Director of Academic Administration

The University of Aberdeen is seeking an innovative and collaborative leader to shape and enhance the delivery of academic administration services across the institution in the role of Director of Academic Administration.

Job Description

This role focuses on creating an integrated, efficient and student-centred academic administration service that supports excellence in teaching, learning and research. You will lead teams responsible for key academic administration functions, ensuring a high-quality and consistent service while supporting staff and students throughout the academic lifecycle.

Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer and working as a member of the University’s Management Group, you will provide strategic and operational leadership for academic administration services. A key priority will be reviewing and developing an integrated service model that strengthens collaboration, simplifies processes and ensures services are responsive to the needs of students, academic colleagues and professional services teams.

You will work closely with senior academic leaders, Directors of Professional Services and colleagues across the University to support the delivery of strategic ambitions, including Aberdeen 2040 and the Adapting for Continued Success programme. You will play a leading role in developing academic governance, quality assurance and regulatory compliance frameworks, helping to maintain academic standards and institutional reputation.

The role is responsible for leading academic administration teams and overseeing activities associated with academic governance, student records and progression, quality assurance, policy implementation, regulatory compliance and the administration of the student journey from enrolment to graduation.

You will provide expert advice to senior colleagues, committees and governance bodies on academic regulations, policy matters and sector developments. Working collaboratively across the institution, you will identify opportunities to improve services, enhance efficiency and ensure that academic administration arrangements support the University’s long-term objectives.

We are looking for a senior leader with experience of operating successfully within a complex organisation and a strong commitment to service excellence. You will bring a collaborative and inclusive leadership style, experience of leading organisational change and the ability to build effective relationships with a wide range of stakeholders.

You will have significant experience of leading multidisciplinary teams, developing strategy and delivering large-scale services. You will demonstrate excellent communication, influencing and relationship-management skills, together with the ability to balance competing priorities while maintaining a focus on quality, continuous improvement and stakeholder experience.

The salary for this post is in the range of £69,488–£78,188 per annum, commensurate with experience.

The successful candidate will be expected to be based in the North East of Scotland. Homeworking may be available on an occasional or regular basis; however, it is expected that the postholder will spend four days per week on campus. Please refer to our Homeworking Policy for further information.

Applicants requiring sponsorship to work in the UK must meet the requirements of the Skilled Worker visa route, including the relevant criteria relating to qualifications and English language competency.

To apply online for this position click the 'Apply' button above.

Closing date: 12 June 2026

The University of Aberdeen values diversity and inclusion and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. Applications from women and individuals currently under-represented in senior leadership positions are particularly encouraged.

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