Main purpose of the role
The Provost of the University of York's new Mumbai campus will be a visionary academic leader committed to teaching, learning, and scholarly excellence. This pivotal role will shape the academic reputation and strategic direction of a leading UK university expanding into the vibrant landscape of Indian higher education. The role demands collaboration across academic and professional teams, with responsibility for curriculum, faculty and campus culture. The Provost will be at the forefront of establishing a world-class institution that will attract top talent and foster groundbreaking research.
The primary focus for the Provost will be the successful execution of the University’s Mumbai Plan, ensuring a successful and sustainable campus launch. This includes achieving recruitment goals, enhancing the student experience, and aligning with York’s global values while addressing the needs of Indian higher education. This is a chance to leave a lasting legacy, shaping the future of international education in India.
This senior appointment reports directly to the Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of York, and will Chair the University of York Mumbai Academic Committee.
Key responsibilities;
1. Role Specific Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership and Vision
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Bring a strong academic reputation and credibility to the leadership of academic strategy and planning processes at the University of York, Mumbai
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Lead the delivery of the University Strategy, working closely with the Chief Business Officer and other senior professional services staff, and with the senior academic staff in aligning efforts to those aims
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Lead on university-wide academic resource allocation and planning, working closely with the Chief Business Officer and other senior professional services staff, and with the senior academic staff
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Strategic input into the university’s physical and digital infrastructure plans to ensure alignment with academic plans.
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Strategic oversight of the career development and remuneration framework for academic staffing to ensure the university is an employer of choice for outstanding academic staff.
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Being an active role model for excellent and inclusive leadership and on-the ground engagement with senior leaders and colleagues across the university.
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Ensure academic quality and integrity through compliance with York’s Quality Framework and standards, and relevant Indian regulations, while leading reviews, accreditations, and audits.
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Drive strategic and academic planning for the India campus, ensuring alignment with university priorities and fostering excellence in teaching, research, and curriculum development.
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Strategic input into shaping an exceptional student experience through strong academic support, inclusive practices, and a focus on outcomes such as retention, satisfaction, and employability.
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Ensure compliance with Indian and University of York academic regulations, while cultivating strong ties with regulatory bodies, academic networks, and representing the campus in key external forums.
2. University of York Mumbai Responsibilities for Senior Post Holders
This role reports directly to the Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of York in his role as a member of the Board of the University of York, Mumbai, and will Chair the University of York Mumbai Academic Committee.
Planning & Organising
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As Chair of the University of York Mumbai Academic Committee, responsible for the institutional academic strategic planning and decision-making.
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Oversee a number of institutional-level strategic projects, with long-term impact and relevance, to ensure each project is managed and delivered to time and budget.
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Lead and promote strong and effective collaborations and partnership working across the academic staff and professional support functions as a core principle within the University planning activity.
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Provide direction to University operating plans to ensure delivery of long-term objectives.
Finance/Resource Management
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As Chair of the University of York Mumbai Academic Committee, exercise control over the financial position of the University, through an effective academic planning process, to ensure that the performance of the University is adequately assessed against objectives approved by the University of York, Mumbai Board to ensure that the University maintains its long-term financial viability.
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Provide external representation of the University for the purposes of growing income and contributing to the University development activities.
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Manage specific budgets and oversee effective allocation of resources, authorising expenditure according to University of York, Mumbai regulations.
Service Provision and Stakeholder Engagement
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Ensure plans are implemented for the ongoing review of quality and of external benchmarks to promote the best possible outcomes, particularly in terms of teaching and research.
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Work with senior colleagues from all areas of the university, with committees and external bodies, providing high level advice to inform Executive decision-making.
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Act as an external ambassador for the University whether to policymakers, industry, local enterprises or partner institutions, regionally, nationally or internationally, to ensure the University fulfils its mission as a University for the public good.
Leadership and People Management
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As Chair of the University of York, Mumbai Academic Committee, provide collective and consistent inspirational leadership to drive the delivery of the University Strategy.
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Embody the values that distinguish the University of York, Mumbai and lead with empathy, integrity and clarity of purpose.
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Influence and inspire staff and drive a culture of commitment, innovation and engagement that leads to the delivery of successful outcomes.
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Develop, role model and maintain a culture of respect, inclusivity and mutual responsibility that puts equality, diversity and inclusivity at its heart, and enables staff to achieve excellence and supports continuous improvement.
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Develop a culture of innovation and creativity, bringing together diverse staff from different teams to achieve a unity of purpose and ambition in strategic delivery.
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Enable a supportive environment in which members of staff can develop stimulating and rewarding careers and deploy their expertise, talent and commitment to maximum benefit within and beyond the University.
Risk and Compliance Management, Analysis and Reporting
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Fulfil statutory/regulatory responsibilities arising from Chair of the University of York Mumbai Academic Committee and other Committee appointments.
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Accountable for the establishing (where applicable) and monitoring of University systems of control and accountability, including ethical governance; financial and operational controls and risk assessment; and procedures for handling internal grievances and for managing conflicts of interest.
Health and Safety
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The visible commitment, and leadership qualities in the management, and maintenance of high standards of safety throughout their domain commensurate with Health and Safety legislation and with the University’s Health and Safety policy
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All staff have a statutory responsibility to take reasonable care of themselves, others, and the environment and to prevent harm by their acts or omissions. All staff are therefore required to adhere to the University’s Health, Safety & Emergency Procedures.
Person Specifications
ROLE SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS:
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Proven experience in senior academic roles such as Dean, Associate Provost, or Vice-Chancellor, with a strong record of leading complex institutions, strategic planning, budgeting, and organizational leadership
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Established track record in advancing highquality teaching, research, and innovation; experience in curriculum development, academic policy, and ensuring compliance with quality assurance and accreditation standards.
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In-depth understanding of global and national higher education systems, including familiarity with Indian regulatory bodies (e.g., UGC, NEP), and experience navigating accreditation and policy frameworks.
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Strong strategic vision with experience aligning institutional priorities, launching new initiatives or campuses, and engaging effectively with internal and external stakeholders through excellent communication and collaboration.
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Demonstrates inclusive and collaborative leadership, committed to continuous improvement, personal and professional development, and fostering a culture of respect, equality, and diversity.
QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:
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A doctoral degree (PhD) and professional qualification, or equivalent experience.
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Extensive experience operating at an executive leadership level
SKILLS, ABILITIES AND COMPETENCIES:
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Lead people - providing motivation, inspiration, direction and breadth of vision.
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Oversee a number of organisational-level strategic projects, with long-term impact.
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Communicate to influence and engage others, including senior leaders. Conduct systematic horizon scanning, to anticipate and understand the impact of changes in the economic, social, governmental and technological environment
KNOWLEDGE:
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Factors relevant to the field of work including: services and systems, principles and theory, and regulations and procedures.
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The strategic direction, activities and objectives of the University (including an awareness at both national and international levels).
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Financial management procedures.
BEHAVIOURS:
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Works collaboratively with others.
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Delivers a quality service.
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Develops self and others.
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Actively champions respect, inclusivity, equality and diversity.
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Identifies and implements continuous improvement
For any queries feel free to to reach out at [email protected] and [email protected]
