Chief of Staff

This is an exciting, rewarding and pivotal role at an ambitious and leading London university, that is renowned for its progressive approach to education. Through our visionary Town House Strategy, we are transforming students' education by embedding the future skills sought after by employers across our curriculum.

This is a role with significant responsibility and impact. As a key advisor, you will work closely with the Vice-Chancellor to further develop the University’s strategic direction, helping to ensure the delivery of strategic and operational objectives. Working in close collaboration with senior leaders across the University, you will help to maximise the delivery of the University’s objectives by coordinating, facilitating and mediating on priorities and activities on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor.

You will ensure that the Vice-Chancellor is provided with appropriate briefings, presentations and research to enable him to undertake his day-to-day activities effectively and facilitate effective communication. You will also manage the University’s Senior Leadership Team meetings by scheduling items and setting agendas and ensuring standards for papers and presentations are met.

You will lead, coach and manage the Executive Support Team so that it provides outstanding administrative and strategic support to our senior leaders, ensuring the smooth and effective operation of the University.

The Person

We are seeking a Chief of Staff who is committed to helping us deliver our Values of inclusivity, innovation; ambition; and enterprise.

You will have high standards, enjoy being involved in a range of different projects and activities, and able to work effectively with people of differing seniority. You will be proactive, self-motivated, and comfortable working both independently and as part of a group.

You will provide high-quality advice and support to senior leaders, whilst understanding the importance of discretion and confidentiality. You will often work on issues that, initially, may not be clearly defined. You will be able to quickly master complex briefs, paying close attention to detail whilst also retaining a focus on the bigger strategic picture. You will be able to present complex messages simply and clearly to varied audiences and will have highly developed analytical, oral and written communication skills.

Directorate/Function

This role holder works closely on a day-to-day basis with the Vice-Chancellor, acting as a source of high-level support and as a trusted advisor. The role resides within the Corporate Services Directorate and reports to the University Secretary, who is responsible for the delivery of several key compliance and support services across the University. This comprises teams that lead on Governance and Compliance; Information Governance; Legal Services; Planning and Performance; Health, Safety and Security Strategy; Risk, Business Continuity and Insurance; and Executive Support.

Further information

This is a full-time permanent role, with a starting salary of £49,468 per annum. 

Interviews are expected to be held in person on 24 September 2025.

We offer a range of benefits, including:

- 35 days annual leave Full time equivalent

- Generous pension scheme (LGPS or TPS)

- Employee Assistance Programme helps with any work-related problems having a wider impact on your life and gives you access to the savings centre

- Discounts through the University’s benefits platform

- Course fee waiver scheme and discounted courses across the University

- Learning new skills with priority access to thousands of courses via LinkedIn Learning

- Season ticket loans up to £10,000 to help you spread the cost of commuting and get the best value for money.

Bring your true self, expertise, and passion to Kingston where we are continuing to strive to build a university where authentic inclusion and belonging is at its heart. Every one of our staff and students’ identities, backgrounds and diverse experiences makes us who we are - so harness and embrace yours by applying today. We welcome applications from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic backgrounds, LGBTQ+ communities and those with disabilities.

We are a place-based organisation, proud of our location in Kingston and the civic role we play in our community. Our campuses inspire collaborative, innovative and creative communities. Being present on campus is important to us because it helps us to create a sense of belonging for both our staff and students. Therefore, staff are expected to be on campus for the majority of their working week.

Candidates must be able to demonstrate their eligibility to work in the UK in accordance with the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006. Where required, this may include entry clearance or continued leave to remain under the Points Based Immigration Scheme. 

To apply click on ‘Apply Now’. If, for accessibility reasons, you need to apply in an alternative format, please email jobs@kingston.ac.uk or call the HR Shared Services team on 020 8417 3118.