Vice-Chancellor
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- Employer:
- University of Staffordshire
- Location:
- Staffordshire, with national and international travel
- Salary:
- Competitive
- Closing date:
- 9am, Monday 21st September 2026
- Job Ref:
- GSe133256
Description
Shape What Comes Next.
Strong Foundations. Bold Possibilities.
The University of Staffordshire is entering a defining period in its development.
Named Modern University of the Year 2027, ranked the highest modern university in the Daily Mail University Guide, and recognised nationally for student experience, employability, social inclusion and graduate outcomes, the University has built significant momentum and confidence in its future.
From its award-winning Games programmes and digital innovation credentials to its strengths in health, education, skills, apprenticeships and professional learning, the University has developed a distinctive reputation for delivering relevant, inclusive and industry-connected education.
This is an opportunity to lead a university that knows who it is, what it stands for and the difference it makes. Strongly of its place and deeply connected to the communities it serves, the University is rooted in a strong civic mission and committed to transforming lives through education. It combines academic excellence with a relentless focus on opportunity, social mobility and impact, while also building on the potential of its London campus and growing international partnerships.
The next Vice-Chancellor will inherit an institution that has successfully navigated a period of challenge and is now focused on growth, opportunity and ambition. Working alongside an engaged Board, talented colleagues, committed students and valued partners, they will shape a new institutional strategy, unlock new opportunities for growth and influence, and lead the University confidently into its next chapter.
We are seeking an inspiring and visible leader who combines strategic vision with operational credibility and can unite people behind a shared sense of purpose. Above all, we are looking for someone excited by the opportunity to help shape what comes next.
For an informal and confidential discussion about the role, please email vcuniversityofstaffordshire@gatenbysanderson.com with a brief summary of your background or a copy of your CV.
A member of the campaign team at GatenbySanderson will be pleased to assist:
Dr Maliha Ahmed, Principal Researcher
Jacqueline Lau, Principal Researcher
Alison Elton, Partner
Hilda Gjika, Consultant
To view the job description and person specification, please scroll to the bottom of the page, tick to agree to the privacy policy, then click 'Continue to full details'.
How to Apply
1. Curriculum Vitae
A comprehensive CV of no more than four pages, setting out your career history in chronological order. For each role, please clearly describe its scope, scale and accountabilities, together with the achievements, outcomes and impact you personally delivered. You should ensure your CV provides sufficient evidence of the experience and achievements relevant to the requirements set out in the person specification.
You may, if you wish, provide a link to an online professional profile, biography or personal website that offers additional insight into your experience and wider professional contribution. This may include research publications, thought leadership, published articles, speaking engagements, media appearances, board memberships or other relevant professional activity. This is entirely optional. We are not seeking any additional written submissions, and any links provided will not form part of the formal assessment process.
2. Supporting Statement
A supporting statement of no more than three pages, demonstrating how your experience, skills and qualities meet the requirements of the role and person specification.
Your statement should address the following questions:
- What do you see as the most significant opportunities and challenges facing University of Staffordshire over the next five years, and how would you respond to them as Vice-Chancellor?
- How would your experience, leadership style and values enable you to lead the University of Staffordshire through its next phase of development and foster a high-performing and inclusive culture? Please draw on relevant examples from your leadership experience.
- Please describe a significant example where you have shaped and delivered strategy within a complex stakeholder environment. What was your approach and what impact was achieved?
- Please provide examples of how you have delivered sustainable growth, organisational performance improvement and long-term sustainability within a complex organisation.
Your supporting statement should provide clear evidence of how you meet the requirements set out in the person specification.
3. Video Submission - YOU MUST USE THE LINK BELOW TO SUBMIT YOUR VIDEO
Using the link provided, please record a video of up to three minutes responding to the following question:
Why do you wish to become the next Vice-Chancellor of the University of Staffordshire, and what excites you most about the opportunity to shape what comes next?
Link - https://myint.video/aquUH3lE7K
Acceptable use of AI
Candidates may use AI tools to support proofreading, editing and presentation. However, all application materials should represent the candidate's own experience, perspectives and leadership thinking. We are seeking original and authentic responses, and applicants should ensure that any submission reflects their own analysis, judgement and vision for the role.
Support for Applicants
We are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. If you require any adjustments or support at any stage of the application or assessment process, please contact Clair Clarke at our recruitment partners GatenbySanderson clair.clarke@gatenbysanderson.com. We will be pleased to discuss your requirements and work with you to ensure you are able to participate fully.