Vice-Chancellor & Chief Executive

Falmouth University has a creative history of more than a century, shaping generations of artists, designers, makers and entrepreneurs, building a global reputation for creative excellence. Today, it is a distinctive specialist institution, home to a vibrant community of around 8,000 students studying on campus, online and with partners, and proudly rooted in Cornwall.

With a defining focus on the intersection of creativity and technology, our teaching, research and knowledge exchange addresses real-world challenges and opportunities, contributing directly to the UK’s Creative Industries. Financially resilient, culturally strong and deeply connected to our place, Falmouth University combines academic ambition with a strong sense of community and purpose as Cornwall’s university.

The Board of Governors now seeks an outstanding Vice-Chancellor & Chief Executive to lead the University into its next phase. Building on strong foundations, the successful candidate will provide clear, values-led leadership to advance academic excellence, strengthen research and knowledge exchange, and enhance Falmouth University’s position as a leading institution at the intersection of creativity and technology. They will champion a people-centred culture, sustain the institution’s financial resilience, and deepen the University’s role as a civic and regional anchor.

This is a compelling opportunity to lead a distinctive and ambitious institution at a pivotal moment. We are seeking a strategic and authentic leader with senior executive experience in higher education or a comparable environment, including a strong track record of organisational leadership, financial stewardship and governance. Candidates will bring academic credibility, alongside an affinity with creative practice, specialist education or the creative industries.

Critically, the Vice-Chancellor will be a visible, human-centred leader who fosters trust, inclusion and belonging. They will demonstrate a deep commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion, and a genuine desire to engage with and contribute to Cornwall’s communities, economy and civic life.

Falmouth University warmly welcomes applications from individuals of all backgrounds and particularly encourages applications from those currently underrepresented in higher education leadership.

For further details, including the role description and information on how to apply, please visit https://plusportal.perrettlaver.com quoting reference number 8361.

The closing date for applications is 11:59pm BST on Sunday 10th May 2026.

For informal inquiries, please contact Eljoh Balajadia at Eljoh.Balajadia@perrettlaver.com or +44 (0)20 3928 7375.

Further information about Falmouth University can be found at: https://www.falmouth.ac.uk/vice-chancellor-and-chief-executive