The Margaret Beaufort Institute of Theology is a distinctive and influential centre for Catholic theological education, research and formation, rooted in the vision of the Second Vatican Council and committed to making a positive difference in the Church and wider society. As the Catholic member of the Cambridge Theological Federation, the Institute combines academic excellence with a deep commitment to hospitality, dialogue, spiritual formation and the promotion of women's leadership. Following a decade of strong leadership and progress, we are seeking a new Principal to guide the Institute through its next chapter. This is a unique opportunity to lead a respected and ambitious organisation committed to delivering distinctive theological education at an exciting moment of growth, as it expands its reach, its partnerships and grows in its ambition.



The Principal will provide strategic, academic and organisational leadership, inspiring a vibrant community of staff, students, researchers, associates and partners. As both the Institute's internal leader and external ambassador, you will champion its distinctive mission while ensuring excellence across teaching, research, spiritual and pastoral formation. You will also play a central role in developing new opportunities, building partnerships and maintaining strong relationships across the Catholic Church, the wider academic community and ecumenical and interfaith networks.



You will be a committed Roman Catholic* and a deeply relational and collaborative leader with academic credibility, strategic vision and a proven ability to lead in a complex environment. You will bring a strong commitment to Catholic theological education, inclusion, dialogue and a track record that speaks to your commitment to woman-centred and lay-led education. Experience of building partnerships, leading teams and fostering innovation will be essential, alongside the ability to balance ambition with organisational sustainability.



If you feel called to shape the future of a flourishing institution that combines academic rigour, faith, formation and service, we would be delighted to hear from you.



For further information and details on how to apply, please download the candidate pack by clicking 'Continue to full details and apply' below.



If, once you have read this pack, you would value an informal conversation to support your discernment, please contact our recruitment advisers at GatenbySanderson via matt.malone@gatenbysanderson.com



*This is an Occupational Requirement under Schedule 9 of the Equality Act 2010



To view the job description and person specification, please scroll to the bottom of the page, tick to agree to the privacy policy, then click 'Continue to full details'.




Recruitment Timetable



Closing Date - Strictly

5pm on Monday 7 December 2026



Longlist Meeting

w/c Monday 14 December 2026



Preliminary Interviews with GatenbySanderson

Between Monday 21 December 2026 and Wednesday 13 January 2027



Shortlist Meeting

w/c Monday 18 January 2027



Final Interviews at the Woolf Institute, Cambridge

w/c Monday 1 February 2027




How to Apply



There are two parts to the application process:



Part 1



Please submit the following documents:

• Your up-to-date CV, including a clear chronology of your education, professional and academic experience and achievements. Please include any research or publications relevant to the role of Principal.


• A Supporting Statement that provides clear evidence addressing the criteria set out in the person specification. Your supporting statement should explain your motivation for applying for the role and provide specific examples drawn from your experience that demonstrate your ability to meet the person specification.

You will be asked to provide your contact details, complete an equality monitoring form and let us know of any dates when you are not available for interview or where you may have difficulty with the indicative timetable. You must also provide details for two referees, one of whom should be your current or most recent employer. These referees will not be approached until the final interview stage and not without your prior permission.



Part 2



Alongside submitting your CV and supporting statement, please visit https://myint.video/a4n5p1dXdQ to submit a 3 minute video response to the following question: What excites you about the opportunity to be the Principal of the Margaret Beaufort Institute and what potential impact do you feel you could have in this role?



Please note, you will have unlimited time in the practice section, but you only have 5 takes when you come to record the actual video.



Please submit your application online. You will also be asked to provide:

• Your contact details


• Complete an equality monitoring form (this will appear on screen as part of the application process)


• Let us know of any dates when you are not available for interview or where you may have difficulty with the indicative timetable


• Details for two referees, one of whom should be your current or most recent employer. These referees will not be approached until the final interview stage and not without your prior permission.