Dean - School of Creative Industries

Solent University; Southampton; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A modern, ambitious university in Southampton is seeking a Dean of School of Creative Industries to drive academic excellence and student success. The ideal candidate will have substantial academic or industry experience in creative disciplines, a proven track record of strategic leadership, and a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion. This role offers a chance to shape the future of creative education in a vibrant and inclusive environment.

Benefits

Excellent benefits package

Qualifications

• Substantial academic or industry experience in creative disciplines.
• Proven track record of strategic leadership, budget management, and team development.
• Ability to inspire staff and students; strong commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for the School of Creative Industries within the Strategy 2035 framework.
• Lead new Schools, driving academic excellence, industry engagement, and student success.
• Build and sustain dynamic partnerships with creative industries.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Budget management

Team development

Diversity and inclusion commitment

Job description

Overview

Lead our innovative programmes in digital media, fashion, music, performing arts, and creative technology. Shape the next generation of creative professionals and drive industry partnerships in one of the UK’s fastest-growing sectors. Southampton Solent University is a modern, ambitious institution with bold plans for the future. Rooted in the practical side of higher education, we empower our students with the confidence, connections, and skills to turn knowledge into meaningful careers and real-world impact. Our community is vibrant, inclusive and innovative, guided by six core values – respect, ownership, inclusivity, engagement, integrity, and teamwork – which shape our culture and drive our progress.

We are now seeking an exceptional individual to join us as Dean of School of Creative Industries – a transformational leadership role at the heart of our exciting academic restructure. As part of our ambitious Strategy 2035, you will lead one of four new Schools, driving academic excellence, industry engagement, and student success across digital media, fashion, music, performing arts, and creative technology programmes. This role is central to the successful delivery of Solent\'s Strategy 2035 – our vision to transform lives through applied learning, impactful research and innovation, and inclusive growth. As Dean, you will provide strategic leadership for the School, fostering dynamic partnerships with the creative industries and ensuring our graduates are equipped for success in one of the UK\'s fastest-growing sectors. You will champion outstanding teaching, meaningful research, and innovative practice that bridges academia and industry like no other.

We are looking for a visionary leader with substantial academic or industry experience in creative disciplines, who can deliver an exciting new vision for the creative industries linked to our excellent work in collaborating with partners and practice-led teaching. You will have a proven track record of strategic leadership, budget management, and team development, with the ability to inspire staff and students alike. While experience in higher education is highly valued, we welcome candidates from across sectors who bring passion for creative excellence, strategic thinking, and commitment to diversity and inclusion.

This is a rare opportunity to shape the future direction of creative education at a university that is ambitious, values-driven, and committed to creating real change. For more information on this exciting role please visit the role page here.

Closing date for applications is 5pm, Friday 17 October 2025.

Solent University is an equal opportunities employer and positively welcomes applications from candidates who are currently underrepresented at this level.

Solent University offers an excellent benefits package. More Information.

We are Confident. We are Progressive. We are Inclusive. We Are Solent.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for the School of Creative Industries within the Strategy 2035 framework.
• Lead one of four new Schools, driving academic excellence, industry engagement, and student success across digital media, fashion, music, performing arts, and creative technology programmes.
• Build and sustain dynamic partnerships with the creative industries to enhance employability, research, and practice-led teaching.
• Champion outstanding teaching, meaningful research, and innovative practice that bridges academia and industry.
• Oversee strategic planning, budgeting, and resource management; contribute to broader university strategy and governance.
• Inspire and develop staff and students, fostering an inclusive and high-performing culture.

Qualifications

• Substantial academic or industry experience in creative disciplines.
• Proven track record of strategic leadership, budget management, and team development.
• Ability to inspire staff and students; strong commit ment to diversity and inclusion.
• Experience in higher education is highly valued, but candidates from across sectors with a passion for creative excellence are welcome.

Requirements and Benefits

Closing date for applications: 5pm, Friday 17 October 2025. Solent University is an equal opportunities employer and positively welcomes applications from candidates who are currently underrepresented at this level. Solent University offers an excellent benefits package.