Executive Dean, Social Science & Public Policy in London

Executive Dean, Social Science & Public Policy in London

London Full-Time 81000 - 99000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
King’s College London

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead the Faculty of Social Science & Public Policy and shape its future direction.
  • Company: King's College London, a leading institution in social research and education.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary and the chance to influence global social policy.
  • Other info: Join a diverse community and thrive in a dynamic higher education landscape.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on education and societal change at an international level.
  • Qualifications: Distinguished academic profile and proven strategic leadership experience.

The predicted salary is between 81000 - 99000 £ per year.

Executive Dean, Social Science & Public Policy Department : SSPP Faculty Office The Faculty of Social Science & Public Policy (SSPP) at King's College London is one of the largest, most diverse and internationally connected communities for social research and education in Europe.

Home to more than 1,100 staff and 8,000 students, the Faculty brings together world-leading expertise across the social sciences, with recognised strengths in security studies, political economy, global health, social risk and resilience, education and social justice.

Located in the heart of London, SSPP works closely with government, business, civil society and international organisations to understand and shape the global, social, technological and economic transformations defining our times.

King's College London is seeking an outstanding academic and leader to serve as Executive Dean of the Faculty of Social Science & Public Policy, leading the Faculty through a significant period of opportunity and helping shape the future direction of one of the world's leading centres for social science research, education and policy engagement.

The role offers an exceptional opportunity to influence scholarship, education and societal impact at national and international levels.

The Executive Dean will provide strategic leadership across research, education, people and culture, partnerships and financial sustainability.

As a member of the University Executive and Academic Board, the postholder will play a key role in the governance and leadership of King's College London, contributing to the delivery of the University's academic mission and Strategy 2030.

They will work collaboratively across the institution to advance interdisciplinary excellence, strengthen external partnerships and ensure the Faculty continues to thrive in a rapidly evolving higher education landscape.

The successful candidate will bring a distinguished academic profile in a relevant social science or public policy discipline, together with a proven record of strategic leadership, collaboration and delivery.

They will be committed to fostering an inclusive, ambitious and supportive culture, while championing excellence in research and education.

They will act as an effective ambassador for the Faculty, building strong relationships with government, industry, philanthropic partners and international institutions, and enhancing the Faculty's reputation and influence globally.

The successful candidate will inspire confidence across a diverse academic and professional services community, leading with integrity, transparency and purpose.

To view the job description and person specification, please click here.

To apply for this role, please visit the King's College London Job Opportunities page and submit the specified documentation.

Enquiries may be directed to the King's Search Team at kings-search@kcl. ac. uk.

The application deadline is Monday 7 September at 23.59 hrs.

Grade and Salary : Competitive Job ID : 152685Post Date : 07-Aug-2026Close Date : 07-Sep-2026Contact Person : King's Search Contact Details : kings-search@kcl. ac. uk

Executive Dean, Social Science & Public Policy in London employer: King’s College London

King's College London is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that prioritises diversity and inclusion. Employees benefit from professional growth opportunities, competitive remuneration, and the chance to contribute to impactful research projects in the heart of Greater London, making it a rewarding environment for those passionate about advancing knowledge and innovation.

King’s College London

Contact Details:

King’s College London Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Executive Dean, Social Science & Public Policy in London

Dive into Local Community Groups

Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at King’s College London.

Attend Social Work Events and Workshops

Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from King’s College London!

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Leverage Your Network

Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at King’s College London or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.

We think you need these skills to ace Executive Dean, Social Science & Public Policy in London

Communication Skills
Problem-Solving Skills
Attention to Detail
Data Engineering
SQL
Python
ETL/ELT Processes

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.

Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!

Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!

Tailor Your Application to King’s College London:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to King’s College London! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!

How to prepare for a job interview at King’s College London

Understanding the Role of Empathy

In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.

Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks

Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.

Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills

In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.

Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions

Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.