Head of School

JR United Kingdom; Wolverhampton; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading university is seeking an exceptional leader for its Part 2 (MArch in Designing Architecture) programme. The successful candidate will drive growth and innovation while leading faculty and shaping the future of architectural education, with a competitive salary and opportunity for impactful contributions.

Qualifications

• Experience leading faculty or academic institution.
• Deep understanding of architectural education.
• Confident communicator both verbally and visually.

Responsibilities

• Lead the school to innovate and expand its mission.
• Develop and deliver a rolling strategic development plan.
• Responsible for performance management of staff.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Networking

Education

Degree in Relevant Field

Job description

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Based in London with occasional working from home

Salary £70,000 to £90,000 FTE pa plus benefits

Applicants are required to submit a current CV, cover letter or email, and a Recruitment Check Form which can be found on our website.

In May 2025, The London School of Architecture’s (LSA) merged with University College of Estate Management (UCEM). UCEM, is a leading specialist university for the built environment, and from June 2025 will be known as the University of the Built Environment. The LSA will retain its name and distinct identity. For the avoidance of doubt, if you are successful in being appointed to this role, you will be a UCEM employee, working within the LSA.

We are seeking a truly exceptional leader with significant academic knowledge and experience of practice who can ensure the continued success of the LSA’s existing Part 2 (MArch in Designing Architecture) programme. You will deliver ambitious planned growth, and envision further ways for the school to innovate and expand its ability to achieve its mission to widen access to and participation in careers in architecture.

Building on the success of the LSA over its first decade, you will lead the school into the next stage of its evolution, with the potential to make a significant and prominent impact not only on the architectural profession, but the wider built environment and construction industry. The merger of the LSA with UCEM offers significant potential to develop multi-disciplinary approach to learning, teaching, and research. This provides an opportunity for a leader to join us at this exciting juncture in both institutions' evolution.

At a high level your accountabilities and responsibilities will include:

• Lead the school to continually break new ground in supporting its students, partners, and members.
• Engage with, and promote, design excellence both within the context of the school’s academic programme and within the wider industry.
• Develop and deliver a rolling strategic development plan
• Agree the resources for the school as part of an annual budget setting process
• Be responsible for performance management of staff

Full detail on the role accountabilities and responsibilities can be found within the job specification.

Our main requirements:

• Degree or equivalent qualification in a relevant field
• Experience leading a small to medium size faculty, department, academic institution, and/or equivalent experience in practice
• A deep understanding of architectural education
• A confident communicator, both verbally and visually
• A strong and motivating leader
• An established networker who can bring in new contacts and ways to develop partnerships

We expect employees to demonstrate our values: Passion, Integrity, Excellence and Support. Student satisfaction and success are our main drivers, and our people consistently report high levels of employee engagement; your contribution will be valued should you join us.

For the full job specification and contact details: https://www.ucem.ac.uk/current-vacancies/

TO APPLY: Please send your CV, covering letter/email, and Recruitment Check Form to [emailprotected] by no later than Friday 27 June 2025 at noon.

EQUALITY, DIVERSITY, AND INCLUSION

Here at UCEM we champion equality, diversity, and inclusion in our workforce. We celebrate diversity and the strengths it brings to our staff body, our student community and our Board of Trustees, recognising that people are key to our success. Our aim is to attract, develop and retain a diverse workforce, therefore we welcome and encourage applications from all backgrounds.