Senior Academic Governance Officer

Senior Academic Governance Officer Apply

Senior Academic Governance Officer Apply

The Post

The post of Senior Academic Governance Officer is part of Academic Registry and sits within the Academic Quality and Governance area of the team. The team is responsible for the broad areas of Academic Quality Assurance and Enhancement and Academic Governance. The team reports directly to the Academic Registrar and supports and provides expertise to the Academic Registrar as required in order to support the successful achievement of Academic Registry objectives. Expertise and support is also provided by the team to University Senior Officers in these areas of operation, such as the Principal, Deputy Principals, University Secretary, and Deputy Secretary. The team also works collaboratively with the University’s Faculties, Schools, and Professional Services Units to achieve institutional objectives in respect of academic quality and governance.

The Senior Academic Governance Officer provides key operational and co-ordinating input and expertise to the University’s academic governance arrangements. The post-holder proactively manages academic governance functions of the team’s remit including policy, regulation, and governance committees and takes a key lead on administration, projects, and developments in these areas whilst also providing operational input in other areas of the team’s work, and therefore supports a comprehensive and robust operating platform.

Description of Duties

• Ongoing proactive review, updating and development of academic policy and regulation in order to ensure they remain current, and that a comprehensive and effective operating position is achieved and maintained
• Manage record keeping relevant to the change or revision of academic policy and regulations in order to deliver robust version control, records of the details and timescales of changes made, and applicable versions of policy and regulation within specific academic years
• Ensure that policy, regulation, etc, are made available either publicly or within the University via the website and other means and coordinate communications with staff and students to achieve awareness and understanding of the governance position and any changes that are made
• Maintain and develop the information resources within the University in relation to academic governance, including information such as guidance and handbooks, as well as ensuring information in connection to this is maintained on the University website. The post-holder is expected to anticipate and manage changes to these resources independently where required
• Coordinate the Academic Registry website presence and information ensuring effective structure, content and clarity, and working with colleagues across the Academic Registry team regarding changes and updates that are required
• Deliver effective committee management and administration to committees relevant to academic quality and governance, ensuring consistently excellent levels of professionalism and robustness
• Contribute to curriculum management and development arrangements and operations
• Contribute to the University’s preparations for, and management of, reviews by the QAA, and support reviews by other professional and regulatory bodies as required, working in partnership with the Senior Academic Quality Officer to ensure timely and consistent provision of service in this area

Please see the Description of Duties attached for full details.

Essential Criteria

Qualifications

• Educated to degree level or equivalent qualification or demonstrable professional experience across a range of roles with increasing levels of responsibility

Knowledge and Experience

• Experience of working in the area of academic policy / governance / quality within an HE environment
• Demonstrable experience working successfully within complex regulations / frameworks
• Experience of writing, consulting on, and launching policy
• Experience of maintaining confidentiality in all areas of work
• In-depth knowledge of the current environmental factors relevant to Higher Education and the capability to understand the impact on the ongoing operation and development of the area of responsibility

Skills and Attributes

• Excellent organisational skills with the ability to effectively coordinate and manage a multi-task workload
• Excellent skills in effectively communicating on a verbal basis at all levels using a wide range of styles appropriate to different individuals, groups and situations
• Excellent written communication skills and experience of preparing reports and papers, including the presentation of statistical information
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team
• Ability to work independently and with initiative, whilst remaining aligned with the function’s overall objectives and leadership direction
• Ability to work with strong attention to detail, accuracy, and within specified deadlines
• Excellent analytical, evaluation and problem-solving skills
• IT skills, including proficiency in the use of the Microsoft Office suite and operational knowledge of the development and use of student databases

Desirable Criteria

• Experience of committee management (as opposed to only servicing/administration)
• Experience of business process review and re-design
• Skilled in presenting web-based information

Additional Information

Full time
Fixed term for up to 12 months or until the substantive post holder returns

The closing date for applications is midnight on Wednesday 21 October 2026.
Interviews are expected to take place on Friday 06 November 2026.

There is an expectation that work will be undertaken in the UK.

This post may be eligible for sponsorship, depending on candidate circumstances, under SOC code 2439.

