Executive Director of Strategic Governance

Job Description

The University of Gloucestershire is seeking to appoint a senior and influential leader to the role of Executive Director of Strategic Governance.

Operating as part of the University Executive Committee team and serving as Secretary to Council, the postholder will play a pivotal role in enhancing governance effectiveness and enabling high-quality strategic decision-making across the institution.

The successful candidate will:

  • Enhance the effectiveness of Council and Executive, in driving strategy, risk management and performance improvement.
  • Lead and inspire a high performing governance team.
  • Modernise and strengthen governance frameworks.
  • Safeguard regulatory compliance and institutional assurance.
  • Be a trusted adviser to Council and the Executive.

This role requires an individual with:

  • A track record of delivering governance transformation and improvement.
  • A dynamic individual with exceptional stakeholder management and influencing capability.
  • Proven ability to work as part of a senior team, able to demonstrate both collaboration and agility.
  • Proven experience working with Board / Executive level.
  • Sound judgement, discretion and the ability to operate with authority and independence.

This is a high-profile appointment, reporting to the Chief Financial Officer and operating as part of a Executive team. The role offers the opportunity to make a lasting institutional impact, for the benefit of our students and our place.

Terms of employment and benefits

Location: Hybrid – including locations in Gloucester and Cheltenham.
The post holder may be based at any premises the University occupies and may be required to work at any University site or any other reasonable location where the University is undertaking its business. The University has an agile working policy, and this requires the postholder to be based in the UK. The nature of this role means that the postholder will be expected to be regularly present at all University campuses.

Salary: Grade 12 (£87,974 – £96,116 per annum)

Directorate: CFO Directorate: Governance & Legal Department

Reports to: Chief Financial Officer and sits on University Executive Committee. As Secretary to Council there is also a reporting line to the Chair of Council.

Reports: Head of Legal and Governance and a team of staff responsible for governance, legal matters and student casework.

Pension: You will be employed by the University of Gloucestershire Professional Services Limited (UoGPSL), or the University of Gloucestershire for staff with existing continuous LGPS or USS service.

Working hours: This is a full-time post. The ability and willingness to adopt a flexible approach to working hours and duties is expected, and you may be required to work additional hours from time to time to fulfil the requirements of your role and the needs of the department.

Benefits

  • 32 days holiday plus any closure days and bank holidays.
  • Attractive Family friendly policies
  • Employee Assistance Programme for 365 days per year support including face to face and virtual counselling and online advice and guidance.
  • Coaching pool access to qualified experienced coaches and mentors
  • Discount platform for local and national lifestyle discounts (Vivup).
  • Subsidised Car Parking
  • National WOW awards and other staff recognition events including staff awards.
Posted by: University of Gloucestershire
Salary: £87,974 – £96,116
Closing Date: 10/06/2026
Location: Cheltenham
Category: Admin, Secretarial & PA