Director of Digital Governance Risk and Assurance

University of Reading; Reading; On-site; GBP 75,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK university is seeking a Director of Digital Governance, Risk and Assurance to lead digital transformation efforts. The successful candidate will oversee governance strategies, ensure compliance with relevant standards, and manage digital risks. A supportive working environment with competitive benefits and professional development opportunities is offered. This role requires at least two days a week on campus.

Benefits

Competitive salary

33 days annual leave

Professional development opportunities

Flexible working model

Qualifications

• Proven leadership in digital governance, cyber security, and risk management.
• Significant experience in a senior digital or IT leadership role within a large organization.
• Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of the University’s digital governance and risk strategy.
• Ensure compliance with Cyber Essentials Plus and other standards.
• Oversee digital business continuity and disaster recovery planning.

Skills

Leadership in digital governance

Cyber security expertise

Risk management

Project management

Stakeholder engagement

Continuous improvement

Education

Senior digital or IT leadership experience

Tools

ISO27001 compliance

Business continuity frameworks

Job description

The closing date for applications is 23.59 on 29th August 2025

Help shape the future of Digital governance, risk and assurance at a leading UK and Global University

Are you a visionary leader in digital governance, cyber security, and risk management? Do you thrive in complex environments where your strategic insight and leadership can make a real difference? The University of Reading is seeking an inclusive Director of Digital Governance, Risk and Assurance (GRA) to lead our efforts in safeguarding digital operations and ensuring resilience across our institution.

About the Role

As Director of GRA, you will be at the forefront of our digital transformation, responsible for developing and delivering robust frameworks that ensure our digital services are secure, compliant, accessible and aligned with our strategic goals. You will lead a talented team and work closely with senior stakeholders to embed a culture of cyber awareness and continuous improvement.

This is a pivotal leadership role, reporting directly to the CDIO and deputising when required. You will also play a key role in shaping the Digital Directorate’s strategy, performance, and risk management.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development and implementation of the University’s digital governance, risk, and assurance strategy.
• Ensure compliance with ISO27001, Cyber Essentials Plus, and other relevant standards.
• Oversee digital business continuity and disaster recovery planning.
• Develop and maintain KPIs and maturity roadmaps based on NIST or equivalent frameworks.
• Oversee cyber and information security assurance, operations, policies, and awareness initiatives.
• Build strong relationships across the University and with external partners.
• Represent the University in national and international forums on digital risk and assurance.

What We’re Looking For

We are looking for a strategic thinker with a collaborative and inclusive leadership style who can bring:

Essential:

• Proven leadership in digital governance, cyber security, and risk management.
• Experience managing complex projects and leading high-performing teams.
• Strategic thinker with a pragmatic, inclusive, and collaborative approach.
• Significant experience in a senior digital or IT leadership role within a large, complex organisation.
• Proven expertise in cyber security, digital risk management, business continuity and regulatory compliance.
• Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to influence at all levels.
• A commitment to continuous improvement, innovation, and staff development.

Desirable:

• CISSP certification or equivalent.
• Experience in higher education or public sector.

What We Offer

• A competitive salary
• A collaborative and inclusive working environment.
• Opportunities for professional development and leadership growth.
• 33 days annual leave (including University closure days)
• Competitive benefitspackage
• The chance to make a lasting impact on the University’s digital future.
• We encourage work in a flexible, hybrid model to find the balance of focused home-working with the collaboration and relationship-building an on-campus experience can bring (The role requires minimum 2 days a week on site on campus)

Please see the attached JDPS for further details.

Interview date : 16th September 2025

For more information, please contact:
Contact Name: Stuart Brown
Contact Job Title: Chief Digital and Information Officer
Contact Email address: [e-mail]

The University is committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce, supports the gender equality Athena SWAN Charter and the Race Equality Charter, and champions LGBT+ equality. We are a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2). Applications for job-share, part-time and flexible working arrangements are welcomed and will be considered in line with business needs.

£75,000 to £95,000 per annum