Overview
The School of Earth, Environment and Sustainability (formerly known as the School of Earth and Environment) currently sits within the Faculty of the Environment. From September 2026, the School will be one of eight schools in the Faculty of Environment and Social Sciences, which will be a new faculty in the University comprising the current Faculty of Environment and Faculty of Social Sciences.
The incoming Head of School will lead and manage the School, maximising strategic opportunities arising from the changing landscape of higher education and the University’s strategic plan, whilst leading and delivering excellence in research and education. In addition, they will be an active member of the University’s Leadership Forum and the Faculty Executive Team thereby promoting a coordinated approach to delivering innovative strategic academic development. This is a significant and complex leadership role in the Faculty, and candidates must possess a clear vision that will engage others across the School, Faculty and University.
This requires individuals to thrive on working collaboratively in a busy and dynamic environment in order to enhance the reputation of the School. Academic credibility is essential, so a sustained track record of excellence in research and/or student education, combined with excellent skills in team working and collaboration are a must.
Person Specification
Essential Qualifications and Skills:
- Experience of academic leadership, with a clear vision and the ability to engage others in that vision;
- A PhD in a relevant discipline or have equivalent research or teaching experience;
- The ability to respond flexibly and with resilience to the demands of delivering a complex leadership role, and respond positively to changing priorities;
- A breadth and depth of academic expertise in research and teaching to build credibility and influence at all levels, internally and externally;
- Experience of developing and implementing strategy, demonstrating an ability to think and plan strategically, articulate priorities and imperatives, engaging a range of stakeholders to deliver change;
- A highly developed awareness of internal and external political issues, and higher education regulation with proven ability to operate effectively within these different environments;
- Evidence of effective and appropriate delegation, providing and responding to constructive feedback, monitoring and addressing performance, dealing with inappropriate behaviour and building trust and teamwork;
- Evidence of success in delivering results, effectively managing people, finances, and other resources to achieve these.
Key Attributes:
- Significant creativity and judgement and the willingness to suggest and try new and creative approaches to problems;
- Proven ability to communicate difficult, challenging or sensitive information with tact and diplomacy across all staff levels, and to handle these interactions with respect and dignity;
- Highly developed communication skills with the ability to build and maintain effective and productive working relationships internally and externally;
- A commitment to creating an environment for staff and students that is actively inclusive, promotes equity, and supports diversity.
How to Apply
To apply for the role, please submit:
- A supporting statement (no more than 3 sides of A4) providing your vision for the School and how your knowledge and expertise equip you to carry out the role set out in the role profile.
- A curriculum vitae, detailing your qualifications, experience and most recent publications.
The preferred method of application is online at https://jobs.leeds.ac.uk/ENVEE1862
For an informal, confidential discussion, please contact Professor Paul Johnson, Executive Dean Faculty of Environment, Faculty of Social Sciences p.j.johnson1@leeds.ac.uk
