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- Tasks: Lead governance and strategic planning at a top UK university.
- Company: University of Aberdeen, known for its commitment to inclusiveness and sustainability.
- Benefits: Competitive salary and the chance to shape university governance.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team focused on strategic results and student satisfaction.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in higher education and engage with diverse stakeholders.
- Qualifications: Senior-level experience in complex organisations and strong governance skills required.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Job Description
University of Aberdeen
Chief Governance Officer and University Secretary
Salary: Competitive
Location: Aberdeen (Typically, 4 days per week on campus)
The University of Aberdeen is seeking an exceptional leader to join its Senior Management Team as Chief Governance Officer and University Secretary. This key role involves leading governance, strategic planning, and risk management at one of the UK’s top universities. With 21,000 students and 3,500 staff from 130 nationalities, the University is globally recognised and consistently ranked among the UK's best.
Ranked 3rd across Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland for student satisfaction (NSS 2025), with an overall satisfaction score of 86.4%, and regularly in the UK top 20. The University is committed to the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Our Aberdeen 2040 strategy focuses on inclusiveness, sustainability, and international collaboration. Recent rankings include 15th in the UK (Times/Sunday Times Good University Guide), 12th in the UK (Guardian University Guide), Top 50 globally (Times Higher Education Impact Rankings), and 262nd globally (QS World Rankings).
As Chief Governance Officer and University Secretary, you will be appointed by the University Court, the governing body responsible for the University’s corporate and legal governance. You will work closely with the Senate, which oversees teaching and research, and the General Council, which represents graduates and staff on matters concerning the University's welfare. In this role, you will advise the Court, Senior Governor, and Principal on governance matters, ensuring regulatory compliance. A key part of your responsibility will be balancing organisational agility with strong governance, supporting effective decision-making at all levels.
Due to the prominent nature of the position, this is expected to be a highly visible role with significant on-campus requirements. You will be a central figure in the University's leadership, engaging regularly with staff, students, and external stakeholders.
You will lead the design and delivery of strategic planning and risk management processes, ensuring they align with the University’s governance and strategic objectives. Your proven ability to support agility while upholding strong governance will be crucial in managing the University’s evolving challenges.
Success in this role requires exceptional interpersonal skills, as you will facilitate effective relationships between key leadership roles and stakeholders, both internally and externally. You will be expected to navigate complex stakeholder environments confidently and effectively, contributing to the overall strategy and performance of the University through advice to the Senior Governor, Principal, and other senior leaders.
Candidates must have senior-level experience in large, complex organisations, managing multiple stakeholders and regulatory frameworks. While higher education experience is preferred, we welcome candidates from other sectors with strong governance, leadership, and a proven ability to deliver strategic results. Candidates from outside the sector must also demonstrate an understanding of the unique challenges faced by universities.
For an informal conversation about the role, please contact our recruitment partners at GatenbySanderson: Manjit Mundair-Lalli – manjit.mundair-lalli@gatenbysanderson.com
For more information and to apply, click Apply on website
Closing date:Â 9am, Monday 13th October 2025
Chief Governance Officer and University Secretary employer: University Of Aberdeen
Contact Detail:
University Of Aberdeen Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Governance Officer and University Secretary
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at the University of Aberdeen on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give us insider info about the culture and expectations, plus it shows our genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the University’s governance structure and recent strategic initiatives. We want to demonstrate that we’re not just a good fit for the role, but that we’re also aligned with their mission and values.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice our pitch! We should be ready to articulate how our experience aligns with the responsibilities of the Chief Governance Officer. Let’s highlight our leadership skills and ability to manage complex stakeholder environments.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure our application gets noticed. Plus, it shows we’re serious about joining the University of Aberdeen team.
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Governance Officer and University Secretary
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in governance and strategic planning. We want to see how your background aligns with the role of Chief Governance Officer and University Secretary, so don’t hold back on showcasing relevant achievements!
Showcase Your Interpersonal Skills: This role is all about building relationships, so let us know about your exceptional interpersonal skills. Share examples of how you've navigated complex stakeholder environments and facilitated effective communication in your previous roles.
Demonstrate Your Understanding of Higher Education: Even if you’re coming from a different sector, it’s important to show that you understand the unique challenges faced by universities. We’re keen to see how your experience can translate into the higher education context, so do your homework and make those connections clear!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves, and we can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at University Of Aberdeen
✨Know Your Governance Stuff
Make sure you brush up on governance frameworks and strategic planning processes. Familiarise yourself with the University of Aberdeen's current governance structure and any recent changes in regulations that might affect the role. This will show that you're not just interested in the position, but also in how you can contribute to their specific needs.
✨Showcase Your Interpersonal Skills
As a Chief Governance Officer, you'll need to build relationships with various stakeholders. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully navigated complex stakeholder environments. Highlight your ability to communicate effectively and foster collaboration among diverse groups.
✨Align with Their Values
The University is committed to inclusiveness and sustainability. Research their Aberdeen 2040 strategy and think about how your values align with theirs. Be ready to discuss how you can support these goals through your leadership and governance strategies.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills in real-world scenarios. Think about potential challenges the University might face in governance and risk management, and prepare thoughtful responses that demonstrate your strategic thinking and agility in decision-making.