Head of Department - Social Sciences, Humanities and Creative Industries
Centre for International Development and Training (CIDT)
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Benefits offered by this job
Job summary
University of Wolverhampton is recruiting a Head of Department in the School of Social Sciences, Humanities and Creative Industries in Wolverhampton. The role leads academic staff, guides strategy, and supports the Deputy Head and Head of School to deliver the university’s strategic plan.
Candidates will have a strong record of academic leadership, a good first degree and a Masters in a relevant subject, plus experience with industry partnerships and professional bodies.
Qualifications
- Evidence of academic leadership in higher education.
- Experience delivering strategy and change in a School.
- Experience with partnerships and transnational education.
Responsibilities
- Line manage academic staff and provide leadership to the school.
- Provide direction and oversight of Humanities and Social Sciences within the school.
- Support the Deputy Head and Head of School to ensure delivery of the University’s strategic plan across campuses.
Skills
Education
Job description
The Faculty of Business, Arts, Social Sciences and Education is currently seeking a Head of Department in the School of Social Sciences, Humanities and Creative Industries. Renowned for its commitment to widening participation and its diverse student body, the University of Wolverhampton places students at the centre of everything we do, seeking to drive social and economic transformation in the wider world. The University’s vision, set out in the strategic plan 2035, is to transform the leadership and workforce through inclusive student success and world class research.
The Faculty of Business, Arts, Social Sciences and Education is an inclusive, creative and collaborative academic community that delivers outstanding teaching and learning. We foster and encourage engaged scholarship informed by our high-quality research and active engagement with alumni, professional and community partners. Our mission as a faculty is to produce outstanding thinkers, teachers, scholars and leaders who take their commitment to creativity, innovation and collaboration to the world stage.
The Head of Department will line manage and offer support to academic staff, whilst providing the knowledge and expertise to support the leadership of localized development and change. This is a leadership role that is responsible for providing direction and having oversight of the responsibilities, purpose and function of the school to deliver the University’s strategic plan. The Head of Department will primarily over-see the Humanities and Social Sciences subject area but will be expected to contribute to the broader school management that could cover Creative Industries or cross school portfolio activities if needed.
You will bring a track record of academic leadership and will have personal credibility in a discipline within the school in terms of teaching, learning, research and knowledge exchange. You will be responsible for supporting the Deputy Head of School and Head of School to ensure that the diverse range of disciplines offered are delivered efficiently and effectively.
The role will be based in Wolverhampton, but you will be expected to work across all of our campus locations. You will also be expected to have experience of partnerships and transnational education. You will have a good first degree or equivalent, a Masters degree in a relevant subject to the school as well as membership and experience of working with industry and relevant professional bodies.
For further information please contact Lindsey Chambers, Head of the School of Social Science, Humanities and Creative Industries, by email L.Chambers3@wlv.ac.uk or by telephone 01902 321970 to arrange a mutually convenient time for further discussion.
Freedom of Speech and Academic Freedom The University of Wolverhampton recognises and protects the rights to freedom of speech and academic freedom, within the law. We are committed to ensuring that lawful expression of ideas, beliefs and opinions — including those that may be controversial or unpopular — does not result in disadvantage in recruitment, employment or progression.
An offer of employment at the University of Wolverhampton will never be denied based on an individual’s lawful expression of their beliefs, ideas or opinions.
The University of Wolverhampton is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community.
- preventing unlawful discrimination and harassment.
- promoting equality of opportunity.
- fostering an inclusive environment where colleagues are treated with dignity and respect.
We strive to create a workplace in which colleagues have the confidence and freedom to be themselves, while working professionally and in accordance with equality legislation and University policies.
We recognise that applicants may use AI tools to support the preparation of their applications. However, submissions must reflect your own experience, achievements and motivations. We want to understand what you personally bring to the role. Please ensure your application accurately represents your own voice and capabilities.
We recognise the value of flexible working arrangements and are open to discussion wherever possible.
- Competitive salaries
- Standard Life Pension scheme – with employer contribution of up to 12% to the University’s defined contribution scheme.
- Long Service Recognition – £200 gift voucher, certificate, and afternoon tea with Vice Chancellor for 25 & 40 years of service.
- Free Will Writing Service – Complimentary will drafting for employees and their partners.
- IT & Mobile Discounts – EE Perk (20% off for family & friends) & software discounts.
- Wellbeing and Mental Health Support – 24/7 access to EAP service, free counselling sessions, wellbeing support resources and Occupational Health Service.
- Gym memberships discounts – at our Walsall Campus and discounts at WV Active sites in Wolverhampton.
- Eyecare Support – Free eVoucher for eye tests and glasses contribution.
- Flu Vouchers – Free flu vaccinations for staff.
- Paycare Health Benefit Plan – Covers optical, dental, physiotherapy, and personal accident insurance.
- Chaplaincy & Prayer Rooms – Access to multi-faith chaplaincy services.
- Generous Annual Leave (see table below)
- Flexible & Agile Working – Flexible and Hybrid working arrangements.
- Free On-site Parking – available across campuses.
- Cycle Benefits Scheme – Save up to 42% on a bike & accessories via salary sacrifice.
- Tusker Electric Vehicle Scheme – Electric cars via salary sacrifice.
- Employee Discounts – Savings on groceries, fashion, and entertainment.
- Travel Discounts – Up to 10% off holidays through Sodexo Circles.
- Staff Network and Inclusion – Access to support networks and events with our LGBTQ+, Global Majority, Disability, and Women's networks.
- Library Access – Staff have access to books and resources at our onsite libraries.
- Staff Scholarship Scheme – Funding for part-time higher education, up to PhD level.
- Leadership and Management Development – Access to training opportunities to support you with advancing in your career.
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