HoD Job

[kikiterrific]

Hi all

I'm applying for a HoD post at a different institution to my own.

I'm obviously going to be meeting the staff and giving a presentation.

I'd appreciate any tips. I'm a female in a male dominated science.

some questions to think about

what do you think the role of HoD is about?
Some say things like 'academic leadership' which can sound like 'pushing everyone in one research direction'. I think of the HoD as a 'buffer' between the dept and the university big-wigs, who will advocate for the department within the bigger structure and try to make sure the dept can do good work. there is also a LOT of people-management involved (HR kind of issues of assigning work etc).

What would you bring?

How do you interpret the universities strategy / vision etc and put that into practice?

what does the future hold for your field / dept in terms of research / teaching / REF etc?

Not sure what else - I've never held this kind of position but have seen a little of good and bad candidates applying. Good luck with it.

I'm a female in a male dominated science.

I was in the same boat. My advice to you would be to ensure you play that off as a strength; universities of course have their targets to meet with regards to diversity. The most important thing is that minority groups such as women can bring different experiences to their roles, and that's what makes us so powerful.

Show that you understand the institution and department. We’ve had a terrible time with a Head of School who is carrying on like they are still working at their previous (very different) institution and has caused chaos and totally destroyed morale.

It didn't work out for me. The role was offered to someone else. I was the only female applicant.

sorry it didn't work out. hope the interview was a good experience for the next time you go for this kind of role.

It was OK. They were kind but generally I don't think they ever had any intention of giving it to me. So it was a learning expereince, but it is also quite frustrating to spend a whole day on it (plus all the prep time) knowing that they were never going to seriously consider me.