Interim Pro Vice-Chancellor (Education and Experience)
6-month contract
Hybrid – 3 days on site
Purpose of the Role
Our university client is seeking an experienced and strategic leader to serve as Interim Pro Vice-Chancellor (Education and Experience) during a critical period of organisational and educational transformation. This role is vital in providing institutional accountability for student outcomes and experience, acting as the executive lead and central coordinator for all strategic and operational activity in this space. The successful candidate will bring credible, evidence-based leadership that can stabilise and drive sustained improvement, instilling confidence in the Board and across the wider University community.
The interim post-holder will also be expected to undertake a high level as-is assessment of the current functions, responsibilities and structures related to student outcomes and experience and provide recommendations that will inform the future shape of the portfolio. These recommendations will support the finalisation of the job description for the permanent PVC role.
Key Responsibilities
* Coordinate and align strategic and operational initiatives impacting student success, working across academic and professional service functions.
* Drive targeted improvements to Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) and National Student Survey (NSS) performance, informed by data and demonstrable best practice
* Ensure a robust institutional response to the Office for Students’ regulatory thresholds on student outcomes, and embed performance monitoring and accountability at every level
* Provide strategic assurance and regular reporting to the Executive and Board of Governors, bringing credibility, data fluency, and sector insight to influence and support high-level decision-making, presenting progress, risk and improvement plans with clarity and authority
* Shape a culture of academic excellence, innovation in learning and teaching (particularly in blended and digital modes), and continuous enhancement through CELT and Graduate Outcomes & Enterprise.
Essential Profile
* Demonstrable success in leading sustained improvement in student outcomes and experience metrics in a higher education setting, with clear evidence of impact and sustainability.
* Strategic leadership experience at Executive level, including a track record of leading education strategy at an executive or senior strategic level and direct engagement with Boards, regulators and senior institutional stakeholders.
* Deep understanding of the regulatory and reputational pressures facing UK universities, and an ability to turn challenge into opportunity through clear-sighted leadership.
* Commitment to student-centred design, inclusive education, and strategic agility.