Vice-Chancellor

Purpose of the Post

The Vice-Chancellor is the executive head of the University, responsible for the successful leadership and management of the University’s activities and of its community of staff and students. The Vice-Chancellor is accountable to the University Council for delivering our mission of excellence in education and research, for the benefit of individuals and communities, and for performance against the objectives and key performance indicators agreed by Council.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide outstanding, visible and values-based leadership of the delivery of the University’s mission and of its community of staff and students, that will enable the University to thrive in a rapidly changing external and educational environment.
• Develop and articulate a compelling strategic vision for the delivery of the University’s mission that is ambitious, distinctive, clear, and impactful.
• Advance with confidence and creativity the interests of the University as a values-based academic institution with an equal commitment to excellence in education and research.
• Be a passionate advocate for the University and for the importance, impact and value of its work and achievements, promoting the University, safeguarding its reputation and enhancing its profile regionally, nationally and internationally (including through personal international travel on behalf of the University).
• Inspire the University’s community of staff and students to exercise their Essex Spirit and to achieve outstanding educational outcomes, uncover ground[1]breaking research discoveries and bring about positive change to make the world a better place.
• Promote a one-university culture in which all staff and students are encouraged to develop, succeed and be themselves as active contributors to the University’s mission.
• Ensure the continued success of the University’s mission through the effective strategic management of the University’s resources and assets, generating the level of income and surpluses necessary to enable continued investment in the University’s future development.
• Further the University’s commitment to delivering its mission in ways that promote academic freedom and freedom of speech; enhance equality, diversity and inclusion; foster wellbeing; and advance the actions necessary to respond to the climate and ecological emergency.
• Lead the University Steering Group and wider leadership team in providing cohesive, consistent and impactful direction to the delivery of the University’s mission and vision.
• Develop new and nurture existing productive partnerships with other universities, with public and third-sector organisations, with business and with individuals, nationally and internationally, that will enable the University to deliver its mission more effectively and with greater impact through education and research partnerships, knowledge exchange, collaborative working, philanthropy and effective engagement with the University’s alumni and stakeholders.
• Work in close partnership with the University’s student leaders and the University of Essex Students’ Union in placing student success at the heart of the University’s mission and ensuring that Essex offers an outstanding student experience.
• Work closely with the University’s Council and Senate, ensuring that excellent standards of corporate and academic governance are maintained through open and collaborative engagement.

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