Role: University Secretary / Director of Governance
Location: Hatfield
Hours: Monday to Friday, 35 hours a week
Salary: £75,000 - £85,000 DOE
Fixed Term Contract
We’re looking for an experienced and influential leader to take on the pivotal role of University Secretary, shaping governance, compliance, and strategic direction at the highest level.
Duties of a University Secretary:
1. Lead the Governance Team in delivering high-quality support to Council and subcommittees, ensuring effective administration, information flow, and compliance with governance and regulatory frameworks.
2. Act as a key point of contact for Council, serving as Secretary to committees, overseeing risk management processes, and supporting the CFO with internal audit.
3. Serve as the University’s Data Protection Officer, leading information governance, FOI, and Subject Access compliance, and overseeing the delivery of legal services.
4. Provide inclusive, ethical leadership to a high-performing team, fostering collaboration, accountability, and professional development while ensuring alignment with strategic plans.
5. Produce high-quality written reports, analysis, and committee papers, providing clear updates, advice, and presentations to stakeholders.
6. Lead the development of sub-strategies, operational plans, and budgets within the Governance team, driving efficiency, continuous improvement, and sound financial management.
7. Build strong internal and external networks, including with the Higher Education sector, and contribute to university-wide leadership and project teams.
8. Horizon-scan to identify risks and opportunities, support policy development, and provide analysis of league table outcomes and implications.
What we would like from you:
9. Degree-level qualification (or equivalent).
10. Senior governance experience, within Higher Education, with strong knowledge of governance principles and regulatory frameworks.
11. Background in committee administration, risk management, and data protection (DPO experience desirable).
12. Proven leadership of professional teams with the ability to inspire, influence, and deliver change.
13. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the credibility to engage stakeholders at all levels.
14. Strong organisational and problem-solving skills, with experience managing budgets and competing priorities.
About you:
You’ll bring senior-level experience in governance, within Higher Education, and a strong grasp of regulatory frameworks and good practice. Skilled in committee administration, risk management and data protection, you’ll be confident working at Board level and influencing strategic decisions.
A natural leader, you’ll inspire and develop high-performing teams, while building strong relationships with stakeholders across the University and beyond. Highly organised and resilient, you’ll balance competing priorities, manage budgets effectively, and communicate complex information clearly to any audience.
If you are interested in this role,