Deputy Head of the School of Digital Arts

The School of Digital Arts is a purpose built, interdisciplinary school at one of the UK's leading universities. Offering industry and research informed courses and specialist spaces with the latest technologies, SODA is a £35M investment into the workspaces, networks, teaching, and research that will drive the next generation of creative content. Our students study disciplines that span film, animation, UX, photography, games design, games art, music, and sound design and more, often working on live projects with industry partners and frequently collaborating with fellow students and researchers. They choose from a flexible mix of courses: foundation year, undergraduate, postgraduate and research degrees that run alongside degree apprenticeships, summer schools and short courses.  SODA builds on the award-winning strengths of the Manchester School of Art, and brings together creative and craft disciplines, technical and scientific skills, industry partnerships and global research to teach the next generation of talent. Rated sixth in the UK for its research power, and with a history of generating ideas and innovation that stretches back 180 years, Manchester School of Art has pioneered the interdisciplinary approach that guides how we teach and work at SODA.  Opened in September 2021, we work closely with a diverse range of cultural and industry partners, for example Quay Street Productions, Black Magic Design, BBC, ITV, and HOME, and are ideally placed in a creative global city that has transformed to be a leading powerhouse of the UK's digital economy. Industry connectivity and inclusion within the School is critical.  The Deputy Head of SODA is a senior academic leadership role within the department.  The role holder will work closely with the Head of Department to shape and lead the strategic direction of the department.  The role holder will additionally oversee the operational priorities of the department, working closely with other members of the department's leadership team.   You will have the leadership skills, ambition and experience to support the development and delivery of the department's strategic objectives and a high commitment to excellence in education and research.  Academic credibility is important. You will have a sustained track record of excellence in research and/or education, combined with excellent skills in team working and collaboration. This post is at a Reader level; the Deputy Head of Department role is fixed term for four years with the postholder reverting back to a permanent Reader post within the Department at the end of this term.   It is expected that the role holder will maintain an academic profile on one of our two pathways (research or education) commensurate with a Reader level.  The Deputy Head of Department role carries with it a 80% workload allocation and there is an expectation that the post holder would contribute to teaching within the department.   For further information or to how to apply, click the ‘Apply’ button above. If you have any questions or would like further information, please contact sodarecruitment@mmu.ac.uk. Manchester Met University is committed to creating an intentionally inclusive culture of belonging that promotes equity and celebrates diversity. We understand the importance of having a diverse workforce and the benefits it can bring to ensuring diversity of thought and innovation in everything we do. We, therefore, encourage applications from our local and international communities, in particular people from ethnic minority groups, disabled people and people who identify as LGBTQIA+.