Ravensbourne University London - Vice Chancellor

Welcome

Thank you for your interest in becoming the Vice Chancellor of Ravensbourne University London.

Ravensbourne is a very special place. It has a unique blend of creativity, technology and business. We have enthusiastic students and staff who come from diverse backgrounds. We have an iconic building in Greenwich which inspires everyone who visits and works here.

We have seen big change over the last five years. We have doubled the size of the university, created new partnerships, attracted students from all over the world as well as from our adjacent areas in London. And we now have financial stability and strength.

We are looking to continue to grow by expanding our courses and our reach and aiming to create a leading university which is at the intersection of creative, technology and business.

We are dedicated to giving our learners the skills and opportunities they need for outstanding careers in digital media, design, business and technology. Our offering currently spans television, film and broadcasting, product and graphic design, architecture, fashion, business, marketing and computing.

This is a time of real change and opportunity. We are seeking a new Vice Chancellor to lead us on our ambitious journey. With a widening programme offering and new international developments and partnerships, you will lead the implementation of our new strategy, working with our board and the executive team. You will be responsible for driving the university towards its goal of further sustainable long-term growth, whilst ensuring a high-quality student experience. As an advocate of inclusivity, you will promote a culture that encourages everyone to challenge themselves and others to be the best they can be.

We are looking for a great leader who understands creativity, business and technology and the leading role which the university can play in all these areas and who is ambitious for the future.

We look forward to hearing from you.

Andrew Summers
Chair of the Board of Governors

About us

About Ravensbourne University London

With a community of over 5,000 students, Ravensbourne University London is an innovative, industry-focused university offering pre-degree, undergraduate and postgraduate level courses.

We are champions of creativity and collaboration, dedicated to giving our learners the specialist skills and opportunities they need for outstanding careers in digital, media, design and business. Our offering spans, television and broadcasting, product design, architecture, graphic design, photography, fashion, computing and technology and business. Former students include music legend David Bowie, fashion designer Stella McCartney, 2012 Olympic torch designer Jay Osgerby and Oscar-winning producers Simon Egan and Gareth Ellis-Unwin.

We are proud to be at the leading edge of technology, creativity and business and are close collaborators with the creative and technology industries — a crucial part of our commitment to giving students the specialist and broader skills they need to kick-start their careers. The results of our collaborative efforts are reflected in our strong track record in graduate employment. Almost 19 out of 20 students go into work or further study within six months of graduating. As well as equipping our students with the practical skills they need in the workplace, we instil the resilience and confidence needed to thrive in the creative industries.

Ravensbourne is a growing University, having doubled in student numbers in the last five years. Its staff base currently stands at around 370 core academic and professional services staff and 200 ‘hourly paid ‘sessional’ academic staff.’

Our corporate strategy

Our corporate strategy 2021-26 is reaching the end of its lifespan and we are in the process of developing our Strategy 2025-30, due to be released by the end of this calendar year. The new strategy will articulate our ambitions to unleash the potential of young people in the fields of technology, creative and business for domestic, international and franchise students. Our strong financial health will enable us to build on our successes and invest in our strategic priorities.

You can view our strategy briefing document here.

Location

Ravensbourne is located at the heart of London’s newest permanent creative community on the Greenwich Peninsula. We’re nestled beside the O2 arena, with views stretching across the River Thames, to Canary Wharf, Maritime Greenwich and beyond.

Thanks to recent investment, this stretch of London riverside has gone from marshy bog-land to a thriving public space, filled with creative businesses, a 3km art trail, restaurants, cafes, hotels and entertainment juggernaut, the O2 arena.

There’s also plenty of open space to wander by the river, and parks to sit and watch the world go by. Flooded with bright light, the peninsula is the perfect place to get creative and inspired – as many of our students have.

