DEPUTY DIRECTOR AND PROVOST - CANDIDATE BRIEF Spring 2020 - Minerva Executive ...
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CANDIDATE BRIEF DEPUTY DIRECTOR AND PROVOST Spring 2020
LETTER FROM
LETTER FROM MARIE
MARIE STAUNTON,
STAUNTON,
CHAIR OF
CHAIR OF THE
TRUSTEES
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Thank you for finding out more about this exciting opportunity to become the new Deputy Director
and Provost
Thank you foroffinding
SOAS University of London.
out more about this exciting opportunity to become the new Director of SOAS
University of London.
As Chair of Trustees, I am proud to be part of SOAS’s vibrant community and our truly global outlook.
Our staff, students and alumni have a strong sense of social purpose and are uniquely placed to
As Chairand
inform of Trustees, I am proud
shape thinking abouttothe
be economic,
part of SOAS’s vibrant
political, community
cultural, andand
security ourreligious
truly global outlook.
challenges
Our staff,
of our students
world. andinspired
We are alumni by
have a strong
SOAS’s coresense of social
values, purpose
including and are uniquely
our commitment placed to inform
to excellence,
diversity
and shape and freedom
thinking of speech,
about and our
the economic, vision is
political, to be asecurity
cultural, research-driven, innovative
and religious andof
challenges sustainable
our
university that creates change-makers in the world.
world. We are inspired by SOAS’s core values, including our commitment to excellence, diversity and
freedom
We are atofa speech, and our
critical time vision development,
in SOAS’s is to be a research-driven, innovative
with Professor and sustainable
Adam Habib university
joining as our new that
creates
Directorchange-makers
in January 2021infollowing
the world.Baroness Valerie Amos’ departure in August 2020. In the interim,
Professor Graham Upton will be leading SOAS during this transitional period including implementing
the significant
Our changes
current Director, requiredValerie
Baroness to make SOAS
Amos, hasfinancially
overseensustainable in thechange
a period of rapid complex andinchanging
both the higher
Higher Education context. We have responded quickly and effectively to the first phase of Covid-19,
education context and within SOAS itself. Social sciences have grown significantly at SOAS in recent
temporarily closing our campus buildings in Bloomsbury and moving fully to online delivery and
years
remotewhile we remain
working. The newproud to beDirector
Deputy home toandstrategically important
Provost will androle
play a key vulnerable
in makingandsure
other world
that we
continue to We
languages. lookhave
to the future
been both within
decolonising ourthe UK and through
curriculum, reducingour
themany
BAMEglobal partnerships.
attainment gap and rose 9
places to be ranked 44th in this year’s Sunday Times Good University Guide.
Under the leadership of our current Director, we have strengthened academic leadership, developed
SOAS’s international partnerships and increased SOAS’s global reputation. We have made significant
Our current
progress on 2016-2020
teaching and strategy is nearing
learning, its end
including and our
reducing thenew
BAMEDirector will join
attainment at and
gap a pivotal and the
delivering
exciting
first yeartime. SOAS’s ambitious
of a successful plansYear
Foundation for the futureSocial
degree. include flexiblehave
sciences and intensive learning experiences
grown significantly at SOAS in
recent
for years
all our while we
students, remain
with proudand
on-campus to be home
online to strategically
learning blended important
as standard,and vulnerable
with and other
every student
world languages. We rose 9 places to be ranked 44th in the Sunday Times Good University Guide
undertaking an international placement and enjoying part of their SOAS education in the regions of our
2019 and were ranked in the World Top 50 for Arts and Humanities in the QS World Rankings by
research expertise. We are at the planning stage of exciting new initiatives, such as a new business,
Subject 2020.
management, public policy and law school for primarily international students.
Our future plans include significant curriculum and structural reform, as we embrace changes to
pedagogy,
Building ononline delivery
the special andof
nature blended
the SOASlearning as standard,
experience to whichtogether with developing
our students, a business
staff and alumni attest,
plan for a new business, management, public policy and law school for primarily international
our diversity and reach, all these initiatives will create a global SOAS fit for purpose in the rapidly
students. In a post-Brexit landscape, SOAS offers students something that cannot be found
changing,
elsewhereless Western-centric
in the world. sector – immersion and expertise in all aspects of culture
UK Higher Education
and society outside North America and Europe.
We look forward to hearing from you.
We look forward to hearing from you.
