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Recruitment of our next Vice-Chancellor and President

Since 1963, York has built a global reputation for academic excellence and tackling pressing global challenges.

As a research-intensive Russell Group institution, we are one of only four UK universities – alongside Oxford, Cambridge, and Imperial College London – to achieve both a top-ten ranking for research quality and the highest TEF Gold rating for teaching excellence.

Founded on principles of excellence, equality and opportunity for all, we are proud to create a community ethos that has an inclusive, global outlook. Together, our staff, students, alumni and partners inspire us to make a positive difference to people, all over the world. 

Following a period of strategic and financial change, we are seeking a new Vice-Chancellor and President to lead us in cultivating York’s immense ambition and positive transformation, helping us shape a future where our collective impact reaches further than ever before.

We are looking for an accomplished leader who can navigate complex challenges with clarity, compassion and confidence, fostering our strong community values while overseeing the renewal of our digital and physical infrastructure to secure a vibrant and sustainable future.

Alice Maynard, Chair of University Council

20,000+ students from over 140 countries

£555m total income

York, Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial

Just four UK universities are rated Gold for teaching and top ten for research* in the latest national assessment exercises.

* Awarded joint 10th in the Times Higher Education ranking of the Research Excellence Framework 2021.

How to apply

The University of York has retained the services of Perrett Laver to help identify the widest possible field of suitable candidates and to assist in the assessment of candidates against the requirements for the role.

Vice-Chancellor candidate brochure (PDF , 2,824kb)

For a confidential informal conversation about the role, please contact thomas.cameron@perrettlaver.com.

Submit your application, quoting reference number 8551, by 9am BST on Wednesday 7 October 2026.

Learn more about our university.
Discover our student experience.
Explore our research.
Read about our vision for York.

Contact us

For a confidential informal conversation about the role, please contact: