Please note that this vacancy is only open to current University of Glasgow employees.

Job Purpose

To provide wide-ranging professional and organisational support to the Vice Principal for Innovation and Economic Development and Deputy Chief Operating Officer (dual role) in facilitating the delivery of University objectives. This will include researching and drafting strategic policy papers, presentations, and speeches; engaging with key contacts to promote and progress activity across the assigned portfolio; engaging with internal and external stakeholders at all levels and deputising where necessary; and proactively and independently managing selected projects across the full spectrum of designated responsibilities and priorities.

The role will report directly to the VP/DCOO.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

1. Lead and manage a range of complex projects using judgement and discretion to drive performance and organisational efficiency, engaging with others from across the University and externally. This requires the role holder to establish an exceptional knowledge of the VP’s thematic remit along with the wider University community and to work closely with SMG members and their offices.

2. Proactively and independently contribute to strategically significant projects, often involving multiple stakeholders and other University/external offices with conflicting priorities, using judgement and discretion. Securing the input of other colleagues and services from across the University and partner organisations and negotiating and influencing to establish appropriate input. This is likely to involve convening and managing project teams for multiple projects.

3. Provide extensive and senior committee management services to a range of Committees, Management meetings, etc. This will involve coordinating and drafting agendas and collating and reviewing papers and presentations, as well as leading on associated action plans, ensuring actions are delivered to agreed timelines.

4. Follow up and lead on the delivery of actions on behalf of the VP and ensure the delivery of urgent actions. This requires the role holder to be aware of immediate priorities and pressures and to be sensitive to the strategic direction of the University.

5. Assist in the drafting of papers for the University Senior Management Group.

6. Research and draft papers, briefing notes, reports, presentations, and speeches across the full spectrum of the SMG member’s responsibilities and priorities, undertaking substantive background research from appropriate sources, and using an awareness of the full range of University policies.

7. Accompany the VP, as required, to ad hoc meetings, preparing formal minutes or notes, and following up on action points as appropriate, leading on resulting actions when needed.

8. Collate and prepare responses to industry and sector surveys and consultations. Ensure these are logged and managed to deadline, allowing for any necessary internal engagement and approvals.

Knowledge, Qualifications, Skills and Experience

Knowledge/Qualifications

Essential: 

A1 Skill level equivalent to achievement of Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework level 8 (Scottish Vocational Qualification level 4, Higher National Diploma) or equivalent, and experience of personal development in a similar role.

A2 Advanced knowledge of national and international HE environment and public policy issues as they relate to, HE and related areas.

A3 Possess an awareness of internal and external risks and issues that may affect area of work.

Skills

Essential:

C1 Excellent oral and written communication skills with an ability to research and write reports and presentations for a variety of audiences and to draft and edit strategic documents.

C2 Proven analytical, organisational, project planning and problem-solving skills with the ability to act on own initiative and be proactive.

C3 Demonstrable ability to act calmly and methodically, to set priorities, work with diplomacy and efficiency in a highly pressured environment.

C4 An ability to generate innovative solutions, demonstrating a clear understanding of the strategic aims of the related area of work.

C5 Excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to act positively with staff, students, and a wide range of external contacts at all levels.

C6 Numerate with excellent IT skills and advanced ability to interpret management information and manipulate data.

C7 The ability to understand and interpret complex information and take lead responsibility in briefing colleagues accordingly.

Experience

Essential:

E1 An established track record of providing advice, influencing and implementing strategy and long-term goals.

Terms and Conditions

Salary will be Grade 8, £50,253 - £58,225 per annum.

This post is full time (35 hours per week) and open ended (permanent).

The University of Glasgow has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.  If you require a Skilled Worker visa to work in the UK, you will be required to meet the eligibility requirements of the visa route to be assigned a Certificate of Sponsorship.

Please note that this post may be eligible to be sponsored under the Skilled Worker visa route if tradeable points can be used under the Skilled Worker visa rules. For more information please visit:  https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa.

As a valued member of our team, you can expect:

1 A warm welcoming and engaging organisational culture, where your talents are developed and nurtured, and success is celebrated and shared.

2 An excellent employment package with generous terms and conditions including 41 days of leave for full time staff, pension - pensions handbook https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/payandpensions/pensions/, benefits and discount packages.

3 A flexible approach to working.

4 A commitment to support your health and wellbeing, including a free 6-month UofG Sport membership for all new staff joining the University  https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/staff/healthwellbeing/.

We believe that we can only reach our full potential through the talents of all. Equality, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of our values. Applications are particularly welcome from across our communities and in particular people from the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) community, and other protected characteristics who are under-represented within the University. Read more on how the University promotes and embeds all aspects of equality and diversity within our community https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/humanresources/equalitydiversity/.

We endorse the principles of Athena Swan https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/humanresources/equalitydiversity/athenaswan/ and hold bronze, silver and gold awards across the University.

We are investing in our organisation, and we will invest in you too. Please visit our website https://www.gla.ac.uk/explore/jobs/ for more information.

Closing Date: 15 March 2026