Director of Academic Administration, University Senior Management
Director of Academic Administration, University Senior Management (AADM001A)
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 the teams responsible for delivering key academic administration functions, ensuring a high-quality and consistent service across the University while supporting academic 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 early priority will be reviewing and developing an integrated service delivery 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 the University’s strategic ambitions, including Aberdeen 2040 and the Adapting for Continued Success programme. You will play a leading role in the development of academic governance, quality assurance and regulatory compliance frameworks, helping to maintain academic standards and support institutional reputation.
The role has responsibility for leading academic administration teams and overseeing activities associated with academic governance, student records and progression, quality assurance, policy implementation, regulatory compliance and the effective administration of the student academic journey from enrolment through to graduation.
You will provide expert advice and guidance 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 continue to 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 strong relationships with a wide range of internal and external 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 candidate appointed to this post is expected to be based in the Northeast of Scotland but may be eligible for homeworking on an occasional or regular basis. It is expected that you will spend 4 days per week on campus given the seniority and importance of this role. For more information, please refer to our Homeworking Policy.
Should you require a visa to undertake employment in the UK you will be required to fulfil the minimum points criteria to be granted a Certificate of Sponsorship under the requirements of the Skilled Worker visa. At the time an offer of appointment is made, you will be asked to demonstrate that you fulfil the criteria in respect of qualification and competency in English.
To apply online for this position visit www.abdn.ac.uk/jobs
Job Reference Number: AADM001A
The closing date for the receipt of applications is 12 June 2026.
The University of Aberdeen embraces a diverse working environment and recognises the many benefits this can bring. Applications from individuals from across all equality protected characteristics are encouraged. Applications from women and individuals from groups currently under-represented in senior leadership positions are particularly welcome.
If you are unable to complete an application online, please contact the Recruitment Team (HRRecruitment@abdn.ac.uk) to make alternative arrangements for submitting your application in plenty of time before the advertised post closes.
Please Note
If you are unable to complete an application online, please contact the Recruitment Team (HRRecruitment@abdn.ac.uk) to make alternative arrangements for submitting your application within plenty of time before the advertised post closes.