Head of School - Sport and Public Health

The University of Northampton; Northampton; On-site; GBP 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading university in the UK is hiring a Head of School for Sport and Public Health. The role includes leading the Faculty Executive Leadership Team, managing budgets, and fostering an inclusive academic environment. Candidates should have a Master's degree, significant academic leadership experience, and strong communication skills under pressure. Commitment to equality, diversity, and sustainability is essential. Join a vibrant faculty dedicated to excellence in education.

Qualifications

• Broad experience in academic leadership and team management.
• Experience in working with delegated budgets and line management.

Responsibilities

• Lead the school and the Faculty Executive Leadership Team.
• Create an inclusive environment that tackles discrimination.
• Support student and staff mental health and disability confidence.
• Develop the academic portfolio to enhance student experience.
• Manage delegated budgets and staff.

Skills

Academic leadership

Team management

Communication skills

Experience working under pressure

Education

Master’s degree in a relevant discipline

Level 7 qualification or equivalent

Job description

The Faculty of Health, Sport and Behavioural Sciences at the University of Northampton is seeking an experienced and inspirational academic leader to serve as Head of School for Sport and Public Health. This role involves leading the school within the Faculty Executive Leadership Team, with responsibilities for the academic portfolio, delegated budgets, student recruitment and experience, staff development, and liaison with external stakeholders including regulatory bodies.

Responsibilities

Lead the school and the Faculty Executive Leadership Team, creating a progressive, inclusive environment. Key duties include:

1. Lead the Faculty Executive Leadership Team.
2. Establish an inclusive environment by adopting a zero‑tolerance approach to discrimination and ensuring all activities are inclusive.
3. Support students and staff by strengthening mental health support, enhancing disability confidence, and ensuring academic and professional support.
4. Tackle inequalities through student recruitment involvement, integration of equality data analysis, and support of networks for protected characteristics.
5. Develop the academic portfolio in collaboration with colleagues to enhance the staff and student experience.
6. Manage delegated budgets and line management of staff.
7. Communicate effectively and work under pressure, prioritising tasks to meet deadlines.

Essential Qualifications & Experience

• Master’s degree level in a relevant discipline.
• Broad experience in academic leadership and team management.
• Experience in working with delegated budgets and line management.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work under pressure and prioritise deadlines.

Desirable Qualifications & Experience

• Doctoral degree.
• Professional registration with the relevant regulator.
• HEA Fellow (D2) or a teaching qualification recognised by HESA.

Essential Requirements

• Level 7 qualification or an equivalent professional qualification aligned with subjects in the School or Faculty.

UON Commitments

• Disability Confident
• Standalone Pledge
• IHRA Working Definition

Values

• Inclusivity: Celebrate diversity and ensure everyone has the opportunity to excel.
• Sustainability: Commit to becoming a net‑zero carbon institution and taking collective action for society and the environment.
• Aspiration: Strive for excellence in all that we do, empowering staff and students to reach their highest potential.
• Trust: Build relationships based on respect, transparency, and shared goals.

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

We welcome applications from all individuals, especially underrepresented groups. The University of Northampton is committed to a vibrant, ethical, and sustainable environment that values equality, diversity, and inclusion.

Right to Work

All candidates must provide proof of eligibility to work in the UK during the interview process. The University accepts skilled worker visa sponsorship where points‑based immigration criteria are met.

Contact & Application

For more information and to apply, please visit the University of Northampton careers page.