The University of Stirling recognises that a diverse workforce benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers and welcome applications from those who would contribute to further diversification of our staff and ensure that equality, diversity and inclusion is woven into the substance of the role. We strongly encourage applications from people from diverse backgrounds including gender, identity, race, age, class, and ethnicity.

Behaviours and Competencies

The role holder will be required to evidence that they can meet the qualities associated with the following behavioural competencies, as detailed within the AUA Competency Framework.

1. Managing self and personal skills
   Being aware of your own behaviour and mindful of how it impacts on others, enhancing personal skills to adapt professional practice accordingly.
2. Delivering excellent service
   Providing the best quality service to external and internal clients. Building genuine and open long-term relationships in order to drive up service standards.
3. Finding solutions
   Taking a holistic view and working enthusiastically to analyse problems and to develop workable solutions. Identifying opportunities for innovation.
4. Embracing change
   Being open to and engaging with new ideas and ways of working. Adjusting to unfamiliar situations, shifting demands and changing roles.
5. Using resources effectively
   Identifying and making the most productive use of resources including people, time, information, networks and budgets.
6. Engaging with the wider context
   Enhancing your contribution to the organisation through an understanding of the bigger picture and showing commitment to organisational values.
7. Developing self and others
   Showing commitment to own ongoing professional development. Supporting and encouraging others to develop their professional knowledge, skills and behaviours to enable them to reach their full potential.
8. Working together
   Working collaboratively with others in order to achieve objectives. Recognising and valuing the different contributions people bring to this process.
9. Achieving Results
   Consistently meeting agreed objectives and success criteria. Taking personal responsibility for getting things done.

About Us

Student, Academic and Corporate Services (SACS) provides effective, proactive and professional services that support the achievement of the University’s strategic ambitions. We:  

• put students' needs at the centre of everything we do; enhance the student journey via focused engagement, support and development opportunities;
• work in active partnership with our students, faculties, senior management team, professional services and external stakeholders to achieve our institutional ambitions;
• lead, support and facilitate the University's performance through effective strategic planning, governance and continuous improvement.

The directorate has a key role in developing and supporting the delivery of the University’s ambitious strategic plan and improving the student experience. SACS is led by the Deputy Secretary and is comprised of three divisional groups, each led by a member of the SACS senior team that work together to deliver integrated services across the University: 

• Academic Registry
• Policy & Planning
• Student Support Services, incorporating Student & Faculty Operations

The University

The University of Stirling is Scottish University of the Year 2027 and UK Sports University of the Year 2027 (Daily Mail University Guide).

The University of Stirling is committed to providing education with a purpose and carrying out research which has a positive impact on communities across the globe. Driven by our mission to be the difference, we are addressing real issues, providing solutions, and helping to shape society.

The University has more than 17,500 students globally and employs 1,500 staff, with more than 140 nationalities represented within our community. Our campus environment is ranked first in the UK and top 10 in the world, and our sports facilities rank first in the UK and second in the world (International Student Barometer 2024, wave two), reflecting our long-standing designation as Scotland’s University for Sporting Excellence.

We are proud holders of a Silver institutional award from the Athena Swan Charter, in recognition of our commitment to advancing gender equality. We have an overall five-star rating in the QS Stars University Ratings and, in recognition of our excellence in business education, we are accredited by AACSB International.

Eighty-seven per cent of our research has an outstanding or very considerable impact on society, with more than 80% rated either world leading or internationally excellent (Research Excellence Framework 2021), and we are ranked among the top 200 institutions in the world for our contribution to meeting the UN Sustainable Development Goals. We have twice been recognised with a Queen's Anniversary Prize; for our Institute for Social Marketing and Health (2014) and our Institute of Aquaculture (2019).

Alongside partners, the University spearheads the £214 million Stirling and Clackmannanshire City Region Deal – which will deliver major University-led projects, the National Aquaculture Technology and Innovation Hub and Scotland’s International Environment Centre. We are also a central partner in the Forth Valley University College Health Partnership.

www.stir.ac.uk @stiruni

Available documents

• Description of Duties Senior Academic Governance Officer.pdf

Job number

SERV02128

Contract Type

Fixed Term Contract

Posting End Date

21-Oct-2026

Location:

Stirling Campus

Salary

Grade7 £38,784 - £46,049 p.a.

