Deputy Secretary & Director of Governance

The University of Manchester; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK university is seeking a Deputy Secretary and Director of Governance to oversee governance arrangements and provide independent advice. You will support the Board of Governors and work closely with senior leaders. Qualified candidates should have extensive governance experience and strong legal knowledge. This role offers flexible and hybrid working opportunities as part of a strategy for effective and transparent governance.

Benefits

Flexible and hybrid working

Equal opportunity employer

Qualifications

• Strong track record in governance, regulation or committee secretariat roles.
• Sound knowledge of legal, constitutional and regulatory frameworks.
• Excellent written and interpersonal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Ensure effectiveness and transparency of governance arrangements.
• Advise the Board of Governors and senior leadership on regulatory matters.
• Oversee high-quality secretariat services.

Skills

Governance experience

Legal knowledge

Interpersonal communication

Judgement and diplomacy

Team leadership

Education

Relevant degree or equivalent professional experience

Job description

The University of Manchester is seeking to appoint a Deputy Secretary and Director of Governance to play a pivotal role in the governance of one of the UK’s leading research-intensive universities.

Acting as deputy to the Registrar, Secretary and Chief Operating Officer in their role as Secretary to the University’s Board of Governors, the Deputy Secretary and Director of Governance is the University’s senior governance professional. The role provides authoritative, independent advice to senior leaders and Board members; ensures compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements; and leads the continuous improvement of secretariat services across our statutory bodies and committees.

The Role

The Deputy Secretary and Director of Governance is responsible for the effectiveness, integrity and transparency of the University’s governance arrangements, supporting the Board of Governors, Senate, General Assembly and University Executive. The role involves advising on constitutional and regulatory matters, overseeing high-quality secretariat services, supporting appointments to the Board, strengthening assurance, and fostering effective relationships between governing bodies and senior leadership.

Based within the Directorate of Legal Affairs and Board Secretariat, the role leads a team of governance professionals and works closely with internal and external stakeholders, including regulators and auditors.

The Person

You will bring:

A strong track record in governance, regulation or committee secretariat roles within higher education or a comparable complex organisation

Sound knowledge of legal, constitutional and regulatory frameworks

Excellent written and interpersonal communication skills, with the confidence to advise at the most senior levels

Strong judgement, diplomacy and organisational capability

Experience leading and developing teams

A relevant degree or equivalent professional experience is required. Legal or chartered secretary qualifications are desirable but not essential.

Why Join Us

This is a rare opportunity to take on a senior governance leadership role at the heart of a globally significant, civic university, supporting delivery of the University’s Manchester 2035 Strategy through effective, transparent and inclusive governance.

University of Manchester Benefits

Flexible and Hybrid working

We’re an equal opportunities employer and welcome all applications; appointments are based on merit.

Enquiries about the role, shortlisting and interviews

General enquiries and administrative support

[e-mail]

Technical and job portal support

https://jobseekersupport.jobtrain.co.uk/support/home

Applications close at midnight on the closing date.

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Deputy Secretary and Director of Governance • Manchester, GB