Associate Head for Religion, Politics, and International Relations

Contract duration: 12 months

Interview date: Wednesday 4^th September 2024

Introduction to YSJ university

York St John is an ambitious, modern university at the heart of historic York and there has never been a more exciting time to join us.

As one of the fastest growing universities in the U.K over recent years, we have a new strategy for the next decade, emphasising our commitment to widening opportunity through the power of education and contributing our talents to creating a fairer world, and a more prosperous region. We are putting inspirational learning and impactful research at the heart of this strategy, recognising our academic expertise as our greatest asset.

The School

The School of Humanities offers a range of degree programmes across ten subject areas, as well as a Foundation Year in Liberal Arts. We have a diverse PGT portfolio and a rapidly growing PGR community. As a School, we are committed to student-centred teaching and active in projects involving decolonising the curriculum, work-related learning, and inclusive pedagogies. We have a thriving research community with a combination of early career researchers and active senior researchers.

The Role

As the Associate Head for Religion, and Politics and International Relations, you will be responsible for the success of these two distinct undergraduate programmes, and our MA programmes in Religion in Society and International Politics and Security. Both subject areas have an excellent reputation for learning and teaching, and routinely receive strong scores for the NSS, PTES and PRES. In this role, you will be part of the School Academic Leadership Team and will work closely with four other Associate Heads to support the Head of School in making strategic decisions relating to a range of topics including staffing, recruitment, external partnerships and internationalisation. You will line-manage two academic teams (around 9 colleagues in total) and be responsible for delivering key performance objectives across your programmes. You will facilitate good communication across your teams and motivate colleagues to be the best that they can be. An approachable leader, you will be an enthusiastic advocate for your programmes and actively engaged with the university strategic plan.

Required skills and experience 

The successful candidate will have research expertise in at least one of the areas of Religion and/or Politics, and/or International Relations. Regardless of your personal specialism, you will need to demonstrate an appreciation and understanding of the other subject areas. An experienced professional, you will have a strong portfolio in terms of teaching innovation, as well as having recognised scholarship in your area of expertise. Experience of programme management, leadership, and strategic thinking is essential. Our approach to leadership is collegiate and focuses on both empowering and supporting staff.

Additional information 

For informal queries, please contact the Head of School, Dr Anne-Marie Evans (a.evans@yorksj.ac.uk). 

It is anticipated that the selection process will include an interview and teaching assessment. Further details will be provided if you are shortlisted for interview.

This role is eligible for Skilled Worker Visa sponsorship. For further information regarding this visa route please visit Skilled Worker visa: Overview - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).

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