Executive Dean of the Faculty of Health at University of Plymouth

At the University of Plymouth our roots go back over 160 years, but it is our contemporary relevance that gives us our energy and direction. Our research is committed to addressing the global challenges that demand interdisciplinary working and informs an educational experience that places emphasis on practical, real-world experiential and interprofessional learning. The University’s mission is to advance knowledge and transform lives through excellence in teaching and learning and world-class research, sustained international impact, a stimulating student experience, and with a commitment to supporting our southwest community and businesses.

The University has over 19,000 students, a further 7,000 studying for a Plymouth degree at partner institutions in the UK and internationally, and over 182,000 alumni pursuing their chosen careers globally. We are a UK top 50 University (THE rankings 2024) and have a significant global presence with world-class research across a wide range of disciplines including marine science and engineering, environmental and earth sciences as well as health and medical research cybersecurity, robotics, and psychology.

The University’s Faculty of Health plays a significant role in the health ecosystem of the Southwest. We deliver the largest number of health programmes of any university in the region, operating in Plymouth, Truro and Exeter. Characterised by highly effective partnerships with a host of key health and social care organisations, the Faculty brings exceptional clinical and academic learning, social engagement and research across the Schools of Medicine, Dentistry, Nursing and Midwifery, Allied Health Professions, Biomedicine and Psychology. The facilities that the Faculty enjoys include significant recent investment in state-of-art clinical simulation suites in InterCity Place, our Brain-Imaging Research Centre and the Derriford Research Facility.  

The University is seeking a new Executive Dean of the Faculty of Health to deliver faculty-wide strategic leadership at a time of rapid change in the health and education sectors. The post-holder will have significant academic and personal credibility. They will be adept at strategic direction setting and business planning, with demonstrable ability to navigate complex systems and engender the confidence of a wide variety of stakeholders, building on Plymouth’s reputation as a trusted partner across health and social care partners. Candidates will need to demonstrate a strong understanding of the disciplines represented in the Faculty, have a flexible outlook, a tolerance of ambiguity and be solution orientated in all that they do. The incoming Executive Dean will manifest a ‘real-world’ perspective, a high degree of emotional intelligence and relationship management skills, alongside sharp commercial acumen. As a member of the University Executive Group, they will play an important role in institutional strategic and operational decision-making.

The successful candidate will exhibit outstanding leadership ability alongside a strong understanding of the opportunities and challenges in further developing a thriving Faculty of Health, and proven track record of senior leadership and management in an equivalent context. A highly effective communicator and an inclusive leader, applicants will have proven ability to inspire individuals to work towards common goals with a commitment to working collaboratively and in partnership with staff and students across the University.. The Executive Dean will be a Professor or equivalent in a clinical field who is excited by the opportunity to build on the Faculty’s success to date and lead it forward during a time of real opportunity.

How to Apply

An executive search exercise is being undertaken by Perrett Laver to assist the Search Committee in the discharge of their duties; both to identify the widest possible field of candidates and to assist in the assessment of candidates against the requirements of the role.

Applications should consist of a covering letter explaining motivation, suitability and qualifications for the position and a full curriculum vitae. Applicants should also provide the names and contact details of two referees.

For further details and to submit an application please visit: https://candidates.perrettlaver.com/vacancies/ quoting the reference 6855. The closing date for applications is 9:00 (BST) on Monday 30^th October 2023.

For an informal and confidential conversation on the post, please contact Isaac Castella McDonald on +44 (0)20 7340 7369 or isaac.cm@perrettlaver.com.

Applications will be considered by the Search Committee in mid-December 2023. Final interviews will take place on campus on Tuesday 9^th January 2023.  

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