Job Description
The Opportunity
The University of Sussex is seeking three senior professional services leaders to take up the role of Associate Director of Faculty Operations and Planning. These roles are central to strengthening Faculty-level operations and ensuring that professional services are aligned with academic priorities and institutional strategy.
Each Associate Director will be embedded within one of the following Faculties:
- Faculty of Media, Arts and Humanities
- University of Sussex Business School
- Faculty of Social Sciences
Working as a strategic partner to the Executive Dean, and in close collaboration with the Director of Faculty Professional and Technical Services, you will provide senior leadership across Faculty operations, planning, and resource management. Your work will support academic leaders in navigating an increasingly complex higher education environment while delivering consistent, high-quality professional services.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide senior operational and strategic leadership within a Faculty, acting as a trusted adviser to academic leadership.
- Lead planning, resource management, and service delivery across a range of professional services functions.
- Ensure Faculty professional services are responsive, effective, and aligned with academic priorities and University strategy.
- Advise on resource allocation, investment decisions, and budget management, ensuring value for money and financial sustainability.
- Oversee governance, risk management, and compliance within the Faculty’s operational remit.
- Contribute to the development and delivery of Faculty strategic and operational plans.
- Work as part of a University-wide network of Associate Directors to support cross-institutional projects, promote consistency, and share best practice.
- Support organisational change and continuous improvement, helping to shape resilient and future-focused Faculty operations.
About You
You will be an experienced professional services leader with a strong track record in operational management, planning, and partnership working within a complex organisation. You will bring:
- Proven experience leading multi-functional professional services teams.
- Strong strategic thinking skills, with the ability to translate strategy into effective operational delivery.
- Experience advising senior leaders on planning, resourcing, and performance.
- Confidence managing budgets, risk, and governance processes.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, enabling effective collaboration with academic and professional colleagues.
- A collaborative mindset and commitment to consistency, shared learning, and continuous improvement across the institution.
- This role offers the opportunity to contribute at a senior level to shaping how professional services operate across Faculties at Sussex.
About the Faculties
The University of Sussex is structured around four Faculties, each supported by professional services teams that enable education, research and innovation, civic and global engagement, and a strong culture of equality and inclusion.
These roles play a critical part in ensuring that Faculty operations are efficient, resilient, and aligned with the University’s strategic priorities. Working closely with central professional services and academic leadership, Associate Directors help deliver a positive experience for both staff and students.
Further information about the Faculties can be found on the University of Sussex website.
Why Work at Sussex
- A distinctive 150-acre campus set next to the South Downs National Park.
- Excellent public transport links, including a train station five minutes from campus.
- Support for sustainable travel, including a cycle-to-work scheme and dedicated cycling routes.
- A collaborative, research-led international university where people are at the heart of success.
Visa, Right to Work and Compliance Information
All work for the University must be undertaken in the UK. This role may be eligible for sponsorship under the UK Skilled Worker route. The assigned SOC code is 2322 – Education Managers, with a current going rate of £43,900. Eligibility for sponsorship will depend on the salary offered and the agreed FTE.
Relevant UK government guidance:
Skilled Worker visa overview
Skilled Worker salary requirements and tradeable points
Right to work checks
Equality Act 2010 guidance
Public sector governance and accountability
Informal Enquiries and How to Apply
Full details and application instructions are available via the University’s vacancies page.
Closing date: 25 January 2026, 3:59 pm
Expected start date: As soon as possible
The University of Sussex values equality, diversity, and inclusion and welcomes applications from candidates of all backgrounds.
