School Secretary
About the role
The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) is the foremost specialist social sciences university in the world. With 21 Nobel Prize winners and over 40 past or present heads of state among its diverse community of alumni, LSE is a truly influential and international university at the forefront of global policy debate.
Under the leadership of Professor Larry Kramer as the President and Vice-Chancellor, the London School of Economics and Political Science is now seeking to appoint a new School Secretary. The School Secretary reports directly to the General Counsel and works with the Chair of Council and the President and Vice-Chancellor, providing strategic leadership on governance, ethics and compliance across the School.
As the recognised principal officer to the governing body, the School Secretary provides authoritative advice on matters of governance, institutional integrity and regulatory compliance. This is a critically important appointment, where the postholder will act as a trusted adviser to the LSE President and Vice-Chancellor, the Chair of Council and the General Counsel. The School Secretary plays a key role in effective decision-making and maintaining strong links between the executive and non-executive functions of the School.
Key priorities will include:
- Leading the governance activities of the Secretary's Division to provide strategic and operational leadership.
- Ensuring an effective, resilient and high-performing function.
- Working with the General Counsel and members of the School Management Committee (SMC) to provide proactive governance and policy advice in support of the School's strategic directions.
This is an exceptional opportunity for an experienced Secretary to support a high-calibre Council and executive team. Successful candidates will have experience of governance in a complex institution, including charity and company law, governance and best practice, and the ethical standards expected in the higher education sector. They will have demonstrable leadership experience with evidence of leading change and developing high-performing teams and service.
Critically, the successful appointee will be a highly effective communicator with the credibility, authority, and sound judgement to influence senior stakeholders, providing authoritative advice whilst responding with confidence to challenge and scrutiny.
Application is by submission of a full curriculum vitae (CV) and a covering letter of application. Completed applications should be uploaded here, quoting reference 8559. The closing date for applications is 09.00am BST on Monday 10th August 2026.
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Your tasks
Lead governance and compliance efforts at a prestigious university.
Your profile
Experience in governance, strong leadership, and excellent communication skills.
What's also included
Competitive salary, professional development, and a chance to influence policy.
Tech stack & ways of working
School Secretary employer: lse
The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment at the heart of one of the world's leading social sciences universities. With a commitment to governance excellence and ethical standards, LSE fosters a culture of collaboration and innovation, providing ample opportunities for professional growth and development. Employees benefit from being part of a prestigious institution that influences global policy, alongside a supportive leadership team dedicated to empowering staff in their roles.
Your perspectives
Make a real impact in higher education governance and support top leaders.
StudySmarter Expert Advice
Dive into Local Government Events
Get yourself to local government events and public sector job fairs. These are great for meeting recruiters and understanding what different organisations, like lse, are looking for. Plus, it shows your genuine interest in the sector!
Join Relevant Networks
Look for communities focused on public sector careers. Whether it’s local networking groups or online forums, connecting with professionals in the field can provide insider knowledge and opportunities that you won’t find on typical job boards.
Utilise Your University’s Resources
If you’re freshly graduated or still studying, make the most of your university's careers service. They often have exclusive partnerships with companies like lse and can help you get your foot in the door for these full-time public sector roles.
Stay Updated with Government Initiatives
Keep your finger on the pulse regarding new government projects and policies. Understanding current initiatives can give you a leg up in interviews, showing that you are informed and genuinely interested in making a difference in the public sector.
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Experience
In the public sector, having experience in community engagement, policy analysis, or project management stands out. Make sure to showcase any previous roles or volunteer work that reflects your understanding of public service values and how they've shaped your career path.
Showcase Your Knowledge of the Sector
When you’re applying for a government role, it’s crucial to demonstrate your understanding of the current political landscape and public policies. Consider including articles you've written or relevant projects that underline your capability to engage with these concepts effectively.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Core Competencies
Government positions often require a clear demonstration of competencies such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Try to structure your CV to highlight these skills, using specific examples of how you’ve applied them in past experiences, ideally with quantifiable outcomes where possible.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter
Your cover letter is your chance to tell your story and convey your passion for public service. Discuss why you want to work for lse and how your values align with their mission. Be genuine and let your enthusiasm shine through—this can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at lse
Get to Know Public Sector Values
Before your interview with lse, dig deep into their mission and values, especially how they align with public service and community impact. Understand the key policies or initiatives they are involved in – you’ll want to show that you genuinely care about serving the community.
Brush Up on Regulatory Knowledge
Brush up on the regulations, laws, and compliance standards relevant to the role you’re applying for. Since this is the government and public sector, they might throw technical questions related to policy frameworks or project management best practices that you'll need to navigate day-to-day.
Highlight Teamwork and Collaboration
The government sector thrives on collaboration. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully worked in diverse teams or involved stakeholders in your projects. Show us how you bring people together to get a common goal achieved – that's what public service is all about!
Prepare Real-Life Examples
Craft a few STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) stories that demonstrate your experience in similar roles. Whether it’s a project that made a difference in the community or a challenging situation you managed, be ready to express how your skills and experiences make you a valuable asset for lse.
