The origins of UAL lie in the 19th century with the foundation of the schools that became our six constituent Colleges. We are now 1 University made up of 6 colleges and over 22,000 students from all around the world. We are ranked second in the world for Art and Design (QS World University Rankings 2022). We offer an extensive range of courses in art, design, fashion, media and communication and performing arts. The world, of course, has changed. Britain has evolved into a knowledge economy, driven by new technologies and defined by innovative ideas, and London, one of the world’s most creative cities, is central to that economy and a bridge to the rest of the world. UAL, based in London, is a cornerstone of this as one of the world’s most international universities and we believe that creativity is increasingly a skill vital across the economy and society. We are now at the start of a pioneering and exciting new strategic journey (‘Why the World needs Creativity’) that seeks to change the world through creative endeavour and led by three guiding policies.

THE ROLE

The opportunity

If you want to make a tangible impact on the future of creativity in the UK, this role offers an unrivalled opportunity to contribute to one of the most innovative parts of the UK’s Higher Education ecosystem.

The newly established role of Director of Strategy and Planning will play a critical part in supporting UAL through a vital phase of growth and development. Sitting within the President and Vice-Chancellor’s Office, you will lead a new Directorate of Strategy and Planning, working with two teams (one to be established) utilising your strong expertise in informed decision making, robust business planning and data infrastructure. Focusing on strategic performance and insight, risk identification, evidence-driven analysis, horizon-scanning, and a policy focus, you will have the capability to support the most innovative ways in which UAL can realise its ambitions.

About you

This is a significant senior leadership role at a pivotal and transformative point in our history. Wherever you are now, you will have the ability to work at pace in an often-ambiguous environment, anticipating risk and trends in the Higher Education and creative sectors and across the broader political environment. You will be driven, yet collaborative, as well as possess highly developed skills to influence and problem-solve. Dynamic, progressive and innovative, you will have a high capacity for self-reflection, emotional maturity and the resilience to help push through the changes UAL requires for the future, while acting as an agent of change for equity and diversity.

We are UAL

University of the Arts London (UAL) is one of the world’s most renowned institutions for creative education and our social purpose ‘to change society through our knowledge and creativity’ remains unchanged. We are developing into a global force for change, advancing the case for creativity at regional, national and international level and we believe that creativity is increasingly vital across the economy and society. We are now at the start of a pioneering and exciting new strategic journey that seeks to change the world through creative endeavour, led by three guiding policies.

• To give our students the education they need to flourish in a changing world. Preparing our students to be changemakers, for both the creative sector and beyond, ensuring they can positively shape the future through their lives and careers.
• To bring a high-quality creative education to more students than ever before. Diversifying our portfolio and growing student numbers to open access to students from different contexts, learning goals and life stages.
• To change the world through our creative endeavour, using the transformative impact of creativity to focus and grow our contribution to creating a better world.

Our culture

UAL is committed to creating diverse and inclusive environments for all staff and students to work and learn – a university where we can be ourselves and reach our full potential. We offer a range of family friendly, inclusive employment policies, flexible working arrangements and Staff Support Networks. We welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds, including race, disability, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion and belief, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, and caring responsibility.

Candidates are advised to submit applications early.