Location: Canterbury
Salary: up to c.£56k dependent on experience
Grade: Grade 8
Post Type: Full Time
Contract Type: Permanent
Release Date: Thursday 11 August 2022
Closing Date: 23.59 hours BST on Monday 29 August 2022 (unless otherwise stated)
Interview Date: Friday 09 September 2022
Reference: CSF-558-22

The University of Kent is looking to the future, having set out a vision and strategy that builds upon strong foundations in education, student experience and research. In the context of this vision, the University has refreshed key roles within the newly created Directorate of Governance and Assurance. As such, the opportunity has arisen for a professional manager to join our team in the role of “Head of Secretariat”.

In this role you will oversee and co-ordinate the University’s academic and corporate governance secretariat function, acting as Deputy Secretary to Council and to Senate.

With the aim of streamlining, enhancing and running the University’s governance secretariat function, you will provide professional expertise and support to the Assistant Director (Governance) and/or Director of Governance and Assurance (Secretary to Council). You will particularly focus on strategic advice, professional secretariat services and project support for the governance structure of Council, Senate and their boards and subcommittees.

What will be your key accountabilities?

Provide professional advice and support in the development of policies and processes to ensure the effective operation of all University corporate and academic governance structures
Lead, motivate and develop relevant staff, providing clear objectives and managing performance against these, to ensure that staff are appropriately motivated and trained to carry out their responsibilities to the required standards
Co-ordinate and run a range of University committees and ad-hoc bodies to ensure that these have effective and efficient secretarial support
Support the running of the Governance & Assurance directorate, and provide cover for the Director of Governance & Assurance in their role as Secretary to Council as required
Support the ongoing review and drafting of the University’s governing documents to ensure they are fit for purpose and take account of relevant legal framework(s)
What will you bring to this role?

Degree in a relevant field, or equivalent qualification or experience
Experience of working within, and substantial knowledge of, the higher education (or related) sector
Significant, demonstrable experience of servicing and supporting high-level committees
Proven senior-level administration experience in a large and complex organisation
What can you expect from us?

A friendly, open and collaborative working environment and support in your development and wellbeing, along with a range of great staff benefits including:

hybrid working options allowing a flexible blend of office and home working (to be agreed in line with business needs)
43 days' leave per year (personal leave, bank holidays and additional days allocated for the Christmas period, pro rata for part-time staff)
an excellent pension scheme with generous employer contributions
on-campus cinema/theatre, sports facilities, library, nursery and food outlets, set among green, open space overlooking the Cathedral
study while you work discounts, cycle to work scheme, local business discounts
on-site parking
The University of Kent is a distinctive and attractive place to work. We employ over 6,000 staff, including academic and research staff and a full range of support and administration staff. Our stunning main campus in Canterbury, Kent was founded in 1965 and is set among green and tranquil open space overlooking the spectacular Cathedral. Our staff enjoy competitive salaries, an occupational pension scheme, generous holiday entitlements and a great working environment.

Please see the links below to view the full job description and also to apply for this post. If you require further information regarding the application process please contact centralservicesresourcing@kent.ac.uk quoting ref number: CSF-558-22.