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University of Hertfordshire; Hatfield; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 76,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Disability Confident

Job summary

University of Hertfordshire in Hatfield seeks a Head of Department of Society and Environment to provide strategic leadership for a diverse academic portfolio within the School of Law, Education and Society. You will report to the Deputy Dean and shape direction, performance and development of the department, ensuring excellence in teaching, learning, research, enterprise and student experience.

You will oversee planning, standards, curriculum innovation, workload, staff development and resource

Qualifications

• Leadership of an academic department to align with university priorities.
• Oversee academic quality and standards across teaching, learning and research.
• Manage workload, staff development and budget to support strategy.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic and operational leadership for the Department of Society and Environment.
• Lead departmental planning and delivery in line with School and University priorities.
• Foster a positive, inclusive, high-performing culture for staff and students.

Job description

Head of Department of Society and Environment

SBU/Department: School of Law, Education & Society

The Head of Department for Society and Environment will provide strategic and operational leadership for a diverse academic portfolio within the School of Law, Education and Society. Reporting to the Deputy Dean, the postholder will be responsible for shaping the direction, performance and ongoing development of the department, ensuring excellence in teaching, learning, research, enterprise and the overall student experience.

Working collaboratively with the Dean, Deputy Dean and Associate Deans, the successful candidate will lead departmental planning and delivery, ensuring that the department's activities align with School and University priorities. They will oversee academic quality and standards, support curriculum innovation, and ensure the effective deployment of staff and resources to meet strategic objectives and operational requirements.

A key aspect of the role will be building a positive, inclusive and high-performing culture that enables staff and students to thrive. The Head of Department will provide leadership and support to academic colleagues, oversee workload allocation and staff development, and promote an environment that encourages collaboration, innovation and continuous improvement.

The postholder will play a leading role in enhancing student recruitment, retention and success, working closely with colleagues across the University to develop initiatives that strengthen admissions, conversion and progression outcomes. They will ensure that data and evidence inform decision-making and that the department consistently delivers an excellent student experience.

The role also includes responsibility for contributing to business planning, budget management and resource allocation. The successful candidate will work closely with the Associate Dean Research and Enterprise to advance the department's research and enterprise performance, foster a vibrant research culture, increase external funding opportunities, and strengthen partnerships and impact activities. They will represent the department within the University and externally, identifying opportunities to enhance the department's profile and reputation and ensuring engagement with relevant professional, community and sector stakeholder.

Proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme

Company and Salary Information

Company: University of Hertfordshire

Salary: £69,072 to £76,298 a year

Hours: Full-time

Location: Hatfield, AL10 9AB

Working pattern: On-site

Job type: Permanent

Posting date: 10 Sept 2026

Closing date: 1 Oct 2026

About Disability Confident

Disability Confident is a government scheme. It encourages employers to recruit and retain disabled people and those with long term health conditions.