Interim Director of Global Engagement, Future Students and External Relations - UOD2448

Make a Difference at the University of Dundee

We are seeking an exceptional senior leader to join the University of Dundee as Interim Director of Global Engagement, Future Students and External Relations.

This fixed-term appointment will provide strategic direction and continuity while the University progresses recruitment for the permanent role. You will lead a newly formed, multi-disciplinary Directorate, bringing teams together around shared priorities and ensuring that high-quality services continue to support the University's ambitions.

About the Directorate

The Global Engagement, Future Students and External Relations Directorate brings together home, rest of UK and international student recruitment; admissions, enquiries and conversion; external relations and communications; corporate and recruitment marketing; digital and creative services; development and alumni relations; major events; and international partnerships. Its work shapes how the University engages prospective students, colleagues, partners, alumni and wider audiences in the UK and internationally.

Learn more about the Directorate
https://www.dundee.ac.uk/globalisation

About the Role

Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer and working closely on a day-to-day basis with the Portfolio Vice-Principal Global Engagement and Future Students, you will provide visible, values-led leadership across the Directorate.

Your immediate priorities will be to maintain delivery, support colleagues through transition and establish clear plans, accountabilities and measures of success. You will also help shape the Directorate's future strategy and operating model, providing a strong foundation for the permanent appointment.

Key Responsibilities

You will be responsible for:

• Providing visible leadership and clear direction across a newly formed, multi-disciplinary Directorate.
• Maintaining effective delivery across student recruitment, admissions, marketing, communications, advancement, major events and global partnerships.
• Leading organisational change and cultural integration, establishing shared ways of working and collective accountability.
• Working with senior leaders and Faculties to align Directorate priorities with the University Overall Strategy, the Underpinning Local and Global Strategy, student recruitment goals, reputation management and institutional plans.
• Establishing robust arrangements for performance, resource and budget management, governance and risk.
• Using insight and data to improve services, inform decision-making and monitor delivery against agreed priorities and targets.

Who We're Looking For

Essential

• Significant senior leadership experience in a complex organisation, with a strong record of leading multi-disciplinary teams through change and uncertainty.
• Broad strategic experience across most or all of the Directorate's core areas, with the ability to connect activity across organisational boundaries.
• Excellent communication and influencing skills, with credibility at executive level and with external stakeholders.
• The ability to build trust, create clarity and foster an inclusive, engaged and high-performing culture.
• Strong strategic, analytical and organisational capability, including experience of workforce planning, performance management and financial management.
• Sound understanding of the opportunities and challenges facing the UK higher education sector.
• Strong judgement, resilience and adaptability, with the ability to balance strategic ambition and operational delivery.

Why Join the University of Dundee

At the University of Dundee, we are driven by a clear purpose: to transform lives through education, research and innovation.

We are internationally recognised for the real-world impact of our work, particularly in areas such as life sciences, health and engineering. Our collaborative and inclusive culture brings together talented people from across disciplines to tackle global challenges and deliver meaningful change.

Located in the vibrant city of Dundee, our campus offers a supportive and forward-looking environment where colleagues are empowered to develop, contribute and succeed.

Find out more about working at the University of Dundee: Working at the University of Dundee

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive community where everyone can thrive. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and are dedicated to creating an environment where colleagues feel valued, supported and empowered to succeed.

UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) Requirements

Any offer of appointment will be conditional upon the individual having, or being able to obtain, the right to work in the UK. Prospective applicants are encouraged to review UK Government immigration guidance to assess their eligibility to work in the UK, including consideration of visa options that may be available to them, prior to applying.