2 MINERVA - CANDIDATE BRIEF, DIRECTOR, OCTOBER 2019
BACKGROUND
About SOAS
Celebrating more than 100 years of research development, economy, finance, language,
and teaching excellence, SOAS University of public and corporate policy, human rights,
London is a unique institution specialising in migration, identity, legal systems, poverty,
the study of Africa, Asia, and the Near and religion, and social change.
Middle East.
SOAS is home to some of the world’s leading
SOAS is a remarkable institution. With our vast experts and researchers in these regions who
repository of knowledge and expertise on our are regularly interviewed by the international
specialist regions, we are particularly well- media including the BBC, ITN, Reuters and
placed to inform and shape current thinking CNN. They act as advisors, commentators and
about the economic, political, cultural, security consultants to government departments and
and religious challenges of our world. non-governmental organisations, as well as the
private sector and multinational companies.
Our programmes are taught by respected Through its research excellence the School
academics engaged in fieldwork and research has gained a global reputation as a leading
which influences government policies and institution for the study of these regions, a
the lives of individuals across the globe. SOAS reputation which is reflected in the diverse
scholars engage with the pressing issues nature of its staff and student community.
confronting humankind today: democracy,
The library is one of just five National Research rights lawyers, politicians, diplomats, journalists,
Approximately
Libraries in the5,400 students
country from 133
and houses the world’s As an institution
museum setphilosophers
curators, up 100 yearsand
agowriters,
with a
countries
largest study at undergraduate
concentration of scholarly and
works on clear colonial
many of whom mission, SOAS has
have helped bringbeen
aboutworking
change
postgraduate
Asia, level,
Africa and the 50 per cent
Middle East.ofAmongst
whom are
its 1.5 towards
to decolonising
improve the world ineducation,
which webylive.
reviewing
from outside
million items,the
theUK. 4,000
library hasstudents around
many treasures its curricula and tackling the attainment
the world astudy
including throughTibetan
9th century distanceprayer
learning
book, gapanfor
As BAME students.
institution . As part
set up 100 yearsofago
SOAS’s
with a
programmes.
priceless Therescrolls
Japanese is a well-
andestablished and
original colonial commitment
clear colonial to social inclusion
mission, SOAS haswe haveworking
been
active of
maps alumni
Africacommunity in more
drawn in the 19th than 180
century. launcheddecolonising
towards a Foundationeducation,
Year and we are working
by reviewing
countries who are
Approximately 5,400involved in hosting
students events
from 133 with
its partners
curricula to develop
and our attainment
tackling the Transnationalgap for
around thestudy
countries worldateach year. The many
undergraduate and high- Education
BAME portfolio.
students. As part of SOAS’s commitment
profile alumni level,
postgraduate include50world leaders,
per cent human
of whom are to social inclusion we have launched a
rightsoutside
from lawyers,the
politicians,
UK. 4,000 diplomats,
studentsjournalists,
around Further information
Foundation Year andabout SOAS
we are can be
working with
museum
the worldcurators, philosophers
study through distanceand writers,
learning obtainedto
partners from our website
develop at
our Transnational
many of whomThere
programmes. have helped bring about change
is a well-established and www.soas.ac.uk
Education portfolio.
to improve
active thecommunity
alumni world in which we live.
in more than 180
countries who are involved in hosting events Further information about SOAS can be
around the world each year. The many high- obtained from our website at
profile alumni include world leaders, human www.soas.ac.uk
6 MINERVA - CANDIDATE BRIEF, DIRECTOR, OCTOBER 2019
VALUES
The School’s core values are promoted and celebrated and underpin all
activities. They help guide staff and students in their work and studies.
Excellence Ethical standards
SOAS is committed to striving for excellence in SOAS will maintain the highest ethical standards
all its activities. in all of its dealings and will be open, honest,
tolerant, fair and responsible in everything it
Equality and diversity
does.
SOAS is above all else a community that
celebrates diversity and is respectful and Community
collegial. The School’s diverse population is SOAS recognises that staff, students and
one of its greatest strengths and equality of alumni are its greatest assets. Collectively SOAS
opportunity is at the core of all its activities. strives to create an atmosphere of community,
collegiality and cooperation for all staff, students,
Freedom of speech and tolerance
alumni, partners, friends and supporters. We
SOAS is committed to the pursuit and
also work closely with the Students’ Union and
dissemination of knowledge. This can only be
our recognised staff unions, UCU and Unison.
conducted effectively in an atmosphere of
open enquiry, mutual respect and intellectual Evaluate and self-reflect
freedom. In practice this means SOAS SOAS is committed to regularly monitoring,
acknowledges the paramount importance of evaluating and reviewing all activities,
freedom of expression. However, this freedom procedures and processes in order to self-
may not be exercised in ways that threaten the reflect and improve.
safety or the freedom of expression of others.
