At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead key projects in people strategy and governance support for the Vice Principal.
- Company: The University of St Andrews, a prestigious institution with a commitment to diversity.
- Benefits: Fixed-term role with valuable experience in a supportive academic environment.
- Other info: Opportunity to work in a dynamic team and enhance your professional network.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on staff engagement and governance initiatives at a leading university.
- Qualifications: Strong project management and communication skills; experience in higher education is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
The University of St Andrews is seeking an experienced and highly organised People and Governance Executive Officer to provide high-level operational, project and governance support to the Vice Principal, People and Governance. This is a fixed-term maternity cover post from June 2026 to the end of April 2027, based within the Principal’s Office.
In this role, you will lead delivery of a number of priority actions within the University’s People Strategy and Diverse St Andrews Action Plan, ensuring momentum across a busy and high profile portfolio. You will coordinate key institutional reporting (including Athena Swan, Race Equality and HR Excellence in Research), produce high quality briefings and committee papers for senior governance bodies, and provide effective secretariat support to working groups and committees.
The role also involves progressing priority staff engagement initiatives, including follow up to the staff survey ensuring continuity of critical activity and effective governance assurance across the People and Governance portfolio.
You will bring strong project management, research and analytical skills, excellent written communication, and the ability to build effective relationships across the University. Experience in higher education or the public sector is desirable.
People and Governance Executive Officer employer: University of St Andrews
The University of St Andrews is an exceptional employer, offering a collaborative and inclusive work culture that prioritises employee development and engagement. As a member of the Principal’s Office, you will have the opportunity to contribute to impactful initiatives within a prestigious institution, while enjoying a supportive environment that fosters professional growth and innovation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land People and Governance Executive Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at the University of St Andrews on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give us insider info about the role and help us stand out in the application process.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the People Strategy and Diverse St Andrews Action Plan. We want to show that we’re not just interested in the role, but also passionate about the university's goals and values.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice our project management and analytical skills before the interview. Think of examples from our past experiences that demonstrate how we’ve successfully led initiatives or managed projects, especially in higher education or public sectors.
✨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 team at the University of St Andrews.
We think you need these skills to ace People and Governance Executive Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in project management and governance support. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since excellent written communication is key for this role, ensure your application is clear, concise, and free of errors. Use professional language but keep it engaging – we love a bit of personality!
Highlight Relevant Experience:If you’ve got experience in higher education or the public sector, make it shine! We’re looking for candidates who can bring that knowledge to the table, so be sure to mention any relevant projects or initiatives you've been involved in.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at University of St Andrews
✨Know Your People Strategy
Familiarise yourself with the University’s People Strategy and Diverse St Andrews Action Plan. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with these initiatives and how you can contribute to their success.
✨Showcase Your Project Management Skills
Prepare examples of past projects where you successfully managed multiple priorities. Highlight your organisational skills and how you ensured timely delivery, as this role requires strong project management capabilities.
✨Master the Art of Briefing
Since you'll be producing high-quality briefings and committee papers, practice summarising complex information clearly and concisely. Bring a sample of your written work to demonstrate your communication skills.
✨Build Relationships
Think about how you've built effective relationships in previous roles. Be prepared to share specific examples of how you’ve collaborated with diverse teams, as this will be crucial for engaging with various stakeholders at the University.
