Dean of Social Sciences

Shape our success

We are seeking an exceptional academic leader to join the University of Southampton as Dean of Social Sciences.

We are currently ranked 87th in the world* and this post is pivotal to advancing our position further. Our University Strategy is built around a distinctive Triple Helix model, harnessing the combined power of our excellence in research, education, and knowledge exchange and enterprise. As Dean, you will draw on your academic credibility and leadership expertise to shape the next chapter for the Faculty and the wider University.

This is a unique opportunity for a strategic and inspirational leader to build on strong momentum, champion the achievements of our staff and students, and forge new opportunities for global influence. You will role model our values and drive our commitment to excellence, from providing a transformative student experience, to delivering world-class, impactful research and cultivating an inclusive and collaborative community within and beyond the University.

Reporting directly to the President and Vice-Chancellor and serving as a member of the University Executive Board, which advises the President and Vice-Chancellor, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of Social Sciences, ensuring delivery of our strategic priorities and ensuring the Faculty continues to lead with purpose and impact in addressing global societal challenges.

Join us

The Faculty of Social Sciences at Southampton is unique among its Russell Group comparators and brings together five distinct yet highly complementary schools: Economic, Social and Political Sciences; Mathematical Sciences; Southampton Law School; Southampton Education School; alongside the Centre for Higher Education Practice. The University of Southampton Business School is currently a semi-autonomous School within the Faculty reporting directly into the centre of the University. Together, they deliver globally recognised research, education, and knowledge exchange and enterprise activities that address complex societal challenges.

Our schools, research centres and institutes are at the forefront of pioneering, world‑leading work, driving new thinking across the social sciences and contributing influential insights that shape policy, industry practice, and academic debate. Through strategic partnerships and cross‑University collaboration, the Faculty champions innovation and ensures that our work has a meaningful impact.

Internationally recognised for excellence, the Faculty supports more than 5,300 undergraduate students and a vibrant postgraduate community of over 1,800 students from exceptionally diverse backgrounds. We deliver an innovative education portfolio that develops students’ analytical capabilities, applied skills, and understanding of the societal issues shaping our world.

As Dean, you will lead this ambitious and outward‑looking Faculty, shaping its strategic direction, strengthening its global influence, and fostering a thriving environment for interdisciplinary discovery and societal impact.

About you

You are an accomplished academic leader with a proven track record of excellence across research, education, and knowledge exchange and enterprise. With extensive experience inspiring and leading a Faculty or school of significant complexity, you can unite schools around a clear, credible vision and ensure balance across multiple disciplines.

Your leadership style is visible, empathetic, and consultative, shaped by active listening that values diverse perspectives, recognises points of difference, and informs fair, well‑reasoned decisions. You build trust across staff, students, and stakeholders by promoting fairness and equality of opportunity. You bring communities together, strengthen interdisciplinary connections, and cultivate a positive culture grounded in excellence and innovation. With strategic vision, financial acumen, and resilience, you manage change and conflict with clarity and care, supporting colleagues while maintaining clear direction.

Your authentic communication style enables you to influence, inspire, and build strong relationships across the Faculty and with industry, government, local, national and international partners. You demonstrate strategic foresight, anticipate sector challenges, and apply a deep understanding of the UK Higher Education landscape to balance long‑term ambition with operational delivery.

Above all, you are motivated by the opportunity to shape the future of the Faculty and the University, fostering a culture of excellence, inclusion, and innovation, while driving student recruitment, strengthening income generation, and enhancing our national and international reputation.

Additional Information

This post is offered on a tenured basis initially for a period of five years, which is extendible up to a maximum of eight years. At the end of this tenure, the successful candidate will return to a substantive Professorial position within the University. For further details, please refer to the attached generic Professor Job Description.

How to apply

For more information and details of how to apply, please visit https://talentedu.com/jobs/FSS/

For further details about the role or any enquiries, please contact TalentEdu at southampton@talentedu.co.uk or 0203 290 2907.

The closing date for receipt of applications is midnight (BST) on Wednesday 13th May 2026

Important dates

Following a long listing meeting of the Search Committee, successful candidates will be invited to attend a virtual ‘engagement day’ with members of the University on Friday 26th June 2026.

Final interviews are currently scheduled to take place in person at the Highfield Campus on Friday 10th July 2026.

*QS World University Rankings 2026