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Location: Bailrigg, Lancaster, UK
Interview date: Friday 17th July 2026
Are you an exceptional strategic leader with the judgement, influence and organisational insight to operate at the very centre of a leading global university?
As Head of the Vice-Chancellor’s Office, you will lead the strategic and operational activity of the Vice-Chancellor’s Office, providing high-level advice, coordination and support to the Vice-Chancellor and Strategic Leadership Team (SLT). Working across the breadth of the University, you will help shape institutional priorities, drive strategic initiatives and ensure the effective delivery of executive business in a complex and fast-moving environment.
Lancaster University is recognised internationally for excellence in education, research and engagement. Our collegiate culture, global partnerships and commitment to making a positive difference create an environment where ambitious ideas can flourish. The Vice-Chancellor’s Office sits at the heart of this activity, enabling effective leadership, decision-making and institutional performance across our UK and international operations.
We are seeking an outstanding individual with significant experience operating in a senior strategic, policy, governance or executive support environment. You will bring exceptional analytical and communication skills, political awareness, sound judgement and the ability to build credibility and influence with a diverse range of internal and external stakeholders. Experience of higher education, public policy, governance or complex organisational leadership would be highly advantageous.
The role combines strategic planning, policy development, stakeholder engagement, executive coordination and leadership of the University’s Executive Support function. You will lead key institutional projects, working closely with the Vice-Chancellor, senior leaders, governing bodies, external partners and funding organisations, supporting major institutional priorities and helping to navigate emerging opportunities and challenges.
Join Lancaster University and play a central role in enabling ambitious leadership, effective decision-making and the successful delivery of our strategic priorities.
Applications should comprise:
- A short professional curriculum vitae
- A supporting statement/covering letter (maximum two A4 pages, Arial 11pt, normal margins)
Your supporting statement/covering letter should provide clear, evidence-based examples demonstrating how you meet the specifics outlined in the person specification.
To arrange an informal discussion about the role, please contact Becky Kay b.kay1@lancaster.ac.uk Executive Assistant to Susan Mitchell (Registrar, Secretary and Chief Operating Officer)
Please note: unless specified otherwise in the advert, all advertised roles are UK based.
Find out what it’s like to work at Lancaster University, including information on our wide range of employee benefits, support networks and our policies and facilities for a family-friendly workplace.
The University recognises and celebrates good employment practice undertaken to address all inequality in higher education whilst promoting the importance and wellbeing for all our colleagues.
We warmly welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of their age, religion, gender identity or expression, race, disability or sexual orientation, and are committed to promoting diversity, and equality of opportunity.