Chief Academic Services Officer - University of York, Mumbai Campus, India

University of York - Mumbai Campus

We are opening a campus in Mumbai, connected to local industry and business, and dedicated to the extraordinary dynamism of Maharashtra. With strong and enduring ties with India, through our vibrant alumni network and research collaborations, the University of York Mumbai is committed to quality, accessible and excellent higher education.

We are bringing the renowned “York experience” – combining academic excellence with social purpose – to an energetic city at the heart of a dynamic and vibrant country.

Education

We are planning to welcome undergraduate and postgraduate students for the 2026/27 academic year.

The University of York Mumbai will initially offer undergraduate and postgraduate courses in:

•         Computer science with AI and cyber security

•         Business

•         Economics

•         Creative industries

Programmes in these emerging fields will be designed with global industry input, to boost job readiness in high-demand sectors and open career pathways for Indian learners.

Research

A distinctive feature of University of York Mumbai will be its strong emphasis on research from the outset.

This commitment to research will underpin teaching and the student experience, but will also contribute significantly to India’s growing demand and drive for research development and innovation in areas such as food security, environmental change and future technologies.

Our global reputation is firmly built on our outstanding achievements in both teaching and research. All programmes delivered at the Mumbai campus will adhere to York’s rigorous academic standards, with students graduating with a full University of York degree.

This enables us to bring our high-quality academic model directly to one of the fastest-growing education markets in the world. Our plans are to initially open our doors in an existing building within a business quarter of Mumbai, with the development of a full campus complex envisioned over the coming years.

Main purpose of the role

The Chief Academic Services Officer (CASO) of the University of York’s new Mumbai campus will be a leader committed to offering an exceptional student experience that combines global academic excellence with local relevance. The Chief Academic Services Officer will lead a wide spectrum of functions critical to student success and well-being, including external partnerships, industry engagement, placements, career services, mental health support, wellness, and campus safety.

This role is pivotal in shaping a cohesive, inclusive, and future-focused student services ecosystem that aligns with the university’s vision and supports the holistic development of its learners.

This senior appointment reports directly to the Provost Chief Business Officer and will be a member of the University of York Mumbai Academic Committee.

Key responsibilities

1. Role Specific Responsibilities

Strategic Academic Services Leadership 

• Design and implement the Academic Services strategy to enhance student engagement, retention, and development.
• Lead cross-functional collaboration to ensure integrated student support that complements academic delivery.
• Embed global best practices and local responsiveness in service frameworks and policies.

 Industry Engagement & External Partnerships

• Build and sustain partnerships with corporate, non-profit, government, and academic institutions for internships, capstone projects, guest lectures, and experiential learning.
• Create a network of industry mentors and advisors to support real-world readiness for students.
• Facilitate cross-border academic and professional engagement opportunities in coordination with global teams.

Career Services & Student Placements

• Oversee all aspects of student career development, including placement preparation, employer outreach, career coaching, and tracking of graduate outcomes.
• Develop employer engagement strategies that align with evolving market needs across sectors.
• Ensure accessibility and equity in placement and internship opportunities.

Mental Health, Wellness & Student Support

• Lead the planning and delivery of mental health and wellness initiatives, ensuring access to qualified support professionals and resources.
• Establish peer support systems, workshops, and preventive well-being campaigns.
• Promote a campus culture rooted in empathy, resilience, and psychological safety.
• Responsible for ‘Voice of Students’, student/ alumni representation

Student Safety, Inclusion & Campus Welfare

• Oversee implementation of policies and practices that ensure safety, dignity, and inclusion across the campus community.
• Design and manage systems for complaint resolution, incident response, and safeguarding.
• Collaborate with student groups, facilities, and legal/compliance teams to maintain a secure and welcoming campus environment.

Operations, Team & Resource Management

• Build and manage a multidisciplinary team across student services, placement, wellness, and outreach functions.
• Drive process improvement, technology enablement, and operational efficiency in service delivery.
• Oversee budgets, contracts, and KPIs for internal teams and external service partners.
• Responsible for maintenance of Student Records & Information.

2.                  University of York Mumbai Responsibilities for Senior Post Holders

Roles at this level will be most senior staff in their area of responsibility and will typically lead, direct and manage the interrelationship of a team of managers and/or highly qualified professionals across a major area of activity of strategic importance to the university. They will ultimately be responsible for developing and delivering the strategic plans for their area and will be accountable for ensuring that the university meets both internal and external requirements. Individuals will initiate and, through appropriate consultation and negotiations, establish policy changes to tackle major new issues and situations. Roles will review and address performance and make a significant impact upon longer-term direction, strategy and objectives, typically as members of the University Board. They will influence and shape the available resources as appropriate to meet current and future needs of the university and will typically have substantial impact on university direction, strategy and objectives.

Analysis & Reporting

• Review functional performance and compare it to best practice in the market, identifying areas of improvement in structure, practices, policies and technology.

Planning & Organising

• Develop and Lead to  the implementation of strategies and plans for the area of responsibility, which support and take forward the university strategy.
• Contribute to debate on university strategy and policy through University Board membership.
• Lead major projects and initiatives which have significant resources and strategic impact.

Customer Service & Liaison

• Review customer needs now and in the future and ensure services are shaped to meet them.
• Ensure customer feedback and quality processes are in place for the area of responsibility.
• Work with senior colleagues from all areas of the university, with committees and external bodies, providing high level advice.
• Represent the university externally in sector groups and in negotiations.

People Management

• Lead and manage staff in the CASO Team, developing them and raising their performance.

Continuous Improvement

• Maintain a continuous review of quality and of external benchmarks to promote the best possible service.

Health and Safety 

• 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
• 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.

For any queries, feel free to reach out at mumbai@york.ac.uk and careers@daskalos.com