Vice-Chancellor

At Keele, we pride ourselves on being different. Established 75 years ago to address the needs of a changing society, economy, and world, our founding principles are more relevant today than ever. Our mission is to make a meaningful impact on society by offering innovative, high-quality education to students from diverse backgrounds and conducting world-leading research that enhances understanding and benefits society, communities, and individuals.

Keele is a highly successful, dual-excellence university. We rank in a ‘Golden Quadrangle’ of England’s Top 15 universities that excel in both teaching and research, with a TEF Gold award and a strong performance in the last REF. Our 13,500 students benefit from an extensive and sustainable campus, situated in 600 acres of picturesque Staffordshire countryside and within easy reach of Manchester and Birmingham.

The University is seeking an exceptional Vice-Chancellor to succeed Professor Trevor McMillan, who steps down at the end of this academic year. The successful candidate will provide visible and inspirational leadership across the entire institution, working collaboratively with the senior leadership team to motivate and empower all staff in achieving their part of the strategic plan. This will include leading the enhancement of education, research, innovation, and engagement. The new Vice-Chancellor will also be expected to shape the future strategy and direction of the University, and to grow its income and footprint both rapidly and sustainably.

The successful candidate will bring significant strategic leadership experience gained at Board level within a large and complex organisation, with the ability to shape, influence and embed both vision and strategy. They will also have successful operational management experience of a large unit, together with a personal track record that is relevant to the effective leadership of an academic institution. It is essential that the new Vice-Chancellor can work effectively with stakeholders and partners, and that they demonstrate a strong commitment to Keele’s mission, values, and culture.

To apply online for this vacancy and for full post details and copies of job descriptions, please click on the 'Apply' button above. 

Applications are invited at your earliest convenience, and in any event by no later than 5pm on Friday 21^st February 2025. 

Keele University values diversity, and is committed to ensuring equality of opportunity, and to proper and fair representation across its senior decision making groups. In support of these commitments, the University particularly welcomes expressions of interest and applications from women and from individuals of Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds, for this post.