At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the College of Social Sciences and drive strategic academic initiatives.
- Company: University of Glasgow, a prestigious institution with a rich history.
- Benefits: Join a dynamic team with opportunities for impactful leadership and collaboration.
- Other info: Be part of a vibrant academic community with a commitment to excellence.
- Why this job: Shape the future of social sciences and empower the next generation of leaders.
- Qualifications: Proven senior leadership experience in a research-intensive university setting.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 € per year.
The University of Glasgow is a world-renowned institution with a proud history of academic excellence dating back to 1451. A QS global top 80 university, Glasgow is a place where world-changing research meets transformative teaching and where talented people are empowered to realise their ambitions.
We are seeking to appoint a Vice-Principal and Head of College of Social Sciences to provide strategic and academic leadership to one of the University’s largest Colleges. Reporting to the Principal and Vice-Chancellor, the postholder will be a member of the University’s Senior Management Group and will contribute to the overall leadership and direction of the University.
The College of Social Sciences comprises five academic Schools and the Centre for Public Policy, with over 12,000 students across undergraduate, postgraduate taught and doctoral programmes and more than 1,100 academic and professional services staff. The College plays a central role in delivering the University’s research, education and civic missions.
The Vice-Principal and Head of College will lead the development and delivery of a compelling College strategy aligned to the University’s priorities, with responsibility for academic performance across research, education and impact. The role will ensure effective leadership of significant people, physical and financial resources, foster a collaborative and inclusive culture and empower Heads of School through a distributed approach to leadership. Working closely with colleagues across the University, the postholder will strengthen interdisciplinary activity, grow external income and build productive relationships with policymakers, funders, industry, alumni and international partners.
Closing date for applications is midday, Monday 23 February 2026.
Responsibilities- Lead the development and delivery of a College strategy aligned to the University’s priorities.
- Be responsible for academic performance across research, education and impact.
- Provide effective leadership of significant people, physical and financial resources.
- Foster a collaborative and inclusive culture and empower Heads of School through a distributed leadership approach.
- Strengthen interdisciplinary activity, grow external income and build productive relationships with policymakers, funders, industry, alumni and international partners.
- Distinguished academic profile with a strong record of senior leadership within a complex, research-intensive university.
- Ability to deliver strategic change, inspire high-performing teams and engage effectively with a wide range of stakeholders.
- Integrity, emotional intelligence and a collaborative leadership style.
Vice-Principal and Head of College of Social Sciences in Glasgow employer: University of Glasgow
The University of Glasgow is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and inclusive work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation. As a Vice-Principal and Head of College of Social Sciences, you will have the opportunity to lead a diverse team, drive impactful research, and contribute to the academic excellence of a prestigious institution. With a commitment to employee growth and development, the University provides numerous opportunities for professional advancement in a dynamic environment located in the heart of Glasgow.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Vice-Principal and Head of College of Social Sciences in Glasgow
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in academia and beyond. Attend events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about asking for introductions. You never know who might have the inside scoop on opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the University of Glasgow and its College of Social Sciences. Understand their mission, values, and recent initiatives. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you’re genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your leadership stories! Think of examples where you’ve successfully led teams or driven strategic change. Be ready to share these during interviews to demonstrate your fit for the Vice-Principal role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Vice-Principal and Head of College of Social Sciences in Glasgow
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for the role shine through. We want to see how your values align with our mission at the University of Glasgow and how you can contribute to our academic community.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored specifically for this role. Highlight your leadership experience and any relevant achievements that demonstrate your ability to drive strategic change and foster collaboration within a university setting.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell your story. Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for the Vice-Principal and Head of College position. Be clear about your vision for the College of Social Sciences and how you plan to achieve it.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it shows us that you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Glasgow
✨Know Your University
Before the interview, dive deep into the University of Glasgow's history, values, and current initiatives. Understanding their strategic priorities will help you align your vision for the College of Social Sciences with theirs, showing that you're not just a candidate but a potential leader who truly gets the institution.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare to discuss your leadership approach in detail. Think about examples where you've successfully led teams through change or fostered collaboration. Highlight how your emotional intelligence and integrity have shaped your leadership style, as these qualities are crucial for the role.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Be ready to talk about your experience in building relationships with various stakeholders, including policymakers and industry partners. Share specific instances where you've successfully engaged these groups to enhance academic performance or secure funding, demonstrating your ability to grow external income.
✨Prepare Strategic Insights
Think strategically about the future of the College of Social Sciences. Prepare insights on how you would develop and deliver a compelling College strategy that aligns with the university’s priorities. This shows that you’re not only focused on the present but also have a vision for the future.
