Associate Director of Governance Operations

We are seeking an exceptional Associate Director of Governance Operations to provide operational excellence and leadership of the governance function and ensure the highest standards of corporate governance across the university.

This is a pivotal senior role, working at the heart of the institution and partnering closely with the Vice-Chancellor, Executive team, and members of Council and its Committees. You will lead a high-performing governance team and play a key role in enabling effective decision-making, institutional assurance, and regulatory compliance oversight in a complex and evolving higher education environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide operational excellence oversight of the University’s governance framework, ensuring it remains effective, compliant, and aligned with sector best practice.
• Act as a trusted adviser to the Council members, the Vice-Chancellor, the Chief Governance and Risk Officer, and Executive leaders on governance, constitutional, and procedural matters.
• Lead and manage the delivery of Council and Committee business, ensuring high-quality papers, clear advice, and effective support for decision-making.
• Build strong, credible relationships with senior stakeholders, confidently influencing and communicating with executive leaders and governors.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory and statutory requirements, including the Office for Students and other relevant bodies.
• Drive continuous improvement in governance operations, embedding efficient processes, high professional standards, and a culture of integrity and transparency.
• Lead, develop, and inspire a professional governance team, fostering capability, resilience, and excellence. 

About You

You will be a, credible, and highly effective leader with well-developed communication skills and substantial experience in governance, corporate services, or a closely related field—ideally within a complex, regulated organisation.

You will bring:

• Proven experience operating at senior level and working confidently with Boards, Councils, or equivalent governing bodies.
• The confidence and ability to engage, challenge, and influence executive leaders with professionalism and authority.
• Strong judgement, discretion, and political awareness, with the confidence to advise on sensitive and high-impact matters.
• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to translate complex governance issues into clear, pragmatic advice.
• A track record of leading and developing teams and delivering high-quality governance operations.
• A strong commitment to equality, diversity, inclusion, and the values of public service.

What Next

Further information is available in the role profile. To apply for this vacancy please click ‘Apply Now’ to complete your details.

This is a full time, permanent position.

Please contact Kev Thompson kev.thompson@nottingham.ac.uk if you have further questions about this role. Please note that applications sent directly to this email address will not be accepted.

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