Interim Secretary of the School of the Biological Sciences

Location: Central Cambridge

As one of the world's oldest and most successful Universities, the University of Cambridge has an outstanding reputation for academic achievement and research and is consistently ranked among the foremost universities in the world. Our academic and research endeavours that help us work towards our mission are supported by the work taking place across the six Schools. The School of Biological Sciences is seeking a strategic and experienced leader as School Secretary to lead and shape the delivery of professional services across the School, supporting its academic mission and strategic goals.

Reporting to the Academic Secretary and the Head of School, the School Secretary plays a pivotal role in the leadership and management of professional services within the School. You will work with the Head of School and the school leadership team to develop and implement the School's strategic plans. These will include: academic plans for new courses and research areas; resource plans covering finance and estates; and HR plans covering staffing priorities, alongside contributing to major projects in the School by providing strategic advice and leading on the submission of plans and operational delivery of major initiatives.

You will lead a team of over 10 staff, including Departmental Administrators and Faculty Board Secretaries, and work collaboratively with colleagues across the University to foster efficient, inclusive, and high-performing service delivery.

About You

Educated to first degree level or equivalent, you will have experience of managing operations at a senior level in a higher education (or similar) environment and experience of developing and implementing strategic plans and change processes in a complex and collegial organisation. As a significant part of the role will be the leadership of the professional services staff in the School, you must be able to demonstrate extensive experience of leading and managing people, including experience of dealing with challenging HR issues. Key to your success in this role will be your ability to communicate persuasively and build effective working relationships with a range of colleagues. You will also have extensive experience of financial planning and budget monitoring.

Why Join Us?

This is a unique opportunity to contribute to the success of a leading academic institution, working at the heart of a vibrant and intellectually stimulating School. You'll be part of a supportive and forward-thinking team, with opportunities to shape the future of professional services in a dynamic and evolving environment.

If you have a strong commitment to the academic mission of the University and to the development of a cohesive, confident, collaborative and delivery-focused professional services team, we would like to hear from you.

This position is offered as a fixed-term contract until October 2027, in the first instance. 

We welcome applications from individuals who wish to be considered for part-time working or other flexible working arrangements.

To apply online for this vacancy and to view further information about the role, please click 'Apply' above.

Applications should include a CV and a covering letter.

Informal enquiries regarding this position can be made to Milly Bodfish, Secretary of the School of Biological Sciences, (milly.bodfish@admin.cam.ac.uk)

If you have any queries about the recruitment process, please contact Rachel Hughes, Recruitment Adviser, Senior Professional Appointments (rachel.hughes@admin.cam.ac.uk)

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

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