Specification

The Person – Essential criteria

Criteria	Essential	Method of assessment
Qualifications	> Professor of standing and a profile commensurate with a senior academic leadership role, or > Doctoral level qualification or equivalent standing in a discipline ideally aligned to the University’s portfolio, and > Evidence of continued professional development, formal or informal	Application form
Experience	> Strong track record of operating at a senior executive level in the context of a modern University > Evidence of initiating and building strong collaborative partnerships and strategic alliances at a regional, national and international level > Experience of developing coherent and aligned strategic goals and objectives and defining meaningful measures > Experience of leading financial and commercial strategy with measurable results > Experience of operating at Board level and maintaining good governance practices, with the ability to develop and sustain good working relationships with Board members	Application form/selection process
Knowledge and skills	> Deep understanding of the UK and global higher education context and the economic and regulatory challenges it faces, with the ability to respond decisively > Demonstrates empathic understanding of the local and regional context and an ambition to transform lives and economies > Commercially astute, with the ability to align institutional performance with long-term financial sustainability > Excellent communication, intellectual and influencing skills, capable of winning respect and trust > Politically astute and able to demonstrate an understanding of the role of a university as a catalyst for local and regional economic growth > Strong grasp of risk appetite and decision-making within an effective risk management framework > Knowledge of academic strategy, research impact and student success metrics > Demonstrable analytical skills and strategic insight	Application form/selection process
Leadership competencies	> Visionary and strategic thinker with a sharp focus on execution and results > Ability to take courageous decisions and lead at pace in a dynamic environment > Able to build a collegiate culture, with effective models of delegation, performance and accountability > Highly effective communicator, both internally and externally > Highly self-aware, resilient and adaptable with a strong sense of personal accountability and authenticity	Application form/selection process
Values	> A leader who embraces our values, energy and ambition > Inclusive and values-led, promoting dignity, fairness and respect at all levels > Committed to, and invested in, the wider region > Commitment to widening participation and the social impact of education	Application form/selection process