Head of Principal's Office

We are recruiting for an exceptional individual to join us as Head of Principal’s Office.

This permanent, full-time post is a key role within the University Executive & Strategy Office (UESO). The role is based in UESO and the role-holder will, in line-management terms, report directly to the Director of the University Executive & Strategy Office. However, they will primarily be responsible under the day-to-day direction of the Principal & Vice-Chancellor for providing his high-level executive support and managing the team who supports him to ensure progress is made against the Principal’s priorities. They will coordinate and ensure the quality of materials and briefings for the Principal in the exercise of his duties and assist him in co-ordinating the management, implementation and delivery of executive decisions and the University’s strategic objectives.

Additionally, the role-holder will manage and co-ordinate the staff associated with supporting the University Executive Group. They will be responsible for ensuring a focus on decision-making and delivery as well as cohesion, integration, consistency and transparency across the various governance and executive management bodies in co-operation with the Director of Academic & Corporate Governance and the wider secretariat.

Your priorities will include:

• Proactively lead, co-ordinate and enable activities that enhance the Principal’s personal productivity and impact, with particular focus on the delivery of objectives relating to the delivery of the University Strategy and liaison with senior officers.
• To act as advisor to the Principal, DVC and US & COO with regard to the external political and policy environment as it affects the University and higher education in general – in particular those from the UK and Scottish governments, SFC and other bodies, such as UKRI.
• To work with the Director of UESO to lead the establishment of a broad network of contacts across key external stakeholder organisations and ensure that the Office utilizes these to benefit the Principal & ViceChancellor and the University in relation to the progression of strategic projects.
• Ensure the UEO and Principal & Vice-Chancellor’s Office are exemplars of the University’s values and professional integrity and performance, building and maintaining effective relationships with members of the UEG, Deans, Directors and School Managers and others as necessary, and setting standards for/implementing effective and responsive working between professional services directorates, academic schools and the UEO/Principal’s Office;
• To lead the support of the Principal, as required, on the delivery of ad hoc projects, reports and associated tasks aligned to his priorities;

Who we’re looking for:

• Educated to at least degree level
• Significant experience of either Chief of Staff roles or administration in the higher education environment
• Experience of working with external stakeholders, horizon scanning and policy
• Written and oral communication skills of a consistently high level, including the ability to write reports for a high-level internal and external readership, summarise lengthy reports effectively and accurately
• Ability to deal with pressure, retain objectivity and demonstrate clear judgement

For further information about this position please contact Alix Meekison, Head of Talent Attraction at [email protected] .

The closing date for applications is 17 May 2024. We anticipate that interviews for this appointment will take place during weeks commencing 20 May 2024 and 27 May 2024.