Deputy Secretary and Director of Governance

Job reference: PSX-030805
Salary: Competitive salary
Faculty/Organisational Unit: Professional Services
Location: Oxford Road
Employment type: Permanent
Division/Team: Board Secretariat
Hours Per Week: Full time (1 FTE)
Closing date (DD/MM/YYYY): 01/03/2026
Contract Duration: Permanent
School/Directorate: Directorate of Legal Affairs & Board Secretariat

The University of Manchester is seeking to appoint a Deputy Secretary and Director of Governance to play a pivotal role in the governance of one of the UK’s leading research-intensive universities.

Acting as deputy to the Registrar, Secretary and Chief Operating Officer in their role as Secretary to the University’s Board of Governors, the Deputy Secretary and Director of Governance is the University’s senior governance professional. The role provides authoritative, independent advice to senior leaders and Board members; ensures compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements; and leads the continuous improvement of secretariat services across our statutory bodies and committees.

The Role

The Deputy Secretary and Director of Governance is responsible for the effectiveness, integrity and transparency of the University’s governance arrangements, supporting the Board of Governors, Senate, General Assembly and University Executive. The role involves advising on constitutional and regulatory matters, overseeing high-quality secretariat services, supporting appointments to the Board, strengthening assurance, and fostering effective relationships between governing bodies and senior leadership.

Based within the Directorate of Legal Affairs and Board Secretariat, the role leads a team of governance professionals and works closely with internal and external stakeholders, including regulators and auditors.

The Person

You will bring:

• A strong track record in governance, regulation or committee secretariat roles within higher education or a comparable complex organisation
• Sound knowledge of legal, constitutional and regulatory frameworks
• Excellent written and interpersonal communication skills, with the confidence to advise at the most senior levels
• Strong judgement, diplomacy and organisational capability
• Experience leading and developing teams

A relevant degree or equivalent professional experience is required. Legal or chartered secretary qualifications are desirable but not essential.

Why Join Us

This is a rare opportunity to take on a senior governance leadership role at the heart of a globally significant, civic university, supporting delivery of the University’s Manchester 2035 Strategy through effective, transparent and inclusive governance.

University of Manchester Benefits

Flexible and Hybrid working

Equal Opportunities

We’re an equal opportunities employer and welcome all applications; appointments are based on merit.

Enquiries about the role, shortlisting and interviews

Name: Carrie Hunt

Email: dep.sec@manchester.ac.uk

General enquiries and administrative support

recruitmentservices.people@manchester.ac.uk

Technical and job portal support

https://jobseekersupport.jobtrain.co.uk/support/home

Applications close at midnight on the closing date.

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