Executive Dean (Academic)

Leeds Trinity University; Leeds; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A dynamic higher education institution in Leeds is seeking an Executive Dean (Academic) to lead its academic strategy and drive institutional growth. This senior role involves managing the academic portfolio, fostering employer partnerships, and ensuring a quality learning experience for students. Ideal candidates will possess significant experience in leadership within higher education, with a strong focus on innovation and inclusivity. This pivotal position offers a chance to shape the future of the university and its impact on the region and beyond.

Qualifications

• Proven track record of senior leadership within higher education.
• Ability to lead institution-wide changes and inspire colleagues.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and delivery of the University’s Academic Strategy.
• Develop and integrate curriculum innovation and research.
• Champion applied learning and strengthen employer partnerships.

Skills

Visionary leadership

Curriculum transformation

Partnership building

Digital innovation

Research development

Job description

Shape the future of a career-led university

Leeds Trinity University is seeking an outstanding academic leader to join us as Executive Dean (Academic). This is a rare and exciting opportunity to help shape the next stage of our evolution as a career-led, applied and socially impactful university.

As we continue a period of ambitious growth and transformation, including the development of our new city centre campus and the expansion of our academic portfolio, this newly created role will sit at the heart of our academic leadership. You will play a pivotal part in driving academic excellence, innovation and positive change for our students, our region and the wider world.

About Leeds Trinity University

At Leeds Trinity, we believe education has the power to transform lives and communities. We are a diverse and inclusive university that values wellbeing, wisdom and wider potential alongside academic excellence.

We are home to around 14,000 students across undergraduate, postgraduate, foundation, work-based learning and apprenticeship programmes, supported by approximately 800 staff. Our Strategic Plan 2021 to 2028 is built around four key pillars : Education and Experience; People and Sustainability; Research, Impact and Innovation; and Careers and Enterprise.

Strong partnerships with employers, civic organisations and academic institutions underpin everything we do, ensuring our students graduate with the skills, experience and confidence to thrive in a rapidly changing world.

About the role

The Executive Dean (Academic) is a senior and strategically significant appointment. Working closely with the Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Provost, you will lead the development and delivery of the University’s Academic Strategy and provide senior oversight of our five Schools, with direct line management responsibility for Heads of School.

You will shape a coherent, competitive and future-focused academic portfolio, integrating curriculum innovation, research and knowledge exchange, digital delivery, internationalisation and market positioning. A clear focus on quality, inclusivity and student experience will be central to your leadership.

Aligned with our career-led mission, you will champion applied learning and strengthen engagement with employers and external partners, ensuring our academic offer remains relevant, impactful and responsive to student and workforce needs.

Who we are looking for

We are seeking an ambitious, visionary and resilient academic leader with a compelling track record of senior leadership within higher education. You will bring deep insight into the UK higher education landscape and the ability to translate external drivers into clear strategic priorities and sustainable impact.

You will have experience of leading institution-wide change, such as curriculum transformation, research development, partnerships, internationalisation or digital innovation, and be confident in inspiring and engaging academic and professional colleagues through periods of change.

Above all, you will share our values and our commitment to creating an outstanding, inclusive and supportive academic community where students and staff can flourish.

For further information, please review the information available at :

How to apply

Please submit a CV and a supporting statement outlining your suitability for the role and your motivation for applying, clearly addressing the criteria in the person specification.

Applications should be emailed to , quoting Executive Dean – Leeds Trinity University in the subject line.

Closing date : Thursday 29th January at 09 : 00am

For a confidential discussion, please contact our advising consultants at Peridot Partners, Olivia Robson or Drew Richardson-Walsh.