Executive Director Student Services and UCL Registrar(UK Visa Sponsorship)

Job Description

Shape the Future of Student Experience at a Global University

University College London (UCL) is one of the world’s leading universities, consistently ranked in the global top ten. With more than 50,000 students representing over 150 countries, UCL operates at remarkable scale and international reach.

As UCL approaches its bicentenary, we are seeking an exceptional leader to serve as Executive Director of Student Services and UCL Registrar — a pivotal institutional role that combines statutory authority, operational leadership and large-scale transformation.

This is more than a senior registrar post. It is a strategic leadership opportunity to define how a global university delivers a fair, inclusive and future-ready student experience.

The Opportunity

Student and Registry Services (SRS) sits at the heart of UCL’s student journey. It is one of the university’s largest professional service divisions, responsible for supporting students from first enquiry through to graduation and beyond.

Following a period of growth and stabilisation, UCL is now entering a transformational phase. The successful candidate will:

• Simplify and integrate student services across a complex institution
• Embed data, insight and digital capability into decision-making
• Translate regulatory requirements into compassionate, student-centred practice
• Ensure UCL meets all statutory, contractual and regulatory obligations

This is a Registrar-plus role — combining governance authority with executive leadership of major services, systems, data infrastructure and institutional change programmes.

Key Areas of Leadership

Reporting to the Vice-President (Operations) and working in close partnership with the Vice-President (Education & Student Experience), you will provide executive oversight across:

Student Wellbeing & Inclusion

• Mental health and wellbeing services
• Disability support and reasonable adjustments Equality Act 2010 guidance
• Inclusive practice and student support frameworks
• Academic Administration & Lifecycle Management
• Admissions through to awards and graduation
• Assessment, progression and academic records
• Academic quality assurance and standards

Regulation & Compliance

• Oversight of regulatory frameworks including Office for Students requirements (OfS regulatory framework
• Immigration advice and UKVI sponsor compliance Student visa sponsorship guidance
• Student conduct, complaints and appeals Higher education complaints guidance via OIA

Data & Digital Transformation

• Student data governance and analytics
• Compliance with UK GDPR and data protection legislation UK GDPR overview
• System modernisation and service redesign
• Use of emerging technologies, including AI, to improve outcomes

Access, Participation & Funding

• Scholarships and student finance administration Student finance guidance
• Widening participation and access strategy

You will act as UCL’s senior authority on student-related risk and regulation while leading large professional teams through sustained institutional change.

About You

We are looking for a senior higher education professional who brings:

• Experience as a Registrar or Deputy Registrar within a large, research-intensive institution
• Deep expertise in student lifecycle operations, regulation and governance
• A strong record of delivering organisational transformation and systems change
• Confidence operating within complex, high-profile academic environments
• The ability to balance regulatory accountability with empathy and student focus
• A data-literate approach to leadership, using analytics and technology to drive improvement
• You will be comfortable advising executive leadership and governance committees, holding institutional risk, and building inclusive, resilient teams.

Why This Role Matters

At a university of UCL’s scale and reputation, student services are not transactional — they are central to educational quality, student success and institutional integrity.

This appointment will influence how tens of thousands of students experience UCL each year. It is a rare opportunity to shape systems, culture and governance at one of the world’s most globally engaged universities.

Reward & Benefits

UCL offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• 41 days leave (27 annual leave + 8 bank holidays + 6 closure days)
• Option to purchase 5 additional days
• Defined benefit CARE pension scheme
• Hybrid working (minimum 40% on-site)
• Relocation support (where applicable)
• Cycle to work and season ticket loan schemes
• Immigration loan support
• On-site nursery and gym facilities
• Enhanced family leave policies
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Discounted medical insurance

This role qualifies for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker or Global Talent visa routes Skilled Worker guidance

Equality, Diversity & Belonging

UCL is committed to equality of opportunity and building a community where everyone feels they belong. We particularly welcome applications from individuals currently underrepresented in senior professional services roles, including candidates from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, disabled applicants, and women in senior grades.

Applicants should also familiarise themselves with UCL’s policies relating to dignity, conduct and professional relationships.

How to Apply

Please submit:

• A detailed CV
• A supporting statement outlining your suitability and leadership impact

Closing date: 15 February 2026