Vice-Chancellor and President

Role Description

The University of York is a world-leading research-intensive university and proud member of the Russell Group, with approximately 20,000 students, over 5,000 staff and an annual income of over £550 million. Founded in 1963 on principles of excellence, equality and opportunity, York has built a distinctive reputation for outstanding interdisciplinary research, excellent teaching and its collegial culture. Our researchers are tackling some of the most pressing challenges of our time, from sustainable energy and food systems to AI safety, rail innovation, and health and the biosciences. York Central, one of the UK's largest brownfield regeneration projects, positions the University as a key partner in a major new innovation district, and our growing partnerships with the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority reflect our deepening role as an anchor institution and civic leader in the region. Our global alumni community numbers over 190,000 across 180 countries.

Our Council is now seeking to appoint our next Vice-Chancellor and President. Building on strong foundations and a clear sense of institutional purpose, the incoming Vice-Chancellor will champion York's identity as a University for the Public Good, sustaining its research-intensive character and academic excellence, delivering an outstanding student experience, ensuring long-term financial resilience and pursuing the bold agenda for growth and diversification that the University's next chapter demands. The Vice-Chancellor will be a compelling voice for York in the sector, in government, internationally and in the civic and economic life of the region, whilst remaining connected to the values and community that define this institution.

This is an exceptional opportunity for an outstanding leader to shape one of the UK's most purposeful universities at a defining moment for the sector. Candidates must demonstrate: substantial senior leadership experience in a research-intensive university or comparable environment, underpinned by academic credibility; a strong record of strategic and financial leadership, with the commercial acumen to secure long-term sustainability and pursue growth in a challenging sector environment; a visible, values-led and collaborative approach that builds trust across a complex community; the ability to communicate with clarity and confidence across diverse audiences, from students and staff to government, civic and strategic partners; sound judgement in navigating an uncertain national and international landscape; and a demonstrable commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion, and to the principles of academic freedom and open inquiry that are fundamental to this institution.

We welcome applications from outstanding candidates of all backgrounds. The University of York is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion, and actively encourages applications from candidates who will add to the diversity of our leadership.

For details of the appointment, including further information about the job description, person specification and how to apply, please visit https://PLusPortal.PerrettLaver.com quoting reference number 8551.

For informal inquiries please contact Thomas Cameron at Thomas.Cameron@perrettlaver.com.

The deadline for the receipt of applications is 09:00 am BST on Wednesday 7th October 2026.

Applications should consist of a CV and supporting statement which includes a brief overview of your experience with relevance to the personal specification, and the reasons for your motivation and interest in the opportunity.

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The University strives to be diverse and inclusive  – a place where we can ALL be ourselves.

We particularly encourage applications from people who identify as Black, Asian or from a Minority Ethnic background, who are underrepresented at the University. 

We offer family friendly, flexible working arrangements, with forums and inclusive facilities to support our staff. #EqualityatYork

As a Disability Confident employer, we will ensure that a fair and proportionate number of disabled applicants that meet the minimum (essential) criteria for each position will be offered an interview.  Read more about the University of York’s commitments under the Disability Confident scheme.