Executive Officer to the Principal

To facilitate the smooth functioning of the Principal’s Office and advise and assist the Principal and the Head of the Principal’s Office with the implementation of the Office’s objectives.

This includes: researching and drafting speeches, presentations, briefing papers and processes; interacting with the Principal’s key contacts in other Higher Education institutions, senior and middle management, government, donors and trusts. Proactively and independently managing selected projects across the full spectrum of the Office’s business and strategic priorities. Working in partnership with members of the Principal’s Office team and Government Relations team. Reporting to the Head of the Principal’s Office. 

Main Duties and Responsibilities

• Principal responsibility for the preparation and drafting of Principal’s speeches and presentations, independently commissioning work from other University offices where required.
• Research and draft papers, briefing notes and reports as directed across the full spectrum of University business and strategic priorities, undertaking substantive background research from appropriate sources, and using an awareness of the full range of University policies.
• Serve as a main contact point for the Principal’s Office, providing discreet and confidential support and advice for the Principal and the Head of the Principal’s Office.
• Proactively manage any actions in relation to the Principal’s full range of activities, and assisting in the monitoring of the Principal’s emails and correspondence. The post-holder will have discretion to act independently, drawing on assistance from other senior managers where appropriate, or drafting on behalf of the Principal.
• Proactively and independently manage complex projects, often involving multiple stakeholders and University offices with conflicting priorities, using judgement and discretion. This is likely to involve convening project teams for some projects.
• Accompany the Principal as required in ad hoc meetings and Committees, preparing notes and following up action points when required.
• Follow up actions for Principal, many on an ad hoc basis, dealing with urgent actions, and serving as the primary information source for on-going projects. This requires the post-holder to be aware of the University’s priorities and pressures, and be sensitive to the strategic direction of the University.
• Deputise for the Head of the Principal’s Office in their absence, with delegated responsibility for managing the office, and convening meetings where required. Where appropriate, attend meetings on the Principal’s behalf and report back to the Principal.
• Line management and supervision of administrative staff.
• Any other duties as assigned by the Principal. 

Knowledge, Qualifications, Skills and Experience

Knowledge & Qualifications

Essential:

• Ability to demonstrate the competencies required to undertake the duties associated with this level of post having acquired the necessary professional knowledge and management skills in a similar or number of different specialist roles. Or: Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework level 9,10 or 11 (Ordinary/Honours Degree, Post Graduate Qualification), or equivalent, including being professionally qualified in relevant discipline, with a broad range of professional experience in a management role(s)
• Excellent knowledge of national and international HE environment and understanding of University priorities.
• Excellent knowledge of public policy issues as they relate to HE and related areas.

Desirable:

• Postgraduate degree, diploma or relevant CPD in a related area.
• Comprehensive knowledge of University procedures/structures and policies.
• Knowledge of the workings of government at both Scottish and UK level 

As part of Team UofG you will be a member of a world changing, inclusive community, which values ambition, excellence, integrity and curiosity.

As a valued member of our team, you can expect:

• A warm welcoming and engaging organisational culture, where your talents are developed and nurtured, and success is celebrated and shared.
• An excellent employment package with generous terms and conditions including 41 days of leave for full time staff, pension
• A flexible approach to working.
• A commitment to support your health and wellbeing, including a free 6-month UofG Sport membership for all new staff joining the University