Director of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

Vacancy ID: 13203 Location: Leicester School/Division: Human Resources Vacancy terms: Full-time or job share, permanent Salary details: Competitive Advert closes midnight on: 29 May 2026

About the role We are seeking an exceptional candidate to provide strategic direction and operational leadership for the delivery of our ambitious equity, diversity and inclusion commitments. Reporting to the Director of Human Resources and working closely with the Executive Board EDI Portfolio Holder, the Director of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion will play a central role in shaping and embedding a culture of equity and inclusion across all aspects of university life. The postholder will be a member of both the University and Human Resources Senior Leadership Teams and will influence decision-making at the most senior levels.

You will lead a dedicated EDI Team and oversee associated resources and budgets to deliver the University’s EDI Strategy and Delivery Plan. This includes overall responsibility for statutory EDI reporting, equality duties and institutional benchmarking initiatives, alongside providing expert advice on EDI legislation and good practice. Through collaboration with colleagues, students and external partners, you will ensure that EDI is fully integrated into governance, policy, leadership practice and risk management, supporting sustainable and meaningful change for staff, students and other stakeholders.

About you You will bring extensive professional experience of leading equity, diversity and inclusion in a complex organisation, ideally within or closely connected to the higher education sector. You will have deep knowledge of contemporary EDI challenges and a strong track record of designing and delivering long‑term strategies, policies and large‑scale projects. With detailed hands‑on experience across all aspects of an EDI function, you will be confident operating at both strategic and operational levels and advising senior leaders on complex and sensitive matters.

You will be an inspirational leader with excellent communication skills and the ability to influence and build trust across diverse groups. Your approach will be collaborative, evidence‑led underpinned by strong knowledge of EDI‑related legislation and best practice. You will be motivated by the opportunity to lead innovative and impactful work that advances equity, inclusion and belonging, contributing to the University of Leicester’s commitment to being a progressive and inclusive institution.

This is a significant and challenging role for a candidate of the highest calibre – someone with vision, drive, and the ability to leave a lasting legacy of achievement.

If Leicester sounds like the place for you, and you have the skills, experience, and ambition to make a difference, we look forward to hearing from you.

Additional information For informal enquiries, please contact Dr Angie Pears, Director of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion by email on angie.pears@leicester.ac.uk

The first selection stage will take place remotely on 16 June 2026, with the final selection stage taking place in-person on 9 July 2026.

The University of Leicester has been changing the world, and changing people’s lives, for 100 years. When you join us, you’ll become part of a community of Citizens of Change, which includes not only our staff and our current students but also thousands of Leicester graduates around the world.

As a diverse and forward-thinking employer, we embed the principles of equity, diversity and inclusion into everything we do. That includes not just our core missions of teaching and research, but also our support for staff, students and our local community through our values of Inspiring, Impactful and Inclusive.

We’re committed to the wellbeing of all our staff and to the sustainability of our environment, on our campus and beyond. We offer a competitive salary package, excellent pension scheme and a generous annual leave allowance, along with opportunities to develop your career in a supportive and collaborative environment.