Transparent and accountable
Global outlook SOAS will make decisions that are consistent,
SOAS approaches all questions, be they evidence based and will ensure that good quality
academic or otherwise, from a global information is shared widely with an emphasis
perspective. We eschew a Eurocentric approach on transparency. SOAS aspires to exemplary
and SOAS is committed to fostering broad standards of governance.
cultural understanding in the world at large.
Environment
SOAS will embed good environmental practice at
an institutional level and will continue to reduce
its carbon footprint and energy consumption.
ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURE
Senior Leadership - SOAS
Senior Leadership SOAS
Director
Pro Director Pro Director
Research and Teaching and
Deputy Director and Provost Registrar and Chief Operating Officer
Enterprise Learning
(interim)
Head of Head of Head of EastAsian Deputy COO
Director of Research Director of Legal and
Anthropology and Head of School of Deputy COO (SAE) (Resources and
Development Head of Economics Languages and and Enterprise Governance
Sociology Arts Planning)
Studies Cultures
Head of History, Head of the School Head of Languages, Director of External
Head of Finance Head of School of Director of Library Chief Information Director of Global
Religions and of Interdisciplinary Culture and Engagement and
and Management Law and LearningServices Officer Public Affairs Engagement
Philosophies Studies Linguistics
Head of Politics
and International Head of the Heads of Centres Director of Human
Doctoral School and Institutes Resources
Studies
Head of
Head of
Language
IFCELS
Centre
6 MINERVA - CANDIDATE BRIEF DEPUTY DIRECTOR AND PROVOST, SPRING 2020
KEY FACTS
The world’s leading institution for the Intimate and ambitious
study of Asia, Africa and the Middle East g
89% of students found their course
g
World-class research and teaching expertise, intellectually stimulating (National Student
equipping people for a global economy and Survey 2019).
multicultural society. g
SOAS Law graduates rank second highest
for graduate pay in the UK, ahead of
Specialist and interdisciplinary
Cambridge and Oxford (Chambers Student
strengths
2019).
g
350+ undergraduate degree combinations;
200+ postgraduate programmes (taught Unrivalled range of non-European
and distance learning) with a distinctive languages
regional focus and global relevance. g
All SOAS languages may be studied without
g
Third in the world for the United Nations prior knowledge.
Sustainable Development Goal “Peace, g
Ranked eighth in the UK for Modern
Justice and Strong Institutions” (THE Impact
Languages (QS 2020).
TheRankings
world meets
2019). at SOAS
• 5,400 students from 133 countries on
g
SOAS rose by nine places to 44th in the The world meets at SOAS
campus.
Sunday Times Good University Guide 2020. g
5,400 students from 133 countries on
• 4,000 students around the world on campus.
g
Ranked in the World Top 50 for Arts and
distance learning programmes.
Humanities (QS World Rankings by Subject g
4,000 students around the world on
• 2020). active alumni worldwide.
39,000 distance learning programmes.
In one of the world’s great cities 39,000 active alumni worldwide.
First class facilities
g
• A vibrant central London campus forms
g
One of only five National Research Libraries
an intimate community at the heart of the
in the UK; 1.5 million volumes, periodicals
university quarter of historic Bloomsbury.
and audio-visual materials in 400 languages,
focusing on Asia, Africa and the Middle East.
g
89% of students think that Library resources
have supported their learning well (National
Student Survey 2019).ROLE PROFILE
Role Purpose
SOAS University of London is entering an exciting new phase, with new Director Professor Adam Habib
starting in January 2021. In the interim period, work is underway to reshape SOAS to deliver long-term
financial sustainability and enhance SOAS’s immersive expertise in all aspects of culture and society
outside North America and Europe.
Interim Director Professor Graham Upton will be overseeing this critical transitionary period, and as
part of this he and Professor Habib are looking to recruit a Deputy Director and Provost to join the
Senior Management Team. The Deputy Director and Provost will lead on internal changes, manage
academic Heads of Department and play a vital role in delivering excellent student experience as the
SOAS lead for teaching and learning.
