Chief Operating Officer and University Secretary

The University of Sussex is looking to appoint a new Chief Operating Officer and University Secretary. From Sussex’s beginnings almost 65 years ago, a distinctive ethos has informed our work. Globally oriented from the outset, the University set out to disrupt traditional ways of creating and organising knowledge and, in doing so, developed an identity and purpose that have fostered a strong sense of community. Under the leadership of Professor Sasha Roseneil, Vice-Chancellor and President, the University is about to launch its new strategy, Sussex 2035: Creating Progressive Futures – flourishing, sustainability, and progress for the whole world. At this exciting time, the new Chief Operating Officer and University Secretary will play a key role in implementing Sussex 2035.

The Chief Operating Officer and University Secretary will have a broad remit spanning: Estates, Facilities and Commercial Services; IT Services; Library Culture and Heritage; Research and Innovation Services; Student Experience; and Sussex Projects. The Director of Faculty and Professional Technical Services will also report into the post-holder. As COO, this individual will lead a senior team of Directors and hold overall responsibility for the efficient, effective and joined-up delivery of all the University’s professional services. As University Secretary, they will work collaboratively with the University Council, and especially with the Chair of Council and the Vice-Chancellor, to ensure that the governance of the University is effective and compliant with regulatory requirements. They will be a crucial member of the University Executive, working closely with the Vice-Chancellor and other senior leaders to shape and deliver Sussex’s strategic and operational objectives, with a focus on ensuring the sustainability and operational effectiveness of the University.

We are looking for an inclusive leader who has experience of leadership and collaboration across the full range of operations within an organisation of a significant scale. They will bring a strong understanding of Higher Education governance, will be able to hit the ground running, and will have a commitment to high-standards of service delivery. They will be enthusiastic about the mission, values, and strategic direction of the University of Sussex. The new Chief Operating Officer and University Secretary will be an excellent leader of people, encouraging cooperation and trust in their teams, and with a track record of advancing equality, diversity and inclusion in previous roles. They must be able to move smoothly through a variety of contexts and conversations with colleagues across the full range of roles in the University. The ideal candidate will bring a pragmatic mindset, strong communication skills, with the ability to cut through complexity to articulate a clear path forward that brings focus to the key issues. This is an opportunity to help a very special university realise our ambitions.

The closing date for all applications, which should be in the form of a CV and cover letter, and addressed to coosussex@minervasearch.com, is by Monday 17^th February 2025.

The University of Sussex is committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion and through this appointment process it is the University Council’s clear stated aim to develop candidate pools that include applicants from all backgrounds and communities. The University particularly welcomes applications from women, people from black and minority ethnic communities, the LGBTQ+ community, and from disabled people.