The Post
*Internal applicants only*
This 18 month fixed term position, will provide backfill for key staff contributing to the Student Information System (SIS) Project. Applications for secondment are welcome.
You will be based within Student Administration as part of Student and Faculty Operations (SFO) which brings together faculty-based professional services teams and related central services.
You will be a key member of the Student Administration management team and will work closely with the Student Administration Manager to deliver a high-quality service to students, academic staff and other key internal and external stakeholders.
Responsible for supporting the Student Administration Manager in leading, managing and developing a team, you will build operational resilience and foster a sense of continuous improvement. You will ensure the effective and efficient running of business processes and systems, ensuring compliance with regulatory and professional processes and standards.
A strong interest in current policy issues relating to higher education is desirable, together with a curiosity about how organisations work and develop. You will be expected to digest, organise and interpret complex information quickly and accurately and communicate with key stakeholders at all levels. A highly organised, responsive and flexible approach along with exceptional communication skills and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously is essential.
Establishing and developing relationships with key internal and external stakeholders is essential and working in a collaborative, solution focused way with colleagues, other professional services and academic staff will be a core aspect of your role.
Informal enquiries should be made to Sheilah Greig, Head of Student Administration, or Dani Tovey, Student Administration Manager,
Description of Duties
Leadership and People Management
1. Work with the Student Administration Manager to recruit, induct and train Student Administration staff
2. Lead and develop professional services staff to provide a customer-focused, high-quality service
3. Develop and review standards of service delivery and evaluate performance across the team, promoting a culture of equality and inclusivity
4. Foster a culture of continuous improvement
Student Programmes Activities
5. Manage and develop student lifecycle administration
6. Provide non-academic guidance and ensure excellent service to students and academic staff
7. Contribute to strategic planning for Student Administration, as required
8. Undertake quantitative and qualitative analysis, evaluate and provide comprehensive reports for the senior management team
9. Provide, manage and coordinate effective administrative support for the servicing of committees, meetings and working groups as required
10. Manage a range of student casework, providing advice and support to students as appropriate
11. Manage research activities within the Student Administration team ensuring compliance with UKRI and audit requirements
12. Provide, manage and coordinate assessment and awards processes to ensure integrity and accuracy
13. Ensure students have a positive learning journey
14. Provide, manage and coordinate liaison between faculties and partner institution colleagues on such matters as leave of absence, progression and programme transfers to ensure a coordinated student experience
Data Integrity, Risk Management and Governance
15. Manage processes for updating the student record where required for leave of absence, withdrawal from studies, programme changes and mode of attendance changes
16. Responsible for ensuring processes are in place to maintaining data integrity across the student record
17. Implement University policies ensuring effective and consistent delivery. Contribute to policy and procedure development
18. Manage the development and maintenance of effective processes to enable required changes to the student record accurately and within agreed service levels
19. Coordinate and lead, as appropriate, student complaints, disciplinary investigations and reporting, data protection and freedom of information enquiries
20. Lead and ensure appropriate arrangements are in place to support internal and external quality assurance processes and reviews
21. Work closely with the Student Administration Manager and senior colleagues to support business continuity and risk management planning
22. Develop and maintain knowledge and expertise in systems, policies and regulations
University Wide Activities
23. Lead and participate in specific projects on behalf of senior academic and professional services colleagues
24. Work with others from across the University to share best practice and bring about operational change
25. Work flexibly and collaboratively, providing administrative support across the University
26. Demonstrate a proactive approach to personal development and undertake development in skill areas related to the post
27. Undertake any other duties and responsibilities, commensurate with the grade of the post, as directed by line manager.
28. Deputise for the Student Administration Manager, as required
29. Work with internal and external partners
Please see the attached Job Description for full duties of the post.
Essential Criteria
Qualifications
30. Degree level or equivalent qualifications or equivalent professional experience
Knowledge & Experience
31. Proven track record of managing administrative processes within a fast paced, customer focused environment
32. Experience of staff leadership, management and development, demonstrated through team management experience
33. Experience of using a range of relevant IT packages, particularly Microsoft Office applications
34. Experience of managing sensitive/confidential issues with tact and diplomacy
35. Experience of working across organisational boundaries to achieve goals
36. Knowledge of data protection and equality legislation and an appreciation of the potential impact of this legislation on the duties of the role
37. Experience of managing budgets
38. Experience of servicing committees – preparing agendas, writing minutes and taking follow up action
Skills & Attributes
39. You will be highly motivated and take genuine pleasure in building relationships and working with others in order to improve services, solve problems, find innovative solutions, and develop colleagues
40. Exceptional organisational skills, resilience and ability to prioritise a demanding workload in a pressurised environment, while maintaining high standards of quality and accuracy
41. Ability to identify and respond to issues of importance to the Faculty/University on a pro-active basis, exercising sound judgement and resolving complex issues pro-actively
42. Creative and positive attitude with a commitment to providing a high-quality service with experience of setting service level standards
43. Excellent oral and written communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to interpret and present complex information to a broad range of audiences
44. Ability to foster good relationships with all levels of internal and external stakeholders, using tact, diplomacy and influence when required
Desirable Criteria
Qualifications
45. A postgraduate and/or professional qualification
46. Evidence of ongoing leadership and management training and qualifications
Knowledge & Experience
47. Experience of managing student administration in Higher Education and/or up-to-date knowledge and understanding of the HE sector and issues relating to the student lifecycle and experience
48. Experience of working with complex administration systems (preferably Tribal SITS)
49. Experience or training in continuous improvement methodologies, business process review and/or implementing change projects
50. Experience of leading and managing a team through change
Additional Information
*Internal applicants only*
Full time
Fixed term for up to 18 months
The closing date for applications is midnight on Wednesday 25 February 2026.
There is an expectation that work will be undertaken in the UK.
The University of Stirling recognises that a diverse workforce benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers and welcome applications from those who would contribute to further diversification of our staff and ensure that equality, diversity and inclusion is woven into the substance of the role. We strongly encourage applications from people from diverse backgrounds including gender, identity, race, age, class, and ethnicity.
Behaviours and Competencies
The role holder will be required to evidence that they can meet the qualities associated with the following behavioural competencies, as detailed within the AUA Competency Framework.
51. Managing self and personal skills
Being aware of your own behaviour and mindful of how it impacts on others, enhancing personal skills to adapt professional practice accordingly.
52. Delivering excellent service
Providing the best quality service to external and internal clients. Building genuine and open long-term relationships in order to drive up service standards.
53. Finding solutions
Taking a holistic view and working enthusiastically to analyse problems and to develop workable solutions. Identifying opportunities for innovation.
54. Embracing change
Being open to and engaging with new ideas and ways of working. Adjusting to unfamiliar situations, shifting demands and changing roles.
55. Using resources effectively
Identifying and making the most productive use of resources including people, time, information, networks and budgets.
56. Engaging with the wider context
Enhancing your contribution to the organisation through an understanding of the bigger picture and showing commitment to organisational values.
57. Developing self and others
Showing commitment to own ongoing professional development. Supporting and encouraging others to develop their professional knowledge, skills and behaviours to enable them to reach their full potential.
58. Working together
Working collaboratively with others in order to achieve objectives. Recognising and valuing the different contributions people bring to this process.
59. Achieving Results
Consistently meeting agreed objectives and success criteria. Taking personal responsibility for getting things done.