Executive Dean

Creativity has no boundaries and neither does the University for the Creative Arts. UCA is a home for the globally minded. It believes in entrepreneurism and innovation. Bold opportunists, quiet innovators, curious experimentalists and out-of-the-box thinkers are welcomed. 

With a long track record of delivering high quality education that prepares graduates for careers in the creative industries, we have been pioneering innovative ideas and practices in creative education for more than 160 years. We are the second largest provider of creative arts education in the UK, and in the most recent REF we were the UK’s top specialist art and design university for world-leading research outputs, with 99% of our research internationally recognised for quality.

UCA is a vibrant community of around 11,000 students from all parts of the UK and overseas, studying a wide range of specialist pre-degree, undergraduate and postgraduate courses at our UK campuses in Epsom, Farnham and Canterbury, the Institute of Creativity and Innovation in China, and in our other partner institutions. An inclusive university that celebrates difference, we prioritise creating a supportive environment for students and staff to find their individual voices and nurture their personal creativity.

As a member of the University Executive Board and reporting to the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, the successful candidate will lead the Epsom School for Business, Fashion and Creative Enterprise, home to our unique Business School for the Creative Industries, and our outstanding Fashion and Textiles courses which include the world-leading MA in Digital Fashion. The Executive Dean will lead the Epsom campus and be responsible for creating a campus identity, championing change, setting direction and mobilising staff to deliver on strategic priorities. 

Candidates will be able to demonstrate a track record of success in higher education leadership, combined with recognised achievements in professional or creative practice, teaching excellence (including curriculum design) or expertise in creative practice methodologies.

The successful candidate will have a deep understanding of the creative sector, the ability to inspire and motivate others, and excellent interpersonal skills, skilled in negotiation, team working, networking and advocacy, and able to evidence a track record of leading effective change from beginning to end. They will also be wholly committed to delivering our values of inclusion, collaboration and impact.

 Candidates should apply for this role through our retained advisors Networked at -

https://www.networkedpeople.com/uca-exec-dean/

The deadline for receipt of applications is midnight on Monday 10th March 2025.

Informal questions regarding the post should be directed to Hamish Laing at Networked via - hamish.laing@networkedpeople.com or +44 (0)7861 329463.

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