Executive Dean - School of Computer Science & Digital Technologies

Aston University; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 105,000 - 137,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent educational institution in Birmingham is seeking an exceptional academic leader to become the next Executive Dean of the School of Computer Science & Digital Technologies. This role requires strategic growth, interdisciplinary collaboration, and a commitment to fostering inclusive growth for students from all backgrounds. The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in driving digital innovation and the university's ambitions for excellence in education and research.

Benefits

Flexible working options

Equal opportunities employer

Qualifications

• A distinguished national and international academic profile and leadership experience in higher education.
• Proven ability to deliver strategic growth and transformation.
• A collaborative, inclusive leadership style aligned with Aston's values.

Responsibilities

• Drive digital innovation and entrepreneurial education.
• Lead the School's contribution to the Birmingham Innovation Quarter.
• Champion inclusive growth and ensure access to high-value careers.

Skills

Academic leadership

Strategic growth

Collaboration

Commercial acumen

Population management

Education

Distinguished academic profile

Leadership experience in higher education

Job description

School of Computer Science & Digital Technology.

Location: Aston University Main Campus

Salary: £105,001 to £136,758 per annum

Grade: Band 02

Contract Type: Permanent

Basis: Full Time

Closing Date: 23.59 hours GMT on Friday 12 December 2025

Interview Date: Monday 12 January 2026

Reference: 1311-25

Release Date: Wednesday 12 November 2025

Lead the Future of Digital Innovation, Research and Education

Aston University is seeking an exceptional academic leader to become the next Executive Dean of the School of Computer Science & Digital Technologies comprised of two departments: Applied AI and Robotics and Software Engineering and Cyber Security. The school is closely linked to the Centre for Neuromorphic Computing and the Sir Peter Rigby Digital Futures Research Institute.

About the School

• Over 1,000 students and more than 80 academic and professional staff.
• Offers undergraduate, postgraduate, and degree apprenticeship programmes in computer science, AI, robotics, software engineering, data science, and cyber security.
• Hosts research centres for Artificial Intelligence Research and Application and for Cyber Security, Privacy and Trust.
• Hosts the Aston Computer Science Club with a range of leading members from the IT Industry.

Strategic Context

The Aston 2030 Strategy positions the school at the heart of Aston's transformation into a leading university of science, technology and enterprise. As Executive Dean, you will:

• Drive digital innovation and entrepreneurial education, aligned with Aston's commitment to preparing students for the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
• Lead the School's contribution to the Birmingham Innovation Quarter (B-IQ), a globally significant ecosystem for digital and health tech innovation.
• Champion inclusive growth, ensuring access to high‑value careers for students from all backgrounds.
• Expand the School's research impact through interdisciplinary collaboration, knowledge exchange, and commercialization.
• Embed professional practice and industry engagement across all programmes, supporting Aston's goal to be a national leader in graduate employability and social mobility.

The Role

You will be pivotal in driving our aspiration for growth and geographic diversification through our innovative omni‑channel education model, integrating traditional in‑person teaching and learning with cutting‑edge online learning platforms and digital resources including Aston Online, Aston London, other international hubs, and Aston Professional.

You will implement strategic and operational plans to the highest professional standards within a cross‑disciplinary School to create a compelling, high‑quality offering for students, businesses and the wider community. Delivery of our Strategy and plans will be achieved through inspiring leadership and effective management of the school's workforce, which consists of highly skilled, motivated and experienced academic and professional staff.

Responsibilities

• Strategic growth in student numbers, research income, and global reputation.
• Academic leadership across teaching, research, and external engagement.
• Driving world‑class research and interdisciplinary collaboration.
• Budget management and financial prudence.
• People management, fostering a high‑performance culture.
• Building strong partnerships across industry, government, and the third sector.
• Championing innovation in digital, transnational, and professional education.
• Driving success of the University's Aston 2030 Strategy and Measures of Success.

The successful candidate will join the VC's Executive Team and contribute to the development of the University Strategy and implementation plans, participating fully in the decision‑making responsibilities of this Executive Group to ensure the University is best placed to succeed and thrive in an increasingly competitive environment.

You will identify and actively encourage innovative collaboration and integration across School's, leading to significant improvements and outcomes for the University and will be responsible for rising the profile of teaching quality, research, business development and financial performance.

Qualifications

• A distinguished national and international academic profile and leadership experience in higher education.
• Proven ability to deliver strategic growth and transformation.
• A collaborative, inclusive leadership style aligned with Aston's values.
• Strong commercial acumen and external engagement capabilities.
• Strong credibility with key beneficiaries, evidenced by success in securing agreements and effective collaborations with relevant external beneficiaries, including industry and technology sector organisations, as well as funders such as EPSRC and Innovate UK.
• Commitment to leading and inspiring student success, research excellence and staff development.

Note: The role is underpinned by a continuing substantial professorial role within the relevant School coupled with a 5‑year fixed term as Dean of School with honourarium.

Additional Information

• This role may meet the requirements for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship.
• If you require sponsorship, Aston University will assess eligibility if you are shortlisted for the role.
• We are unable to confirm individual eligibility before shortlisting.
• See here for more information on Skilled Worker visa eligibility: https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa

Join us in shaping the future of science, technology, and enterprise. For further details and to apply, visit: https://aston.ac.uk/jobs

Further Details

• Job Details
• University Information
• Email details to a friend

Apply Online

The University celebrates the rights of freedom of speech and academic freedom and is committed to maintaining and protecting these rights within the law. An offer to work at Aston University will never be denied on the basis of an individual's lawful expression of their beliefs, ideas or opinions.

Aston University is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. It promotes equality and diversity in all aspects of its work. We strive to have robust inclusivity strategies in place, to encourage colleagues to have the confidence and freedom to be themselves in the workplace. For more information, visit: https://www2.aston.ac.uk/about/inclusive-aston

We recognise the value of flexible working. Please contact the recruiting manager to discuss what flexible working options are available for particular roles.

If you require the job details document or an application form in an alternative format please contact the recruitment team at [e-mail]