Director, School of Slavonic and East European Studies

CompanyUCL

LocationCity Of London, England, United Kingdom

Posted At1/28/2026

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Occupation Type

Secondary education teaching professionals

Occupation Code Skill LevelHigher Skilled

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Description

About UCL

UCL is a world-leading, global university, consistently ranked among the top ten universities worldwide. With a diverse community of over 50,000 students and 18,000 staff from more than 150 countries, UCL is committed to academic excellence, social impact, and tackling the world's most pressing challenges through research, education, and innovation.

About SSEES

Founded in 1915, the UCL School of Slavonic and East European Studies (SSEES) is one of the world's leading centres for the study of Central, Eastern and South-Eastern Europe, the Baltics, Russia, the Caucasus and Central Asia.

Home to more than 80 expert academics and over 1,000 students from 60+ countries, SSEES offers a distinctive, interdisciplinary academic environment spanning Economics & Business, Politics & Sociology, History, and Languages & Cultures. Our work addresses urgent global issues including geopolitics, international security, migration, populism, economic transformation, and cultural memory, supported by the internationally renowned SSEES Library and a vibrant programme of research and public engagement.

About the role

We are seeking an outstanding academic leader to join UCL as Director (Head of Department) of SSEES.

This is a high-profile leadership role at the heart of one of UCL's most globally engaged Schools. Reporting to the Dean of the Faculty of Arts & Humanities, the Director will provide strategic, academic and operational leadership, shaping the future direction of SSEES while championing academic freedom, collegiality and inclusion.

You will play a key role in:

Leading and inspiring a large, diverse academic and professional services community
Strengthening SSEES' global research profile and interdisciplinary collaborations
Delivering an outstanding, inclusive student experience
Representing SSEES and UCL to international partners, funders, alumni and external stakeholders
Contributing to Faculty- and UCL-wide strategy as a member of UCL's senior academic leadership community

Key Responsibilities

Provide strategic leadership across research, education, enterprise and external engagement
Champion excellence in teaching, research and knowledge exchange

Lead departmental planning, budgets and resources in alignment with UCL strategy

Foster a positive, inclusive and high-performing culture for staff and students

Oversee REF, TEF, KEF and NSS performance and continuous improvement

Build and sustain strong internal and external partnerships globally

Act as an ambassador for SSEES, the Faculty of Arts & Humanities and UCL

About You

You will be an internationally recognised academic with a strong track record of leadership, scholarship and educational excellence, and the credibility to lead a complex, interdisciplinary School.

You will bring:

A proven record of academic leadership and people management
An established international research profile, with outstanding publications and evidence of research income
Experience of managing budgets, resources and risk within a regulated environment
Excellent communication, influencing and relationship-building skills
A collaborative, inclusive leadership style aligned with UCL's values and EDI priorities

Strategic vision and the ability to lead change in a dynamic global context

Why Join Us

This is a rare opportunity to lead a globally respected School at a pivotal moment for the region it studies and for higher education more broadly. UCL offers a stimulating, inclusive environment, excellent professional support, and the chance to shape the future of one of the world's foremost area-studies institutions.

Advert closing date 15th February 2026

Interview stage 9th & 10 March 2026

What we offer

41 days' holiday (27 days annual leave, 8 bank holidays, 6 closure days)
Option to purchase 5 additional days' annual leave
Defined benefit career average revalued earnings pension scheme (CARE)
Cycle to work scheme, season ticket loan, and immigration loan
Relocation support for eligible posts
On-site nursery and gym
Enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption pay
Staff Support Service (employee assistance programme)
Discounted medical insurance

Full details: UCL Rewards and Benefits.

For external job boards, use the shorter version:

"As well as exciting opportunities, UCL offers a range of great benefits. Find out more: UCL Rewards and Benefits."

We will consider applications to work on a part-time, flexible, and job share basis wherever possible.

This role is eligible for hybrid working with a minimum of 40% onsite per week.

UCL Terms and Conditions of Service:

- Research and Professional Services Staff
- Academic Staff

Visa sponsorship - This role meets the requirements for a Skilled Worker certificate of sponsorship or Global Talent visa under UK Visas and Immigration legislation. UCL welcomes applications from international applicants who require a visa.

Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

As London's Global University, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where we all belong.

We particularly encourage applications from candidates underrepresented in UCL's workforce, including those from Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds, disabled people, and - for Grade 9 and 10 roles - women."

Read more: UCL Equality, Diversity and Inclusion.

Applicants should also familiarise themselves with UCL's policies on: Prevention of Bullying, Harassment and Sexual Misconduct Policy and Personal Relationships Policy