Key Accountabilities and Responsibilities
The Deputy Director and Provost is expected to:
g
Work with the Director to provide academic and strategic leadership across the academic
departments to fulfil SOAS’s strategic goals, implement the changes needed to ensure long-term
financial sustainability and promote SOAS’s core values
g
Take responsibility for teaching and learning across SOAS, providing leadership and expertise
to improve pedagogy and staff engagement with teaching, deliver curriculum reform including
decolonisation, improve retention rates, reduce the BAME awarding gap and increase NSS scores.
This will include responsibility for SOAS’s online and blended learning strategy
g
Ensure effective performance management at individual, team and organisational levels,
monitoring and managing progress, setting high expectations for delivery and behaviours and
promoting a culture of excellence
g
Deliver changes in the wider SOAS business model and organisational culture, for example,
establishing new working practices (including in response to Covid-19) and delivering an
outstanding student experience with excellent career prospects
g
Actively participate as a member of the Senior Management Team, Executive Board, chairing
Committees and working groups as required, ensuring good academic governance and meeting
high standards of scrutiny• Provide first-rate intellectual leadership, seeking continually to enhance the School’s academic
performance, its profile, and its reputation for research excellence;
•
g
Develop
Work the School’s
closely with the Strategic Plan, forOfficer/
Chief Operating endorsement byand
Registrar the professional
Board of Trustees, articulating
services team whoa clear
and shared
support the strategic
academicvision for the
delivery future
aspects of of the School
SOAS, and a plan
e.g. Academic andto ensureExperience,
Student its delivery;Registry,
the Centre for Innovation in Learning and Teaching (CILT) and Marketing, Student Recruitment and
• Serve as proactive, visible and effective ambassador for the School and its values, identifying
Admissions
opportunities for development and partnership, influencing higher education policy, speaking
g
Bring a collaborative
publicly to the mediaapproach to leadership,
and elsewhere, uniting the
and promoting students and staff,and
achievements promoting SOAS’s
reputation core
of the
values
School and global
locally, ethos and
nationally andworking with the
internationally atStudents’ Union
the highest and recognised trade unions
levels;
•
g
Work withon
Be visible thecampus
Directorand
to oversee the annual
work closely academic
with the planning
student body; theand
newreporting cycle including
Director should be
setting and managing budgets, identifying success criteria and attending
committed to ensuring excellent provision of advice and welfare support; and presenting at Board
of Trustees and other Committee meetings as required
• Work effectively with the Board of Trustees to ensure good governance, effective decision-making
g
Coach and empower
and appropriate theirofdirect
scrutiny reports,management
the School’s managing talent and development
to maximise andofbuilding
the success a
the School;
succession pipeline, promoting diversity at all levels and creating an inclusive environment for
• Provide leadership for the School’s fundraising and advancement activities, engaging closely with
working and studying
alumni, prospects, donors and SOAS colleagues and undertaking international travel as required;
g
Support the Director, deputising for them including at external engagements and events,
• Embody andinternational
undertaking uphold the School’s
travel asethos and culture
required and actingas aon
positive,
behalf diverse, inclusive
of the Director in and
theirresponsive
absence
global community committed to partnership, mutual respect and equality of opportunity for all;
g
Build and maintain effective working relationships with external stakeholders, influencing Higher
• Ensure thepolicy
Education School is innovative
and maximisingand responsive,for
opportunities andSOAS
able within
to adapt
thetoregulatory
the ever-changing
frameworkpolitical,
of the
economic and educational opportunities and challenges created by the environment within which
Office for Students
the higher education sector operates;
g
Embody and uphold the School’s ethos and culture as a positive, diverse, inclusive and responsive
• Implement
global an internationalisation
community agenda shaped
committed to partnership, by respect
mutual the School’s commitment to decolonialisation
and decolonisation
with ethical and equitable partnerships in SOAS’s focus regions at its centre.
15 MINERVA - CANDIDATE BRIEF, DIRECTOR, OCTOBER 2019PERSON SPECIFICATION
Background and Experience
The successful candidate will have worked at a senior level in a UK Higher Education Institution with
expertise in teaching and learning, leading a successful team and delivering an excellent student
experience. They will have demonstrated a sustained contribution to learning and research in their
own discipline and have a proven ability to establish credibility with academics and students, and to
work effectively with professional services staff.
