Staffordshire University, Head of Department of Visual Entertainment and Esports

Staffordshire University is an innovative, connected University, acting as an anchor institution of and for the region. Its fundamental contributions to the  economy and society are underpinned by a commitment to social mobility and challenging disadvantage. Whilst it has a heritage stretching back over 100 years, it is recognised today for its innovative digital approach and for pushing boundaries. It supports students and the wider community to compete and thrive in the modern world.

The University has transformed itself over the last five years, by securing TEF Gold and gaining historically high positions in the UK league tables, whilst achieving financial sustainability at a time of turbulence in the sector.

They are considered modern, digital, technologically savvy and a sector disruptor. They have also exceeded goals set in the previous years and is now considering its ‘Towards 2030’ strategy. There is a strong sense of strategic direction and purpose, informed by their heritage, roots and commitment to providing transformative life chances for all. 

Currently one of the UK’s leading Games Universities with over 2000 students and 400 graduates annually, and being the home of the Epic Games Centre, Staffordshire University is keen to kickstart the ambition for Stoke-on-Trent to become the centre for Games and Esports in the UK. After winning the 2020 TIGA Awards for Best Education Institution and the 2020 Grades and Games Awards, the University is pushing the boundaries of the digital and online learning, ensuing that students and local communities are able to compete and thrive in the modern world. In addition, with the rapid expansion of Gaming and the Esports scene, the University sees potential in building relationships with local and international games industry.  

To help realise Staffordshire University’s aspirations, the University is seeking to appoint a new Head of Department of Visual Entertainment and Esports to provide academic leadership and take overall responsibility for the academic quality, research, teaching, and learning. Candidates will be proven leaders with a successful track record of research within Visual Entertainment and Esports.  Reporting to the Director of Staffordshire University Games Institute and working alongside the Dean and Associate Deans, candidates will also be responsible for building the profile of the discipline and develop an innovative portfolio of industry leading awards and programmes. They will also have the appetite to seek out opportunities within Staffordshire University and externally, to cultivate and engage with stakeholders from the region.

Staffordshire University celebrates diversity and promotes equality and inclusion amongst staff and students. As such, the University welcomes applications from all, regardless of personal characteristics or background. The University particularly welcome applications from Women and Black and Asian Minority Ethnic candidates as they are under-represented within the University at a senior level.

Location: Staffordshire    

The closing date for applications is midnight (BST) on Monday, 14th June 2021.  

An executive search process is being managed by Perrett Laver. For details of the appointment, including further information about the person specification and how to apply, please visit https://candidates.perrettlaver.com/vacancies/ quoting reference 5147. 

If you would like to discuss this opportunity further or have any questions about the role, please contact Senior Research Associate, Zachry Sazali at zachry.sazali@perrettlaver.com or +44 (0) 20 7340 6213. 

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