We are seeking an exceptional academic leader to join the University of Southampton as Dean of Social Sciences.
We are currently ranked 87th in the world* and this post is pivotal to advancing our position further. Our University Strategy is built around a distinctive Triple Helix model, harnessing the combined power of our excellence in research, education, and knowledge exchange and enterprise. As Dean, you will draw on your academic credibility and leadership expertise to shape the next chapter for the Faculty and the wider University.
This is a unique opportunity for a strategic and inspirational leader to build on strong momentum, champion the achievements of our staff and students, and forge new opportunities for global influence. You will role model our values and drive our commitment to excellence, from providing a transformative student experience, to delivering world‑class, impactful research and cultivating an inclusive and collaborative community within and beyond the University.
Reporting directly to the President and Vice‑Chancellor and serving as a member of the University Executive Board, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of Social Sciences, ensuring delivery of our strategic priorities and ensuring the Faculty continues to lead with purpose and impact in addressing global societal challenges.
About You
You are an accomplished academic leader with a proven track record of excellence across research, education, and knowledge exchange and enterprise. With extensive experience inspiring and leading a Faculty or school of significant complexity, you can unite schools around a clear, credible vision and ensure balance across multiple disciplines.
Your leadership style is visible, empathetic, and consultative, shaped by active listening that values diverse perspectives, recognises points of difference, and informs fair, well‑reasoned decisions. You build trust across staff, students, and stakeholders by promoting fairness and equality of opportunity. You bring communities together, strengthen interdisciplinary connections, and cultivate a positive culture grounded in excellence and innovation. With strategic vision, financial acumen, and resilience, you manage change and conflict with clarity and care, supporting colleagues while maintaining clear direction.
Your authentic communication style enables you to influence, inspire, and build strong relationships across the Faculty and with industry, government, local, national and international partners. You demonstrate strategic foresight, anticipate sector challenges, and apply a deep understanding of the UK Higher Education landscape to balance long‑term ambition with operational delivery.
Above all, you are motivated by the opportunity to shape the future of the Faculty and the University, fostering a culture of excellence, inclusion, and innovation, while driving student recruitment, strengthening income generation, and enhancing our national and international reputation.
What We Can Offer You
We support a flexible and supportive working environment, complemented by a competitive benefits package that includes membership of the Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS), generous annual leave, corporate healthcare, subsidised fitness facilities, and a range of staff discounts.
Additional Information
This post is offered on a tenured basis initially for a period of five years, which is extendible up to a maximum of eight years. At the end of this tenure, the successful candidate will return to a substantive Professorial position within the University. For further details, please refer to the attached generic Professor Job Description.
Equality and Inclusion
We believe equality, diversity and inclusion are fundamental to making the University of Southampton a welcoming, vibrant and successful organisation. Our community is built on mutual respect, core values, and a collective passion for creating an innovative and forward‑thinking space for learning and research. We are proud to foster a truly diverse and inclusive environment and are committed to equality, representation and opportunity for all.
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