Director of Academic Operations

University of Liverpool; Liverpool; On-site; GBP 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Liverpool is seeking a Director of Academic Operations to lead teams delivering student records administration, exams, timetabling, student conduct, complaints and UKVI compliance. You will shape policy and strategy within the SEE Directorate and work with senior leaders to embed inclusive, digitally enabled practices.

Successful applicants will have substantial leadership experience in academic administration and proven ability to drive complex change across multiple areas,

Qualifications

• Substantial leadership experience in academic administration / operations in multiple areas.
• Proven ability to lead strategic and digital change.
• Experience navigating complexity and balancing priorities.

Responsibilities

• Lead teams delivering student records administration, exams and assessments, timetabling, conduct, complaints and UKVI compliance.
• Develop policy and strategy to enhance student experience and academic outcomes.
• Collaborate with senior leaders and committees and act as deputy when required.

Skills

Leadership

Change management

Academic administration

Operations leadership

Digital transformation

Job description

Working at the University of Liverpool allows you to be a part of our future. And we’re working towards achieving something special as we move towards our 150th anniversary.

Our ambition to be a Top 100 university can only be realised through the talents, expertise and endeavours of our people. Placing our values at its heart, our vision is to foster an inspirational, welcoming and inclusive culture in which every colleague is valued, respected, and able to thrive and reach their full potential.

As the Director of Academic Operations, you will be responsible for leading teams focused on academic operations and administrative support delivering student records administration, exams and assessments, timetabling, student conduct, complaints and other casework and compliance, and UKVI compliance.

The Director will be a senior leader within the Student Experience and Enhancement (SEE) Directorate and will lead initiatives that inform education organisation and administration policy and strategy, enhance the student learning experience, improve academic outcomes and embed inclusive, digitally enabled practices across our provision. Operating with significant autonomy and strategic visibility, you will work closely with senior leaders including the Chief Operating Officer, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Education, Associate Pro-Vice-Chancellors for Education, and you will also play a key role in major institutional committees and act as deputy for the Director of SEE when required.

To apply you must have substantial leadership experience in academic administration / operations in at least three of the team areas identified above, and have experience of leading change (strategic, cultural, digital) with an ability to navigate through complexity, manage challenge, balance priorities and risk, and ultimately find solutions.

If this sounds like the role for you then we would love to hear from you.

The first-stage interview process will take place on Tuesday 20 October 2026 and the final interviews will take place on Tuesday 27 October 2026.