The role requires a thorough understanding of the opportunities and challenges for a small and
specialist HEI, and a demonstrable personal commitment to SOAS’s values and regional focus. This
should ideally include a proven track record of delivering a diverse and inclusive environment to work
and study in.
Candidates should demonstrate:
g
Sustained and proven leadership and strategic management experience at a senior level within the
UK HEI sector and a thorough knowledge of the sector and its levers
g
Demonstrable knowledge of teaching and research business models within higher education, and
of the opportunities and challenges for small specialist institutions
g
Significant experience delivering high-quality teaching and learning, with demonstrable expertise in
innovative pedagogy, improving retention and tackling the BAME attainment gap
g
Demonstrable experience of managing online and blended learning strategies, including an
understanding of virtual learning environments and how to maximise student learning and
engagement
g
A proven ability to work collaboratively with students, students and trade unions, communicating
effectively in writing and orally and responding positively to feedback
g
Substantial prior involvement in strategic planning and management of people, finances and other
resources, including implementing cost-effective and sustainable changes
g
Successful experience of leading and embedding organisation-wide change, communicating the
need for change, seeking and responding positively to feedbackg
A sustained contribution to learning and research within their own discipline and ability to operate
• A successful track record of promoting equality, diversity and inclusion, and an understanding of
credibly within an academic environment and with professional services staff
how these principles can be applied in a higher education setting;
g
Demonstrable experience leading and empowering a team, providing direction, feedback, guidance
• An absolute determination to get things done both personally and collectively;
and support, managing talent and working effectively with peers
• An empathy for the academic disciplines that make the School exceptional and unique and engage
g
Excellent networking and relationship-building skills, with an ability to build credibility, trust and
effectively with Humanities and Social Science academics;
respect with a wide range of stakeholders, both internally and externally
• An international outlook, with personal experience of – and credibility in - one or more relevant
g
An absolute belief in SOAS’s core mission and values, a strong advocate for the decolonisation
regions, and a high cultural awareness of the different SOAS communities and regions on which the
agenda and a successful track record of promoting diversity and inclusion
School focuses;
• Political astuteness;
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
• Ambition, enthusiasm, drive and determination;
• A high degree of courage and resilience, coupled with openness and integrity, warmth and honesty.
A competitive package commensurate with the responsibilities of the post will be discussed with the
successful
SOAS candidate
believes and agreed
that the diversity of itsby theand
staff Senior Staffcommunity
student Renumeration Committee.
is fundamental to creative thinking,
The Deputy Director and Provost role is offered as a five-year fixed term contract.
pedagogic innovation, intellectual challenge, and our interdisciplinary approach to research and learning.
We celebrate and promote diversity, equality and inclusion amongst our staff and students. As such, we
SOAS offers
welcome a number
applications of benefits
from including
all, regardless membership
of personal of the USS
characteristics pension scheme;
or background. generouswelcome
We particularly annual
leave (30 days
applications plus
from closure
Women days);
and Blacksupportive parental
and Minority Ethnic leave, caring
candidates asand
theysickness absence policies
are under-represented and
within
loans at
SOAS foraseason tickets, computers and a cycle to work scheme.
senior level.
SOAS believes that the diversity of its staff and student community is fundamental to creative thinking,
TERMS & CONDITIONS
pedagogic innovation, intellectual challenge, and our interdisciplinary approach to research and learning.
We celebrate and promote diversity, equality and inclusion amongst our staff and students. As such, we
A competitive salary is available, commensurate with the importance of the role, which will be for
welcome applications from all, regardless of personal characteristics or background. We particularly welcome
confidential discussion with the chosen candidate.
applications from Women and Black and Minority Ethnic candidates as they are under-represented within
SOAS at a senior level.
18 MINERVA - CANDIDATE BRIEF, DIRECTOR, OCTOBER 2019HOW TO APPLY To apply please send a covering letter and CV to soas@minervasearch.com. Minerva can be contacted as follows: Consultants: Project administrator: Helen Higgins Natalie Chapman helen@minervasearch.com natalie@minervasearch.com 0203 793 6311 0203 714 0963 Kerry Shepherd kerry@minervasearch.com 0203 714 3477
www.minervasearch.com CANDIDATE BRIEF DIRECTOR CANDIDATE BRIEF DIRECTOR October 2019 October 2019 www.minervasearch.com www.soas.ac.uk
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