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- Tasks: Lead academic excellence and drive strategic initiatives at a historic university.
- Company: University of Aberdeen, Scotland's third oldest university with a rich heritage.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, dynamic work environment, and opportunities for impactful leadership.
- Why this job: Shape the future of education and research in a prestigious institution.
- Qualifications: Proven academic leadership experience and strong strategic planning skills.
- Other info: Join a transformative programme aimed at enhancing long-term sustainability and governance.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.
Founded in 1495, the University of Aberdeen is Scotland’s third oldest university and the fifth oldest in the UK. Today, we are recognised as one of the country’s leading institutions, ranked 18th in the UK by the Guardian University Guide 2026 and 23rd by the Times/Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026. Our education is powered by world-class research in five interdisciplinary priority areas: Energy Transition; Social Inclusion and Cultural Diversity; Environment and Biodiversity; Data and AI; and Health, Nutrition and Wellbeing.
We are seeking an exceptional academic leader to join us as Provost to champion and drive academic excellence across all areas of our work. Reporting to the Principal and Vice-Chancellor, and working as a key member of the Senior Management Team, the Provost will play a central role in delivering the ambitions of our Aberdeen 2040 strategy. The Provost will provide strategic and operational leadership to all Schools through the line-management of Heads of School, ensuring the delivery of high-quality education, an excellent student experience, and world-leading research and innovation.
They will oversee School plans and budgets, support performance against institutional KPIs, and work collaboratively with colleagues across the University to embed a strong culture of excellence and accountability. A key aspect of the role is providing executive leadership for strategic planning, including the ongoing development and monitoring of Aberdeen 2040 and oversight of the University’s strategic planning processes.
This is a pivotal time to join Aberdeen. We have launched Adapting for Continued Success, a major University-wide transformation programme that will design and implement a new operating model to support our academic mission, strengthen long-term financial sustainability, and ensure we continue to evolve in response to the changing needs of our community and the wider world. Alongside this, we are undertaking a Governance Efficiency Review covering Court, Senate, Senior Management and General Council, with the aim of delivering streamlined, effective governance that will enable the University to realise its long-term ambitions.
We are seeking a dynamic, forward-thinking academic leader with a strong record of achievement in education and/or research, substantial senior experience in developing and delivering academic strategy, and a proven ability to manage resources efficiently. The successful candidate will bring a performance-driven mindset, excellent interpersonal and communication skills, and the ability to influence and negotiate effectively at senior levels. They will have a deep understanding of the challenges facing the HE sector, strong judgement, and the ability to motivate and lead multi-disciplinary teams, while confidently delegating and empowering colleagues.
This is an exceptional opportunity to play a defining role in shaping the future of one of the UK’s oldest and most ambitious universities.
Provost in Scotland employer: University Of Aberdeen
Contact Detail:
University Of Aberdeen Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Provost in Scotland
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former staff at the University of Aberdeen. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral. Remember, connections can make all the difference!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the university's recent initiatives, especially around the Aberdeen 2040 strategy. Show us that you're not just interested in the role but also in how you can contribute to their vision.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to articulate your leadership style and how it aligns with the university's goals. We want to hear how you plan to drive academic excellence and foster collaboration across departments.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can keep you fresh in their minds. Plus, it shows your enthusiasm for the position. Let’s make sure they remember you!
We think you need these skills to ace Provost in Scotland
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know Your Audience: Before you start writing, take a moment to understand who will be reading your application. Tailor your language and examples to resonate with the values and goals of the University of Aberdeen. Show us that you get what they’re all about!
Be Clear and Concise: We love a good story, but keep it relevant! Make sure your application is straightforward and to the point. Highlight your achievements and experiences that directly relate to the Provost role without waffling on.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As a potential Provost, we want to see your leadership style shine through. Use specific examples to demonstrate how you've successfully led teams or initiatives in the past. Let us know how you can drive academic excellence!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it’s super easy to navigate!
How to prepare for a job interview at University Of Aberdeen
✨Know Your University Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the University of Aberdeen's history, values, and current initiatives. Familiarise yourself with the Aberdeen 2040 strategy and how it aligns with your vision for academic excellence. This will show your genuine interest and commitment to the institution.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As a Provost, your leadership approach is crucial. Be prepared to discuss your past experiences in leading teams and driving academic strategies. Use specific examples that highlight your ability to motivate and empower others while achieving institutional goals.
✨Prepare for Strategic Discussions
Expect questions about strategic planning and resource management. Think about how you would approach the ongoing development of the Aberdeen 2040 strategy and be ready to share your insights on effective governance and operational efficiency in higher education.
✨Engage with Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions that demonstrate your understanding of the challenges facing the higher education sector. Ask about the university's plans for adapting to changes in the academic landscape and how you can contribute to its success.