Swathed in a mosaic of 28,000 gleaming tiles, our building plays a standout role on the Greenwich Peninsula. Bold, brave and built for 21st-century learning, it perfectly encapsulates all that is Ravensbourne. Thanks to its eco-friendly design and dazzling good looks, the building swiftly won the RIBA award for best Higher Education building in 2011.

Take a virtual tour of our campus here.

Sustainability at Ravensbourne University London

In 2010, we moved to our new home in North Greenwich into a purpose-built building designed to cut carbon emissions and improve our facilities. As we have expanded, the green agenda has remained a core consideration, so much so that we are exceeding our own targets by seven years.

In 2022, we set a target date of 2030 to switch to a 100% renewable energy tariff, which, by the end of 2023, we will have already done.

By introducing a renewable tariff, we will reduce our emissions by 51%, which will mean a reduction of 428 tonnes of carbon dioxide. For context, this is equivalent to emissions produced by 90 UK households an entire year.

We are already well on our way to meeting and exceeding targets set for the City of London, outlined in the London Environment Strategy 2050 Net Zero Roadmap. But we are always committed to doing more.

We are working hard to improve our sustainable infrastructure; this means updating the likes of hand dryers and water fountains inside the building, assembling solar panels and working with our community to plant more trees.

Ravensbourne Executive Reporting Structure

Introduction from the President of the Ravensbourne Student Union Esther Gbogboade

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

As a university situated in the heart of London, diversity is in our DNA. We are proud of the many ethnicities, identities, cultures and religions that make up our creative community. Our students, staff, alumni and collaborators are dynamic, diverse and exceptionally talented. We’re proud of our legacy as a south-east London university that serves the local area and welcomes students from around the world.

We understand that universities have a historic position of power and privilege. It makes sense that we must play an active role in helping to dismantle structural inequality and address how we can transform the future. It’s critical that we continually ask questions about power, representation and how we include our entire community.

We are committed to doing the long-term work that is needed for genuine change. As well as celebrating and sharing experiences we continue to invest in learning, developing our understanding and skills to be better allies and friends, working together to demand a fairer society for us all.

In June 2020, we established an Equality, Diversity & Inclusion committee to help create much needed change across our institution. The committee is Chaired by our Vice-Chancellor and made up of staff from across our academic and professional services, and students’ union representatives, who give their time and expertise to driving forward our efforts to make our community more inclusive.

Our Organisational Values

Developed in consultation with our staff community, our values provide a framework for the way we work and operate together to deliver our vision and strategy; they help shape our strategic choices, our activities and our culture.

Our Values

These are our core principles, which guide our behaviour, decision making and actions and serve as the foundation for our culture.

Professionalism – We are relentless in the pursuit of excellence, seeking quality in all we do. We learn together as a student, staff and alumni community, and evolve with the best practice in the industries we serve.
Connection – We value what happens together and collaborate to achieve common goals. We build our university community to connect with individuals, institutions, and professions and develop strong industry partnerships.
Dynamism – We embrace every opportunity to adapt and optimise. We have the confidence to embrace change, the agility to respond, and the courage to do things differently,
Inclusion – We celebrate our diversity and we embrace difference as a source of strength. We strive for an inclusive Ravensbourne community, removing barriers and challenging exclusionary and discriminatory practice.
Transformation – We are a catalyst for social mobility. We open doors, creating opportunities for everyone, helping an increasingly diverse range of students break into their chosen fields and rebalance cultural and economic inequality.
Relevance – We engage proactively with the energy and ambition of the learners we work with, the communities we serve and the industries we work alongside.

The role

Vice Chancellor (AQ2891)

Apply now

JOB DESCRIPTION

Job title: Vice Chancellor
Department: Executive
Pay Band: Executive
Line Manager: Chair of the board of governors

Role Purpose:

The Vice Chancellor is the executive leader of the university, responsible for providing strategic leadership and vision in all areas of the institution. The Vice Chancellor is accountable to the Board of Governors for delivering the university’s mission and for performance against the objectives and key performance indicators agreed by the Board.

