Governance Officer

University of Aberdeen - Directorate of Planning and Governance

Placed On: 26th March 2026

Closes: 8th April 2026

Job Ref: PLA032A

Type of Contract: Substantive

An exciting opportunity has arisen to join our Governance Team, within the Directorate of Planning and Governance, as we look to continue to enhance the support we provide to the University’s corporate governance function. This includes the University Court (governing body) and its associated committees, and the University Senate, the body responsible for the institutional governance of academic matters, as they relate to education and research.

We are looking to appoint an enthusiastic individual with a passion for, and commitment to, delivering good governance within a university setting. Based in our Old Aberdeen campus, you will work with committee chairs and key stakeholders from within the executive function, among others, to provide proactive and high-quality support to institutional committees and working groups. This will include the provision of accurate and timeous agendas, papers and minutes and ensuring that action points are taken forward as appropriate. You will also be responsible for playing a leading role in delivering governance-related projects and initiatives, following them through from inception to successful completion.

As you will be expected to promote the importance of embedding good governance across all aspects of the University’s activities, excellent interpersonal skills (including persuasion, influencing and negotiating skills) are essential. Educated to degree level or equivalent relevant experience, you should have either experience in a professional governance support role or a broad understanding of governance as it relates to the Scottish tertiary education sector. You will demonstrate excellent organisational and prioritisation skills that will enable you to make a meaningful contribution across a wide range of governance-related activities within a vibrant and fast-paced environment.

Salary will be at the appropriate point on Grade 7, £47,389 - £56,535 per annum, and negotiable with placement according to qualifications and experience.

This role is based in the UK and as such the successful candidate will be required to live and work in the UK. The candidate appointed to this post may be eligible for homeworking on an occasional or regular basis. For more information please refer to our Homeworking Policy.

This post does not meet the minimum requirements for visa sponsorship under the Skilled Worker Route. We are therefore unable to consider applicants for this post that require sponsorship to work in the UK.

Informal enquiries should be made to Mr Bruce Purdon, Senior Governance Officer, b.purdon@abdn.ac.uk

To apply online for this position click the 'Apply' button above.

The closing date for the receipt of applications is 8 April 2026

*The Directorate of Planning and Governance embraces a diverse working environment and recognises the many benefits this can bring. Applications from individuals from across all of the equality protected characteristics are encouraged.*