Faculty/Service

Student Academic and Corporate Services

The Post

The post of Senior Academic Governance Officer is part of Academic Registry and sits within the Academic Quality and Governance area of the team. The team is responsible for the broad areas of Academic Quality Assurance and Enhancement and Academic Governance. The team reports directly to the Academic Registrar and supports and provides expertise to the Academic Registrar as required in order to support the successful achievement of Academic Registry objectives. Expertise and support is also provided by the team to University Senior Officers in these areas of operation, such as the Principal, Deputy Principals, University Secretary, and Deputy Secretary. The team also works collaboratively with the University’s Faculties, Schools, and Professional Services Units to achieve institutional objectives in respect of academic quality and governance.

The Senior Academic Governance Officer provides key operational and co-ordinating input and expertise to the University’s academic governance arrangements. The post-holder proactively manages academic governance functions of the team’s remit including policy, regulation, and governance committees and takes a key lead on administration, projects, and developments in these areas whilst also providing operational input in other areas of the team’s work, and therefore supports a comprehensive and robust operating platform.

Description of Duties

• Ongoing proactive review, updating and development of academic policy and regulation in order to ensure they remain current, and that a comprehensive and effective operating position is achieved and maintained
• Manage record keeping relevant to the change or revision of academic policy and regulations in order to deliver robust version control, records of the details and timescales of changes made, and applicable versions of policy and regulation within specific academic years
• Ensure that policy, regulation, etc, are made available either publicly or within the University via the website and other means and coordinate communications with staff and students to achieve awareness and understanding of the governance position and any changes that are made
• Maintain and develop the information resources within the University in relation to academic governance, including information such as guidance and handbooks, as well as ensuring information in connection to this is maintained on the University website. The post-holder is expected to anticipate and manage changes to these resources independently where required
• Coordinate the Academic Registry website presence and information ensuring effective structure, content and clarity, and working with colleagues across the Academic Registry team regarding changes and updates that are required
• Deliver effective committee management and administration to committees relevant to academic quality and governance, ensuring consistently excellent levels of professionalism and robustness
• Contribute to curriculum management and development arrangements and operations
• Contribute to the University’s preparations for, and management of, reviews by the QAA, and support reviews by other professional and regulatory bodies as required, working in partnership with the Senior Academic Quality Officer to ensure timely and consistent provision of service in this area

Please see the Description of Duties attached for full details.

Essential Criteria

Qualifications

• Educated to degree level or equivalent qualification or demonstrable professional experience across a range of roles with increasing levels of responsibility

Knowledge and Experience

• Experience of working in the area of academic policy / governance / quality within an HE environment
• Demonstrable experience working successfully within complex regulations / frameworks
• Experience of writing, consulting on, and launching policy
• Experience of maintaining confidentiality in all areas of work
• In-depth knowledge of the current environmental factors relevant to Higher Education and the capability to understand the impact on the ongoing operation and development of the area of responsibility

Skills and Attributes

• Excellent organisational skills with the ability to effectively coordinate and manage a multi-task workload
• Excellent skills in effectively communicating on a verbal basis at all levels using a wide range of styles appropriate to different individuals, groups and situations
• Excellent written communication skills and experience of preparing reports and papers, including the presentation of statistical information
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team
• Ability to work independently and with initiative, whilst remaining aligned with the function’s overall objectives and leadership direction
• Ability to work with strong attention to detail, accuracy, and within specified deadlines
• Excellent analytical, evaluation and problem-solving skills
• IT skills, including proficiency in the use of the Microsoft Office suite and operational knowledge of the development and use of student databases

Desirable Criteria

• Experience of committee management (as opposed to only servicing/administration)
• Experience of business process review and re-design
• Skilled in presenting web-based information

Additional Information

Full time
Fixed term for up to 12 months or until the substantive post holder returns

The closing date for applications is midnight on Wednesday 21 October 2026.
Interviews are expected to take place on Friday 06 November 2026.

There is an expectation that work will be undertaken in the UK.