Responsible for the successful leadership and management of the university’s activities and of its community of staff and students, the Vice Chancellor will harness the university’s potential and lead it to the next stage of achievement and growth.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Strategic Management

Develop a strategic agenda for the university that is clear, compelling, inspirational and helps it to achieve an ambitious vision, within a rapidly changing educational landscape.
Drive implementation of the university’s corporate strategy, ensuring effective delivery against plans in accordance with key targets and performance indicators.
Work closely with the executive and the board, to ensure financial sustainability and strategic resource allocation through the development and approval of appropriate financial, workforce, infrastructure and estates plans to support the university’s strategic vision.
Ensure the continued success of the university’s mission through the effective strategic management of its resources and assets, generating the level of income and surpluses necessary to enable continued investment in the university’s future development.
Deliver organisational performance in line with strategic objectives, key performance indicators and targets.
Lead the executive team in promoting a culture of collaboration and high performance against agreed priorities and targets across all areas of the university.
Horizon-scan, anticipate and respond decisively to national and global development impacting higher education, to continually adapt and evolve the university’s response to drivers for change.
Ensure delivery of an excellent student experience and build on academic achievement.
Play a leading role in shaping the academic development of the university, ensuring a strong and compelling offer at all levels.
Establish the university as a leading centre for applied research and knowledge exchange.

Leadership

Provide visible, inspirational and effective strategic leadership across the university.
Foster an environment of engagement, collaboration and creativity that inspires staff to share the university’s ambitions and contribute to its success, communicating a shared ethos and values.
Promote and drive the organisational values and behaviours to engender high levels of motivation and collaboration, building trust and engagement.
Champion equality, diversity and inclusion and ensure it remains a fundamental driver of the university’s strategy and culture.

External partnerships

Lead the university to identify and maximise opportunities for development and growth through close relationships with the commercial, digital and creative industries and lever these relationships for the betterment of students and staff.
Continue to develop close relationships with relevant industries.
Be a highly visible, compelling and persuasive advocate for the university with a wide range of stakeholders, enabling the university to enhance its influence, reputation and market position at a regional, national and international level.
Diversify and increase revenue streams, engaging actively with industry partners, alumni, private individuals and corporate organisations

Governance

Ensure the university fulfils legal, regulatory and policy requirements, safeguarding the university’s governance and reputation.
Uphold excellent standards of corporate governance through effective committee structures and scrutiny mechanisms.
Work with the board of governors and executive leadership team to maintain transparent and effective governance.

Other

Demonstrate an understanding of Ravensbourne’s values, culture and educational ethos and promote these through everyday practice in the role.
Work within Ravensbourne’s Code of Conduct and other Rules.
Comply with all legislative, regulatory and policy requirements (e.g., Finance, People & Culture) as appropriate.
Carry out the policies, procedures, and practices of Health & Safety in all aspects of the role.
Demonstrate the value and importance of equality and diversity in every aspect of Ravensbourne’s work and show commitment through everyday practice in the role.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

All of the following criteria are considered essential unless otherwise noted.

Knowledge and Experience

Professional qualifications and experience

Educated to at least first-degree level, with evidence of continuing professional development.
Track recording of effectively leading large, complex teams/departments and driving strategic initiatives to deliver successful outcomes.
Proven ability and an outstanding track record in strategic leadership at a senior level within a complex environment.
Understanding of the challenges currently facing higher education and, in particular, small specialist universities expanding into new markets.
Track record of optimising the profile and brand of an organisation. (Desirable)

Strategy and delivery

Ability to create, lead and develop the university’s strategic vision.
Expertise in setting priorities, aligning resources and leading long-term planning initiatives that meet the university’s goals.
Demonstrable experience of implementing strategies which engage and motivate staff.

