Director, School of Slavonic and East European Studies(UK Visa Sponsorship)
Job Description
About UCL
University College London (UCL) is one of the world’s leading research-intensive universities, consistently ranked among the global top ten. With a diverse community of more than 50,000 students and 18,000 staff from over 150 countries, UCL is known for its commitment to academic excellence, global engagement, and addressing society’s most complex challenges through research, education, and innovation.
About the School of Slavonic and East European Studies (SSEES)
Established in 1915, SSEES is internationally recognised as a leading centre for the study of Central, Eastern and South-Eastern Europe, the Baltics, Russia, the Caucasus, and Central Asia.
The School brings together over 80 academics and more than 1,000 students from 60+ countries, working across Economics & Business, Politics & Sociology, History, and Languages & Cultures. SSEES is renowned for its interdisciplinary approach and its engagement with critical global issues such as geopolitics, international security, migration, economic transformation, populism, and cultural memory.
The School is also home to the world-famous SSEES Library and delivers an active programme of research, policy engagement, and public outreach.
The Role
UCL is seeking an exceptional academic leader to serve as Director (Head of School) of SSEES. This is a high-profile leadership position within the Faculty of Arts & Humanities, offering the opportunity to shape the strategic future of one of the world’s foremost area-studies institutions.
Reporting to the Dean of the Faculty of Arts & Humanities, the Director will provide clear academic, strategic, and operational leadership, fostering a culture of excellence, inclusion, and collaboration across the School.
The successful candidate will lead SSEES at a time of significant global and regional change, ensuring the School continues to thrive academically, financially, and internationally.
Key Areas of Leadership
As Director, you will:
- Provide strategic direction across research, education, knowledge exchange, and external engagement
- Inspire and support a large, diverse academic and professional services community
- Strengthen the School’s international research profile and interdisciplinary collaborations
- Deliver an outstanding and inclusive student experience
- Lead planning, budgeting, and resource management in line with UCL’s strategic priorities
Oversee performance and continuous improvement across national frameworks such as:
- the Research Excellence Framework (REF)
- the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF)
- the Knowledge Exchange Framework (KEF)
- Represent SSEES and UCL to global partners, funders, alumni, and policy stakeholders
- Contribute to Faculty-wide and institutional strategy as part of UCL’s senior academic leadership community
- Information on UK sector frameworks can be found via the UK government
About You
You will be a highly respected, internationally recognised academic with the credibility and vision to lead a complex, interdisciplinary School in a dynamic global context.
You will bring:
- A strong track record of academic leadership and people management
- An established international research reputation, including high-quality publications and evidence of research income
- Experience of managing budgets, resources, and risk within a regulated higher education environment
- Excellent communication, influencing, and relationship-building skills
- A collaborative and inclusive leadership style aligned with UCL’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion values
- The strategic insight and resilience needed to lead change in a global, fast-evolving sector
Why Join SSEES and UCL?
This is a rare opportunity to lead a globally respected School at a pivotal moment for both the regions SSEES studies and for higher education internationally. UCL offers a stimulating academic environment, strong professional support, and the chance to make a lasting impact on scholarship, policy engagement, and student experience.
What We Offer
- 41 days’ leave (27 annual leave, 8 bank holidays, 6 closure days)
- Option to purchase up to 5 additional days’ annual leave
- Defined benefit CARE pension scheme
- Hybrid working arrangements
- Relocation support (where eligible)
- Cycle to Work scheme, season ticket loan, and immigration loan
- On-site nursery and gym
- Enhanced family leave policies
- Staff Support Service (Employee Assistance Programme)
- Discounted medical insurance
- Full details are available via UCL Rewards and Benefits.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
As London’s Global University, UCL is committed to creating a fair, inclusive, and welcoming environment where everyone can thrive. We particularly encourage applications from candidates currently underrepresented within UCL’s workforce, including Black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates, disabled applicants, and women (for senior roles).
Applicants are also encouraged to familiarise themselves with UCL’s policies on dignity, respect, and professional conduct.
This role meets the criteria for Skilled Worker and Global Talent visa sponsorship under UK Visas and Immigration regulations. International applicants are welcome.
Key Dates
Closing date: 15 February 2026
Interviews: 9–10 March 2026
For informal discussions about the role, please contact the Dean of the Faculty of Arts & Humanities via the Faculty Executive Office. For application process queries, please contact the Faculty Operations team.
