Executive Dean of Humanities and Social Sciences

Founded in 1823 to give working Londoners and learners from non-traditional backgrounds the chance of a university education, Birkbeck continues to advance its unique mission while introducing new learning opportunities for new students. With a global reputation for high quality, our research is known for being cross-disciplinary, innovative and socially and politically engaged.
We are a vibrant community of scholars, with a commitment to providing academic excellence. As Birkbeck, University of London, moves into its third century, we are now seeking a new Executive Dean of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences.
Reporting directly to the Vice-Chancellor, the Executive Dean will lead the , established in 2023. The Faculty spans sixteen subject areas across three Schools (Creative Arts, Culture and Communication; Historical Studies; and Social Sciences) and the Birkbeck Centre for Counselling.
In the approach to the 2029 REF, the new Dean will prepare the Faculty for its submission, building on the already excellent research culture. With an exciting upcoming building move, consolidating the entire Faculty into one building, this is a great opportunity for the new Executive Dean to further bring the Faculty together and work to define its identity and culture.
The new Dean will also need to keep up student recruitment and improve completion and retention.
Strong candidates will bring a demonstrable track-record of academic leadership, and experience of leading cultural change. They will have a credible personal research track-record and ideally a background in a relevant discipline to the Faculty.
Ideal candidates will have demonstrated innovation around education and curriculum and will be able to drive forward improvement on educational outcomes. They will also bring an awareness of and appreciation for Birkbeck's ethos and mission.

The role offers a competitive salary. : a competitive salary and pension scheme, 31 days paid leave, flexible working arrangements, generous benefits in the HE sector, and being located in the heart of Bloomsbury, Euston, London.
Contract:
Fixed five year period with the promise of transition to a professorial position at the end of the five year period at an appropriate rate of remuneration for the professorial position. Full-time (35 hours a week). Please send a covering letter and CV to or visit for more information. The closing date for the role is midday on 5 June 2026.
The College is committed to improving the gender and cultural diversity of its workforce, holding a bronze Athena SWAN award and operating Disability Confident & Mindful Employer schemes.