Deputy Pro Vice Chancellor for Education and Students(UK Sponsorship)

Job Description

About the Role

The University of Sussex is inviting applications for the position of Deputy Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Education and Students. This is a senior internal leadership role supporting the strategic direction of the university’s Education and Students portfolio.
The postholder will work closely with the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Education and Students), the Vice-Chancellor, the Director of Student Experience, and academic leaders across all faculties.
The role contributes to the full student lifecycle—from recruitment and admission through to learning, graduation, and graduate progression—ensuring a high-quality, inclusive, and continuously improving academic experience.
This is a part-time leadership appointment, with 50% of time dedicated to the role while maintaining the postholder’s existing academic position.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Academic Leadership

• Support the development and delivery of university-wide education and student experience strategies
• Contribute to institutional decision-making on teaching, learning, and academic quality
• Lead initiatives that enhance student success, progression, and engagement

Education & Student Experience

• Oversee improvements across the student lifecycle, including admission, learning, and graduation outcomes
• Ensure alignment between academic standards, student experience, and institutional priorities
• Promote innovation in teaching, learning, and curriculum development

Institutional Projects & Governance

• Lead and contribute to cross-university strategic projects related to education and student experience
• Work with senior leadership teams across faculties and professional services
• Engage with governance structures including academic and executive leadership groups

Quality & Compliance

• Ensure academic quality assurance standards are maintained and enhanced
• Contribute to compliance with national regulatory frameworks and sector expectations
• Support evidence-based decision-making using institutional data and performance insights

Candidate Profile

Essential Experience

• Senior academic leadership experience within higher education
• Proven track record of improving student outcomes and academic quality
• Experience leading institution-wide or cross-faculty initiatives
• Strong understanding of UK higher education systems and regulatory frameworks

Skills & Attributes

• Strategic thinking with the ability to translate vision into action
• Strong leadership and collaborative working style
• Creativity and innovation in improving education and student experience
• Strong communication skills with the ability to engage across all levels of the university

Desirable Qualities

• Experience working with governance structures in higher education
• Understanding of sector challenges including student engagement, retention, and outcomes
• Ability to manage complex institutional change programmes

About the University Leadership Structure

The role sits within the Vice-Chancellor’s Office (VCO), which supports senior academic leadership and institutional governance.
The VCO works across key leadership groups including:

• University Leadership Forum (ULF)
• Academic Leadership Forum (ALF)
• Professional Services Leadership Team (PSLT)

It plays a central role in ensuring the university meets its strategic goals, regulatory obligations, and governance responsibilities.

University of Sussex Governance

Why Join This Role?

This position offers the opportunity to influence the strategic direction of education and student experience at a major research-led university.
You will contribute directly to shaping institutional policy, improving academic quality, and enhancing the student journey at all levels.
The role is suited for experienced academic leaders who want to make a meaningful impact on higher education strategy and institutional development.

Working Environment & Benefits

Campus Environment

The University of Sussex campus is located near the South Downs National Park, offering a collaborative academic environment with strong transport links and modern facilities.

Leadership & Culture

• High-level institutional influence and decision-making responsibilities
• Collaboration with senior academic and professional leaders
• Inclusive and research-led institutional culture

Employee Support

• Flexible working arrangements (subject to role requirements)
• Pension and wellbeing support schemes
• Cycle-to-work and sustainable travel initiatives
• Commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

University of Sussex Equality & Inclusion actively promotes diversity and welcomes applications from all eligible internal candidates.

Governance & Regulatory Context
This role operates within UK higher education governance and regulatory frameworks:

• UK Higher Education Governance Code
• UK Department for Education – Higher Education Policy
• Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) Standards
• UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) Strategy
• UK Public Appointments Guidance

Application Details

• Closing Date: 18 May 2026
• Interview Date: 29 May 2026 (provisional)
• Start Date: 1 August 2026
• Application Requirement: Cover letter (1 page) + CV (max 4 pages)

Applicants are expected to clearly outline leadership experience, contribution to education strategy, and suitability for institutional-level academic governance.