We have one simple promise – to make a positive impact. Through our ground-breaking research, teaching excellence and commitment to sustainable living, we are changing lives for the better.

The University of Derby is a modern university with a modern outlook. Everything we do is driven by delivering excellence and opportunities for our students, our staff and our region.

We have some of the best university facilities in the UK and achieve outstanding results for our teaching and research and have been awarded Gold in the prestigious Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023 – making it one of the top universities in the country recognised for its outstanding student experience and student outcomes. 

Financially strong and seriously ambitious we offer our employees an inclusive culture that centres itself around staff wellbeing, where you can be confident you will receive all the help and encouragement you need to build a rewarding career with lots of opportunities to enhance your skills.

About the College/Department

The Institute of Education and Skills plays a central role in delivering the University of Derby's commitment to opportunity, social mobility and lifelong learning. Through outstanding education, research and employer engagement, the Institute develops the educators, trainers, leaders and skilled professionals who shape communities, support economic growth and transform lives.

Our diverse portfolio spans Initial Teacher Training, Education, Childhood and SEND, Skills and Apprenticeships, University of Derby Buxton, and the internationally recognised International Centre for Guidance Studies (iCeGS), a global leader in careers and career guidance research.

We are committed to excellence in teaching, innovation in practice and impactful research. Through strong partnerships with schools, colleges, employers, training providers and public sector organisations, we ensure our programmes remain relevant to the needs of learners, industry and society.

From preparing the next generation of teachers and educational leaders, to supporting workforce development through apprenticeships and skills provision, the Institute makes a significant contribution to regional prosperity and educational advancement. With established strengths in research, professional practice and employer engagement, this is an exciting opportunity to join a forward-looking Institute with ambitious plans for growth and impact.

About the Role

We are seeking an exceptional and inspiring academic leader to join the Institute of Education and Skills as Deputy Director.

Working in partnership with the Director and wider leadership team, you will play a pivotal role in shaping and delivering the Institute's strategic priorities across education, research, skills development, employer engagement and partnership activity.

You will provide leadership across a broad and varied portfolio, supporting Heads of Discipline and academic leaders to drive excellence in teaching, student outcomes, research, knowledge exchange and external engagement. You will help ensure the Institute continues to respond proactively to developments in education policy, workforce skills needs and professional practice, positioning the University as a leading provider of education and skills development.

With responsibility for supporting organisational performance, portfolio development, student recruitment, quality enhancement and resource planning, you will help create an environment where innovation, collaboration and continuous improvement thrive.

The role offers the opportunity to shape the future direction of teacher education, educational research, apprenticeships, workforce development and professional learning, whilst strengthening relationships with schools, colleges, employers, professional bodies and other strategic partners.

As Deputy Director, you will act as a visible ambassador for the Institute, represent the University within regional and national networks and deputise for the Director as required.

This is a unique opportunity to contribute to an Institute that combines academic excellence with a clear commitment to making a positive difference for learners, communities and employers.

About You

You will be an experienced and credible academic leader with substantial experience of leading within a complex higher education, education or skills environment.

Holding a doctorate or equivalent professional standing in a relevant field, you will bring a strong track record of delivering strategic objectives through collaborative leadership, inspiring teams and building a positive culture focused on excellence and impact.

You will be able to demonstrate:

• Experience of providing strategic leadership that delivers organisational improvement, growth and measurable outcomes.
• Proven success in leading and developing high-performing academic or professional teams within a complex environment.
• A strong track record of developing effective partnerships with schools, colleges, employers, professional bodies, government agencies or other external stakeholders.
• Experience of enhancing educational quality, student outcomes, research, knowledge exchange, workforce development or skills provision.
• An understanding of the evolving education and skills landscape and the opportunities and challenges facing the sector.
• Excellent communication, influencing and relationship-building skills, with the confidence to engage effectively at senior levels both internally and externally.
• A commitment to inclusion, innovation and delivering positive outcomes for learners, organisations and communities.

Most importantly, you will share our ambition to create an innovative, inclusive and impactful Institute that develops the knowledge, skills and confidence needed to shape the future of education and workforce development.

Benefits

• Generous annual leave entitlement of 42 days inclusive of bank holidays and concessionary days (pro rata)
• Teacher’s Pension Scheme
• Suite of holistic wellbeing benefits and support including family-friendly policies, generous sick pay provision and comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme
• Access to a variety of staff discounts at high street retailers
• Discounted onsite gym
• Access to employer-funded Private Health Insurance
• Holiday purchase
• Cycle to Work scheme
• A flexible working environment
• A commitment to personal and professional development

Key Contact

For further information and informal enquiries regarding the role, please contact Sarah Charles, Director of the Institute of Education & Skills via S.Charles@derby.ac.uk

For enquiries regarding your application and for sponsorship eligibility, please contact the recruitment team via recruitment@derby.ac.uk

Important Information

This role is eligible for sponsorship by the University, however, your individual circumstances must meet the criteria set out by UKVI; this includes meeting the English Language requirement and earning a salary that meets the highest of either the going rate for the SOC code or the minimum salary threshold for the Skilled Worker route (£41,700 per annum, as of 22^nd July 2025).

If the role is eligible, but the offered salary is less that the going rate for the role, you may still be able to apply for a Skilled Worker visa if:

Please note that the University cannot confirm your eligibility for sponsorship until an offer is made and your individual circumstances have been considered.

For more information, visit our website.

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA) 1974 and is therefore subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

Any information you provide will be treated in confidence and only used when considering your suitability for the post.

To enable us to process your DBS check please ensure you are able to supply the documentation listed on the DBS website at interview stage.

The University of Derby is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all our staff, students and children. At the University of Derby, safeguarding is everybody's concern.

Please find our Safeguarding pages including our Safeguarding Policy here.

Closing Date: 23 Nov 2026

Area: Senior Management

Salary: £71,346 to £89,183 per annum
(for exceptional performers, there is scope for further progression up to £102,560 per annum)