Vice-Principal

Durham University; North East; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An esteemed educational institution in North East England is seeking a Vice-Principal for a one-year fixed-term position to cover maternity leave. The role involves leading strategic initiatives, supporting student development and engagement, and acting as deputy to the College Principal. This is an opportunity to be part of a vibrant community committed to advocacy, social justice, and kindness. Potential candidates should have experience in student support and a strong emphasis on personal development among students.

Qualifications

• Strong strategic and developmental emphasis.
• Experience in student support and wellbeing.
• Ability to promote intellectual curiosity and personal effectiveness.

Responsibilities

• Lead initiatives to further College and University strategy.
• Act as deputy to the College Principal.
• Support student development and engagement activities.

Job description

Please note: the interview date for this post will take place on Friday 13th February 2026.

The Role and Department

Josephine Butler College is seeking to appoint a Vice-Principal to a massive one-year fixed position to cover the maternity leave of the current Vice-Principal Harriet Tebbs. Josephine Butler College is a friendly, vibrant, and inclusive community. Opened in 2006 and named after the 19th‑century social reformer, Josephine Butler, the College is rooted in advocacy, social justice and kindness, and serves as an inspiration to students, staff and the wider community.

Josephine Butler College is led by Professor Gillian Hampden‑Thompson, who has taken up the position of Principal/Head of College in July 2023. This is an excellent development opportunity for a current member of the Durham University community. The College is also heading toward celebrating its 20‑year anniversary during the 2026‑27 academic year, giving the successful candidate the chance to contribute to those celebrations and to enjoy being part of the community during that period.

The acting Vice‑Principal will be a member of the College senior management team with a strong strategic and developmental emphasis. The post holder will be involved in a wide range of activities aimed at furthering Josephine Butler College and University strategy, especially in relation to the personal development of students, embedding the wider student experience and the future development of the College. Working as part of a close-knit team, you will support the provision of student support within the College in partnership with the Student Support and Wellbeing Directorate. The Vice‑Principal will act as deputy to the College Principal (a) in ensuring the College offers a supportive and stimulating environment for academic study, cultural and developmental activities, and social interaction which engages students, staff, Senior Common Room members, visitors and alumni; and (b) in promoting and enabling intellectual curiosity, personal effectiveness, wellbeing and resilience, and a sense of community and responsibility among all students. Balance and focus of responsibilities will be agreed with the College Principal.

Please note: Appointment to this post is fixed‑term to cover the substantive post holder's maternity leave and is not anticipated to be extended. مادر…

What you need to submit

• A CV
• A supporting statement which outlines how you meet all of the criteria within the Person Specification

Contact details

For a chat about the role or any further information please contact Professor Gillian Hampden‑Thompson (gillian.hampden-).