Deputy Head of School

This senior leadership role is open to internal applicants only who must be an academic colleague within the newly formed School and also hold a substantive post that exceeds the duration of the term of the appointment. You will normally be at senior lecturer level or above, however appointments will be made depending on the context, objectives and circumstances of the School at the time and on the skills and experience of particular candidates.
Term of office
You will be expected to begin on Monday 9^th November 2026. The position amounts to a 0.7fte appointment; this will be fully reflected in workload allocation models and will end on 31st July 2027, unless extended or renewed within the University's leadership roles appointment process. At the end of the term, the role holder ceases their Deputy Head of School responsibilities, returning to their substantive role.
The role
This is an opportunity to take on a senior leadership role within the School and Faculty. The role of Deputy Head of School supports academic leadership; encourages excellence in teaching, research and engagement; contributes to the management and development of the School, its staff and its activities through the most effective and cost-effective use of resources and within the framework of the University strategic plan and policies, and represents the School to the Faculty and the University. The Deputy Head of School will be invited to represent the School at key committees within the Faculty.
Further details of the role and its responsibilities and the required/desirable skills are included Deputy Head of School Job Description and Person Specification.
Reward and recognition, 1. A covering letter (2 x A4 max of text) to include an expression of interest, noting why you wish to apply, your vision for the School and its operations, and how you would intend to approach the role, giving examples relating to the Key Responsibilities, Academic Leadership and School, Planning and Governance.
2. A separate document presenting a paragraph of text under each of the seven headings of the Person Specification, articulating how you would intend to approach the areas listed, noting any relevant experience, and what professional development you would welcome in support.
1. Operational Leadership and Management
2. Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
3. Planning, Organisation, and Governance
4. Communication and Interpersonal Skills
5. Staff Development and Performance Management
6. Problem Solving and Decision-Making
7. Understanding of the Higher Education Landscape
3. Your up-to-date CV.
Please note that references are not required.
Interviews of shortlisted candidates will take place on Monday 2^nd November 2026.
We are committed to promoting Equality, Diversity and Inclusion across the Faculty, and supporting family-friendly, flexible and agile working policies. We encourage applications from all diversity groups.

Please note: this job is only available to current employees of Lancaster University, In addition to the above, members of the School will be invited to provide their views on shortlisted candidates following presentations to colleagues. Further information on this aspect of the process, which will be conducted by a FHASS Associate Dean, will be circulated to staff in due course.

The Deputy Head of School will receive a non-superannuable salary supplement equivalent in value to one (for a Professor) or two (for a Senior Lecturer) increment(s) on their salary scale. In addition, the role attracts a non-superannuable allowance of £5,000 per annum which can be paid into their salary or their research account.