Secretariat Operations Director – International Universities Climate Alliance (IUCA)

Full Time / Fixed Term (3 Years)

The closing date for applications is 23.59 on 27th July 2025.

By reference to the applicable SOC code for this role, sponsorship may be possible under the Skilled Worker Route. Applicants wishing to consider the SWR must ensure that they are able to meet the points requirement before applying. There is further information about this on the UK Visas and Immigration Website.

The University of Reading is proud to announce a strategic leadership opportunity for a Secretariat Operations Director for the International Universities Climate Alliance (IUCA). This appointment follows the University’s successful bid to host the IUCA Secretariat for a 3-year tenure, reinforcing our commitment to global sustainability and climate action.

As Secretariat Operations Director, you will work within the External Relations Directorate Structure, and be accountable for the development and execution of IUCA’s strategic plan and programme of work. You will also play a central role in enhancing IUCA’s global visibility, driving the delivery of its strategic objectives, building on its membership and leading key events and initiatives.

You will be UK based, working primarily from our beautiful Whiteknights Campus, where the University fosters a collaborative working environment and offers excellent opportunities for continuous professional development. This role also includes national and international travel, enabling you to contribute directly to building on, and strengthening, IUCA’s global network and collaborative initiatives. This is a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact on international climate action through academic collaboration and strategic leadership.

You will have:

• Experience in managing and developing global institutional partnerships.
• Experience of implementing and managing Business and Operations processes.
• Strong project leadership and management skills.
• Knowledge of Higher Education activities and working with academic partners.
• Good knowledge and commitment to addressing climate change.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagements skill.
• Ability and willingness to travel.

Interviews will be held: 31st July 2025 and 1st August 2025. These will be primarily in person (unless you are unable to attend due to distance)

We welcome applications from both external and internal candidates. As part of the University’s ongoing commitment to professional development, this role can be considered on a seconded basis for existing staff members. Internal candidates should discuss this with their line manager prior to applying.

Contact Details for Advert
Contact Name: Dylan Parkes
Contact Job Title: Head of Strategic Engagement (Climate & Environmental Sustainability)
Contact Email Address: d.parkes@reading.ac.uk

Contact Name: Andrew Charlton-Perez
Contact Job Title: Head of School (Mathematical, Physical and Computational Sciences) Professor of Meteorology, Department of Meteorology
Contact Email Address: a.j.charlton-perez@reading.ac.uk

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.

Advert information