This post may be eligible for sponsorship, depending on candidate circumstances, under SOC code 2439.

The University of Stirling recognises that a diverse workforce benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers and welcome applications from those who would contribute to further diversification of our staff and ensure that equality, diversity and inclusion is woven into the substance of the role. We strongly encourage applications from people from diverse backgrounds including gender, identity, race, age, class, and ethnicity.

Behaviours and Competencies

The role holder will be required to evidence that they can meet the qualities associated with the following behavioural competencies, as detailed within the AUA Competency Framework.

1. Managing self and personal skills
   Being aware of your own behaviour and mindful of how it impacts on others, enhancing personal skills to adapt professional practice accordingly.
2. Delivering excellent service
   Providing the best quality service to external and internal clients. Building genuine and open long-term relationships in order to drive up service standards.
3. Finding solutions
   Taking a holistic view and working enthusiastically to analyse problems and to develop workable solutions. Identifying opportunities for innovation.
4. Embracing change
   Being open to and engaging with new ideas and ways of working. Adjusting to unfamiliar situations, shifting demands and changing roles.
5. Using resources effectively
   Identifying and making the most productive use of resources including people, time, information, networks and budgets.
6. Engaging with the wider context
   Enhancing your contribution to the organisation through an understanding of the bigger picture and showing commitment to organisational values.
7. Developing self and others
   Showing commitment to own ongoing professional development. Supporting and encouraging others to develop their professional knowledge, skills and behaviours to enable them to reach their full potential.
8. Working together
   Working collaboratively with others in order to achieve objectives. Recognising and valuing the different contributions people bring to this process.
9. Achieving Results
   Consistently meeting agreed objectives and success criteria. Taking personal responsibility for getting things done.

About Us

Student, Academic and Corporate Services (SACS) provides effective, proactive and professional services that support the achievement of the University’s strategic ambitions. We:  

• put students' needs at the centre of everything we do; enhance the student journey via focused engagement, support and development opportunities;
• work in active partnership with our students, faculties, senior management team, professional services and external stakeholders to achieve our institutional ambitions;
• lead, support and facilitate the University's performance through effective strategic planning, governance and continuous improvement.

The directorate has a key role in developing and supporting the delivery of the University’s ambitious strategic plan and improving the student experience. SACS is led by the Deputy Secretary and is comprised of three divisional groups, each led by a member of the SACS senior team that work together to deliver integrated services across the University: 

• Academic Registry
• Policy & Planning
• Student Support Services, incorporating Student & Faculty Operations

The University

The University of Stirling is Scottish University of the Year 2027 and UK Sports University of the Year 2027 (Daily Mail University Guide).

The University of Stirling is committed to providing education with a purpose and carrying out research which has a positive impact on communities across the globe. Driven by our mission to be the difference, we are addressing real issues, providing solutions, and helping to shape society.

The University has more than 17,500 students globally and employs 1,500 staff, with more than 140 nationalities represented within our community. Our campus environment is ranked first in the UK and top 10 in the world, and our sports facilities rank first in the UK and second in the world (International Student Barometer 2024, wave two), reflecting our long-standing designation as Scotland’s University for Sporting Excellence.

We are proud holders of a Silver institutional award from the Athena Swan Charter, in recognition of our commitment to advancing gender equality. We have an overall five-star rating in the QS Stars University Ratings and, in recognition of our excellence in business education, we are accredited by AACSB International.

Eighty-seven per cent of our research has an outstanding or very considerable impact on society, with more than 80% rated either world leading or internationally excellent (Research Excellence Framework 2021), and we are ranked among the top 200 institutions in the world for our contribution to meeting the UN Sustainable Development Goals. We have twice been recognised with a Queen's Anniversary Prize; for our Institute for Social Marketing and Health (2014) and our Institute of Aquaculture (2019).

Alongside partners, the University spearheads the £214 million Stirling and Clackmannanshire City Region Deal – which will deliver major University-led projects, the National Aquaculture Technology and Innovation Hub and Scotland’s International Environment Centre. We are also a central partner in the Forth Valley University College Health Partnership.

www.stir.ac.uk @stiruni

Available documents

• Description of Duties Senior Academic Governance Officer.pdf

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