Assistant Director (Professional Skills) - AD2874

Start date: As soon as possible

We are seeking an experienced professional to support the University's emerging agenda for professional and meta skills, shaping how students develop, evidence and articulate the capabilities they need to succeed in a rapidly changing world.

As Assistant Director (Professional Skills), you will lead the Careers Service's new professional skills function, driving our transition toward a curriculum first approach to skills development, and working closely with academic colleagues to embed and surface employability across programmes. You will provide specialist expertise on the future of work, professional skills pedagogy, and work based and work-related learning, ensuring our students gain structured, meaningful opportunities to build the skills that matter.

You will oversee the University's Graduate Attributes Framework and lead the continuous improvement of our centrally delivered professional skills offer, including training for students. You will also generate evidence-based insights, influence academic practice, and help ensure employer and alumni perspectives enrich the student experience.

As a member of the Careers Centre senior leadership team, you will make a major contribution to the leadership and management of the Centre, supporting our culture of innovation, continuous improvement, and "one team" ethos.

Educated to degree level, you will have substantial experience in roles involving curriculum enhancement, employability, skills development, or learning design. You will bring excellent interpersonal and influencing skills, an analytical and evidence led approach, and the confidence to work autonomously while contributing to a collaborative senior team.

This role has the potential to be a job-share between candidates who wish to work part-time, and we welcome discussions about part-time and flexible working arrangements.

Further information and informal enquiries may be directed to Lorna Dargan (Director of Careers) at DirectorofCareers@st-andrews.ac.uk.

Closing date: 27 March 2026

Interview date: 5 May 2026

Job description: AD2874RS FPs.pdf

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