This fixed-term position of Executive Officer to the Principal and Vice-Chancellor is an excellent graduate-level training and development opportunity. The role-holder will provide support to the Principal of the University of St Andrews, Professor Dame Sally Mapstone DBE, FRSE. You will ensure that the Principal is appropriately briefed for all engagements that you are requested to cover. You will conduct research on a variety of issues and subject areas, and you will be required to co-ordinate and manage special projects and initiatives. You will frequently draft high-profile and creative speeches as well as sensitive correspondence on behalf of the Principal. You will proactively manage incoming physical and email correspondence, and you will proactively respond to incoming business to maximise the Principal's time.
You will serve as a key strategic liaison between the Principal and the constituencies with which she interacts. In particular you will oversee and co-ordinate the Principal's development and alumni relations events as well as perform your share of duties within the existing team to assure the smooth daily operations of the PPO. You will work closely with the University's Communications, Marketing and Public Affairs team as well as the Development teams to ensure a high level of coordination between the expectations of the Principal's office and overall communications, cultivation strategies, and organisation of development trips and events. This position is instrumental in managing continuity across University programmes and activities and will be responsible for the overall positioning of the Principal by managing relationships with University staff, the local community, alumni, and the general public.
Educated to degree level you should be able to demonstrate the ability to organise, prioritise, and manage conflicting goals and agendas, work under pressure, and possess a strong commitment to client service. You should be able to display discretion when working with highly confidential issues while being creative to the extent of being able to develop and implement practical solutions to problems of varying complexity. You should have strong research skills, excellent analytical skills, and the ability to produce first-rate written work, as well as exceptional oral communication skills, while working accurately to tight deadlines.
This role will be fixed term for three years and may be available as a secondment opportunity.
Further information and informal enquiries may be directed to Fiona Thompson email:- Tel:
In addition to the salary on offer for this position, there are a wide range of benefits for staff working at the University of St Andrews:
* Financial contribution to relocation
* Membership of the S&LAS Pension Scheme with generous employer contributions
* A hybrid working environment, including partial homeworking where appropriate and a range of family friendly policies, supporting work-life balance
* Staff discount scheme for local and national goods and services
* Free staff parking, employee Carshare and Cycle to Work Schemes and subsidised local bus travel
* Subsidised sports membership, reduced tuition fees on degree programmes for staff, access to training and development opportunities including LinkedIn Learning, access to library facilities, salary sacrifice scheme
* 34 Days Annual Leave plus 5 Public Holidays.
Applications are particularly welcome from men, people from the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) community, and other protected characteristics who are under-represented in professional posts at the University.
Equality, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of the St Andrews experience. We strive to create a fair and inclusive culture demonstrated through our commitment to diversity awards (Athena Swan, Carer Positive, LGBT Charter, Race Charters and Stonewall). We celebrate diversity by promoting profiles of BAME, LGBTIQ+ staff and supporting networks including the Staff BAME Network; Staff with Disabilities Network; Staff LGBTIQ+ Network; and the Staff Parents & Carers Network. Full details available online:
This role does not meet the minimum requirements set by the UKVI to enable sponsorship of migrant workers. Further information can be found at
This post will/may be primarily based at the Eden Campus at Guardbridge, a state-of-the-art working environment for professional services units.
Closing Date: 3 December 2025 Interview Date: Early December 2025
Please quote ref: AD2868RS
School/Unit: Office of the Principal
Posted: 05/11/2025
Closing date: 03/12/2025
Closing time: 23:59