Department : University College

Position Type : Academic

Grade 10

Head of University College

Durham University is seeking to appoint the next Head of University College (colloquially known as ‘Castle’). The oldest of the Durham Colleges, Castle is a vibrant scholarly community, located in and around the historic Durham Castle. The College is home to around 750 undergraduates and 400 postgraduates from the UK and overseas.

A world top 100, research intensive University, Durham prides itself on providing an education and a wider student experience that is on a par with the very best institutions worldwide. Durham is moreover a proudly collegiate university, with 16 colleges located across Durham City, a new 17th college due to open in 2020 and others to follow up to 2027. Our residential college communities make Durham a highly distinctive place to study and engage in the wider student experience.

The University Strategy sets out a bold vision over ten years that builds on our reputation for excellence in education, research and the wider student experience. Every one of our colleges, alongside the Students’ Union and Experience Durham, plays an integral role in what makes us different and are critical to driving the University’s ambitious strategy to deliver a student experience as good as any in the world – an experience in which students’ individual personal development is accelerated by being challenged to participate to the fullest in the extraordinary range and number of opportunities available within the colleges and beyond.

Crucial to each college’s success is the person appointed to lead, champion, fundraiser for and manage a community of passionate, engaged and activated students, staff and alumni who feel loyalty to their particular college and to the University. Accountable to the Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Colleges & Student Experience, the Head of University College is responsible (together with the University's Student Support and Wellbeing Directorate) for the well-being and development of students and staff in the college; for driving the college’s distinctive combination of opportunities for challenge and personal development; for the college’s sound functioning; and for devising, agreeing and implementing strategic plans aligned to the delivery of the University’s overall mission and aims.

The Head of University College will be an inspirational and caring leader who will have a strong personal commitment to Durham’s collegiate values and student welfare. The successful candidate will be either a world leading academic at Associate or full Professorial level, or alternatively, a leader in an area aligned to our wider student experience, such as sport, drama, music, volunteering, fundraising and the wider charitable sector.

We welcome applications from a diverse pool of leaders from all walks of life.

Durham University is working in partnership with Odgers Berndtson to recruit to the role of Head of University College. Applications should be submitted to Odgers Berndtson; applications submitted via this portal will not be considered.

For further information on the role including a full role description and how to apply, please click HERE

The closing date for applications is Monday 7th October 2019 at 1700.

Durham University is committed to promoting equality and diversity.

If you would like to have a confidential discussion about this role, please contact Hugh Holden by email hugh.holden@odgersberndtson.com or call on 020 7518 2654

Closes midday on : 07-Oct-2019