Continuous Improvement and change

Experience of implementing continuous improvement strategies to drive performance enhancements across all areas of the university.
Experience of successfully leading transformational change, bringing staff and others on the journey.
Demonstratable experience of raising student outcomes and generating sustained improvement to the student experience. (Desirable)

Financial Expertise

Financial literacy and experience of forecasting and managing large budgets in an appropriately sized organisation.
Understanding of university finance and the complexity of contemporary funding and commercial financing arrangements. (Desirable)
Experience of managing substantial budgets and resources.

Core personal skills, abilities and behaviours

Management and leadership

Ability to motivate, inspire and lead diverse teams, fostering a collegiate environment that enables all staff to do their best work and feel nurtured and empowered.
Demonstrates vision, passion, and ambition with the ability to motivate and inspire, set clear aims, and engage staff.
Understanding of the power of engaging staff and building inclusive and empowering approaches to leadership and management.
Skilled in building and nurturing a high performing senior leadership team, empowering staff and creating opportunities for growth and development.
Possesses strong personal resilience and the ability to manage stress and uncertainty whilst providing calm and composed leadership during challenging times.

Communication and engagement

Ability to build and maintain a constructive and valuable relationship between the executive and the board of governors.
Ability to build credibility, trust and respect with academic and professional services colleagues, students and stakeholders, both internally and externally.
Ability to spot opportunities for partnership/collaboration and cultivate relationships to explore and develop those relationships for educational, applied research and/or commercial gain.
Ability to exercise tact and diplomacy, make difficult decisions, communicate them effectively, and see them through.
Demonstrates proactive visibility across the university and externally, with confidence and poise in public speaking and representing the university at high profile events.

Organisational Values

Demonstrates RUL’s values and organisational behaviours in everyday actions and interactions, acting as a role model of RUL’s desired culture. our values through how we operate with a commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.
Presents intellectual stature, integrity, and personal credibility to represent the university nationally and internationally.
Ability to celebrate and maximise the potential of our diverse university-wide community.

Apply now

Terms of appointment

Salary – Competitive
Pension – LGPS or TPS
Generous annual leave – We offer 30 days of annual leave from day one.
Additional special leave – Our employees enjoy additional special leave at Christmas.
Cycle to work scheme – Save up to 49% on the purchase of a bicycle and accessories, get fit and reduce your commuting costs.
Employee assistance programme – Access to confidential assistance to help you deal with personal and professional problems that could be affecting your home life, work life, health and general wellbeing – 24/7, 365 days a year.
Enhanced sick pay – Available to employees from their first day of employment.
Defined benefit pensions – Employees are enrolled in our generous defined benefit pension schemes, which also include life cover. Defined benefit pensions pay out a secure income for life, which increases each year in line with inflation.
Family friendly policies – Enhanced maternity pay after an initial qualifying period, as well as leave allowance for emergency dependent care.
Professional Development – Access to a wealth of training opportunities via LinkedIn Learning, as well as options to undertake our Postgraduate Certificate in Teaching & Learning.
Free eye tests – Free eye tests for all employees, plus payment for basic glasses for VDU use (or contribution towards more expensive frames).
Employee discounts – Enjoy a variety of discounts at retailers and food outlets on the Greenwich Peninsula.

How to apply

Anderson Quigley is acting as an advisor to the University. An executive search process is being carried out by Anderson Quigley in addition to the public advertisement.

The closing date for applications is noon on 27 November 2024.

Applications should consist of:

A full CV.
A covering letter outlining your motivation and details of how you meet the qualification, skills and experience criteria of the person specification.
Please include details of two referees in your CV, though please note that we will not approach your referees without your prior consent and only should you be shortlisted.

Should you wish to discuss the roles in strict confidence, please contact Paul Aristides at paul.aristides@andersonquigley.com or +44 (0)7743 927 988 or Aino Betts at aino.betts@andersonquigley.com, or +44 (0)7743 934 723 .

Appointment of the Vice Chancellor