Director, School of Slavonic and East European Studies

University College London; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - GBP 110,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global university in London seeks a Director for the School of Slavonic and East European Studies. This high-profile role involves strategic leadership, enhancing global research, and ensuring an outstanding student experience. The ideal candidate will have a strong academic background and proven leadership skills. The position offers excellent benefits, including 41 days’ holiday and opportunities for professional support. Applications are welcomed from diverse backgrounds and the role supports hybrid working.

Benefits

41 days’ holiday

Defined benefit pension scheme

Cycle to work scheme

On-site nursery

Relocation support

Qualifications

• Internationally recognized academic with a strong leadership track record.
• Established international research profile with outstanding publications.
• Experience in budget management within a regulated environment.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership across research, education, enterprise and external engagement.
• Champion excellence in teaching, research and knowledge exchange.
• Build and sustain strong internal and external partnerships globally.

Skills

Academic leadership

Communication skills

People management

Influencing skills

Change management

Education

PhD or equivalent in relevant field

Job description

Director, School of Slavonic and East European Studies

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

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)

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.

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.

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