Vice Principal Academic

UHI Shetland is seeking an exceptional and forward-thinking academic leader to join our Senior Leadership Team as Vice Principal Academic.

This is a unique opportunity to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of further and higher education within one of the UK's most distinctive learning environments. Working closely with the Principal and senior colleagues, you will lead the strategic development of our academic provision, ensuring it remains innovative, high quality and responsive to the needs of learners, employers and communities.

As Vice Principal Academic, you will provide leadership across curriculum development, academic quality, research, enterprise and knowledge exchange. You will oversee the delivery of an integrated portfolio of programmes that reflects local priorities while contributing to regional, national and international ambitions.

You will champion excellence in teaching, learning and assessment, fostering a culture of continuous improvement, quality enhancement and innovation. Working collaboratively with academic and professional services teams, you will help ensure positive learner outcomes by supporting access, progression, achievement and success at every stage of the learner journey.

The role also provides an exciting opportunity to strengthen and expand research, enterprise and knowledge exchange activity across the institution. You will support staff and postgraduate learners, develop impactful partnerships and drive collaboration that benefits both UHI Shetland and the wider community.

As a key member of the Senior Leadership Team, you will contribute to the strategic and corporate leadership of the organisation, supporting institutional planning, leading organisational change and representing UHI Shetland externally. You will also deputise for the Principal when required.

About You

We are looking for a strategic and inspirational leader who can demonstrate:

• Significant senior leadership experience within further education, higher education or a related sector
• A strong track record of academic leadership, curriculum development and quality enhancement
• Experience of leading organisational change and delivering strategic objectives
• An understanding of research, enterprise and knowledge exchange activity
• Excellent communication, influencing and partnership-building skills
• The ability to inspire, motivate and develop high-performing teams
• A commitment to widening access, student success and continuous improvement

More information can be obtained from our Recruitment pack.

UHI Shetland

UHI Shetland is part of the University of the Highlands and Islands, Scotland’s newest university. We offer well-equipped, modern facilities and deliver applied research, consultancy and knowledge exchange projects alongside high-quality accredited and bespoke training.

UHI Shetland mirrors National terms and conditions, offering a generous 45 days per year Annual Leave allowance (pro rata), and a standard 35 hours per week for full time staff.

For residents of Shetland, Distant Islands Allowance is currently set at £2,997 which would be in addition to any salary payment (pro rata).

UHI Shetland is an equal opportunities employer operating a blind recruitment process and will not accept CVs as part of an application.

Please download and complete the application form attached and return to recruitment.shetland@uhi.ac.uk