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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and support student development through various programmes and initiatives.
- Company: Join Stephenson College, a vibrant part of Durham University, celebrating innovation and community.
- Benefits: Enjoy a supportive environment, opportunities for personal growth, and a chance to shape student experiences.
- Why this job: Be part of a progressive college focused on sustainability, global citizenship, and making a real impact.
- Qualifications: Experience in educational leadership and a passion for student engagement are essential.
- Other info: This is a one-year fixed term role with a dynamic team in a historic city.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
The Role and Department
Situated in the historic cathedral city of Durham, Stephenson College is one of seventeen colleges at the world-leading Durham University. We are seeking to appoint and welcome an interim Vice-Principal to our friendly, vibrant, and inclusive community on a one-year fixed term basis. Founded in 2001, Stephenson is a modern, progressive, values-led College established in and for the 21st Century. Our College is named after the great inventor and social innovator, George Stephenson. Sustainability, innovation, global citizenship and civic engagement are the core pillars of Stephenson College life, and our College ethos is \”change starts with us.\” It is an exciting time for our College community as we look forward to celebrating our 25th anniversary in 2026.
We are a mixed community of around 1200 undergraduate and postgraduate students from across the UK and around the world, of which 430 reside in College. The College has two physical sites in Durham City – our Howlands Farm site comprising the College\’s fantastic facilities and undergraduate residences and our Ernest Place residential site for postgraduates. The student body has a strong sense of responsibility and maturity, collaborating and initiating creative responses to opportunities and challenges in close partnership with the College staff team.
The Vice-Principal will be a member of the College senior management team and will have a strong strategic and developmental emphasis. The post holder will be involved in a wide range of activities aimed at furthering Stephenson College and University strategy, especially in relation to the enrichment and personal development of students (namely through our Connections Programme which encompasses sport, societies, careers and leadership, performing arts, volunteering, intellectual curiosity and global citizenship opportunities), embedding the wider student experience, and the future development of the College.
Working as a part of a close-knit team, the Vice-Principal will work alongside the College Principal, Assistant Principal, Operations Team and Student Common Rooms (a) in ensuring the College offers a supportive and stimulating environment for academic study, cultural and developmental activities, and social interaction which engages students, staff, Senior Common Room members, Fellows, visitors and alumni; and (b) in promoting, enabling and developing students\’ graduate attributes, wellbeing and resilience, and a sense of community and responsibility among all students. The balance and focus of responsibilities will be agreed with the Interim College Principal, who will be stepping up into the role for academic year 2025/2026. The postholder is expected to be a visible member of the College community and due to business needs, will be expected to work from the College\’s main site at Howlands Farm. The postholder will also participate in the out-of-hours student support duty rota throughout the year.
Further information about the role and the responsibilities is at the bottom of this job description.
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Vice-Principal - Stephenson College employer: Westfield State University
Contact Detail:
Westfield State University Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Vice-Principal - Stephenson College
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the core pillars of Stephenson College: sustainability, innovation, global citizenship, and civic engagement. Demonstrating a clear understanding of these values during your interactions can show that you align with the college's ethos.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former staff and students from Stephenson College. Engaging in conversations about their experiences can provide valuable insights into the college culture and expectations for the Vice-Principal role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your strategic vision for enhancing student enrichment and personal development. Think about innovative programmes or initiatives you could introduce that align with the college's Connections Programme.
✨Tip Number 4
Be ready to showcase your leadership style and how you foster a supportive community. Consider examples from your past experiences where you've successfully engaged students and staff in collaborative projects.
We think you need these skills to ace Vice-Principal - Stephenson College
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Thoroughly read the job description for the Vice-Principal position at Stephenson College. Make sure you understand the key responsibilities and the values of the college, such as sustainability, innovation, and community engagement.
Tailor Your CV: Craft your CV to highlight relevant experience and skills that align with the role. Emphasise your strategic leadership abilities, experience in student development, and any previous roles in educational settings.
Write a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for education and community engagement. Discuss how your vision aligns with the college's ethos of 'change starts with us' and provide specific examples of how you've contributed to similar initiatives in the past.
Proofread and Edit: Before submitting your application, carefully proofread all documents. Check for grammatical errors, clarity, and ensure that your application reflects professionalism and attention to detail.
How to prepare for a job interview at Westfield State University
✨Understand the College's Values
Familiarise yourself with the core pillars of Stephenson College: sustainability, innovation, global citizenship, and civic engagement. Be prepared to discuss how your personal values align with these principles and how you can contribute to fostering them within the college community.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
As a Vice-Principal, leadership is key. Prepare examples from your past roles where you've successfully led teams or initiatives, particularly in educational settings. Highlight your strategic thinking and how you've developed programmes that enhance student experience and personal development.
✨Engage with the Student Community
Demonstrate your understanding of the student body at Stephenson College. Discuss how you would engage with students, support their wellbeing, and promote a sense of community. Consider mentioning specific initiatives or programmes you would like to implement or improve.
✨Prepare Questions for the Interview Panel
Interviews are a two-way street. Prepare thoughtful questions that show your interest in the role and the college. Ask about the future direction of the college, the challenges they face, and how the Vice-Principal can play a pivotal role in addressing them.
