member of the University’s Executive Board, the DVC will oversee academic performance, planning, and innovation. They will foster an inclusive and innovative educational environment, integrating equity, diversity, and inclusion into the university culture. The DVC will provide leadership for academic staff development, manage the academic portfolio, and ensure alignment with financial plans and strategic objectives.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as a full member of the University’s Executive Board (UEB), actively contributing to the university’s strategic direction while embodying and promoting the institution’s values and behaviours.
• Act as a strategic leader for the university, overseeing academic performance, planning, innovation, and collaboration in partnership with senior leadership.
• Achieve organisational performance in alignment with strategic objectives, key performance indicators, and targets.
• Integrate equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) into the culture and activities within areas of responsibility and across the university in accordance with the EDI framework.
• Provide inspirational leadership, line management, and staff development, ensuring local strategic and operational plans align with the university’s strategic framework and corporate objectives.
• Foster an environment conducive to scholarly activity within your remit and beyond, providing leadership for the professional development of the academic community to enhance the student experience.
• Lead academic oversight of Colleges and their business performance, and their delivery through line management of the PVC/Deans.
• Lead corporate transformational change and improvement through matrix leadership across relevant corporate functions to ensure cohesion and successful outcomes.
• Support the VC in delivering the University’s response to the changing policy agenda and broader changes that affect the sector.
• Oversee the development and implementation of a strategy to grow and diversify the academic portfolio.
• Ensure the academic portfolio supports the university’s student income growth strategy and aligns with the university’s financial plans.
• Oversee the efficient and effective management of the university’s resources, including budgetary oversight and financial planning.
• Represent the university as an ambassador at boards, committees, and events, both internally and externally.
• Promote a culture of continuous improvement and accountability.
• Perform other duties as required, appropriate to the grade.
• Comply with health and safety responsibilities personally and ensure adherence within areas of remit in line with university policy.
• Advocate for environmental sustainability in university operations.
• Deputise for the Vice-Chancellor when necessary.

Minimum Requirements

• Professorial standing, with an academic profile and teaching/research/pedagogic track record commensurate with a senior academic leadership post.
• PhD/Professional Doctorate.
• Evidence of relevant continuous professional development and active memberships or affiliations with relevant external associations or networks.

Experience

• Significant Board level leadership experience.
• Substantial academic track record.
• Experience of strategic planning processes.
• Demonstrable experience of leadership and turning plans into action.
• Significant experience of working in a large and complex organization such as a Higher Education Institution.
• Experience of financial management and significant budgetary planning.
• A track record of facilitating the highest quality research/scholarship, or learning and teaching.
• Demonstrable success in building relationships with key sector bodies and external stakeholders.
• Experience of leading an institutional priority such as REF or TEF.

Skills, Knowledge & Abilities

• Substantial knowledge and understanding of the regulatory framework and policy/planning issues within Higher Education (HE).
• Excellent knowledge of governance, compliance, and risk management issues in the HE context.
• The ability to lead continuous organizational change and development.
• The ability to think strategically, to help realize the vision for the future of the University.
• Highly effective teamwork and collaboration skills.
• Proven leadership skills with the ability to build, inspire, motivate, and develop diverse teams.
• Excellent communication, networking, and influencing skills.
• The agility and resilience necessary to manage demanding workloads and deadlines.

Business Requirements

• Highly flexible and able to travel on a local, national, and international basis when required.
• Willingness to work outside of normal office hours for events as appropriate.
• Competitive pay structure.
• Generous annual leave entitlement of 42 days.
• Suite of holistic wellbeing benefits and support.

How to Apply

You can apply by submitting an online application. If you require any assistance, including the provision of any documentation in an alternative format, please contact the Recruitment team at .

Please note all applications must be submitted online by Midnight GMT on the closing date of the vacancy.

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

The University of Derby is committed to promoting equity, diversity and inclusion. We actively celebrate the knowledge, experience, and talents each person brings.

At the University of Derby, we are passionate about embedding sustainability into everything that we do.