Director of Governance and Legal Services, University of Brighton

University of Brighton; Brighton; On-site; GBP 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job description

Director of Governance and Legal Services, University of Brighton

The University of Brighton is a community of some 18,000 students and 2,400 staff. We were awarded a TEF Silver for our teaching quality rating and a strong research record, factors which contribute to our reputation as a leading modern university.

We are a thriving, multi-campus coastal university delivering innovative career-focused courses at undergraduate and postgraduate degree level and our research and teaching transforms lives and benefits communities worldwide. The university offers a wide range of jobs in both academic and support roles, with competitive salaries and flexible working opportunities.

Dear Candidate,

We are delighted that you are considering joining the University of Brighton as our Director of Governance and Legal Services, a role that is pivotal to the future success of our brilliant institution.

Your role will be central to realising this vision. Reporting directly to both of us, you will provide the strategic leadership and expert guidance that underpin our governance, legal, and compliance functions. You will be the independent advisor to the Board of Governors, ensuring the integrity, transparency, and effectiveness of our decision-making. Simultaneously, you will be a key point of liaison to the University Executive Board, guiding us through complex legal, regulatory, and institutional challenges.

We are looking for a leader with clear strategic vision, sound judgement, and a collaborative mindset. Your ability to build trusted relationships, offer expert counsel, and influence with authority will be essential in helping us navigate an increasingly complex higher education landscape. Whether shaping the university’s risk management framework, driving continuous improvement in governance and compliance, or providing legal oversight on matters of institutional significance, your contribution will directly impact Brighton’s future.

You will lead a talented and dedicated team, ensuring they are empowered to deliver exceptional support and service across governance, legal services, and internal audit. Your influence will extend beyond process and policy; it will shape the culture of accountability, transparency, and inclusion at Brighton.

We both know that true leadership in this role goes beyond technical expertise. It requires a values-driven, authentic, and confident leader who shares our commitment to equity, diversity, and sustainability. You will champion these principles in everything you do, driving improvements that make a meaningful difference to our university community.

If you are motivated by the opportunity to shape the future of a dynamic and values-led university, we look forward to meeting you and exploring how your experience, expertise, and vision can help us continue to thrive.

Quoting the relevant role reference number: A040035

A covering letter highlighting the aspects of the job description and The University of Brighton that particularly attract you to the post (Microsoft Word document).

Contact details for three referees, these will not be contacted without your permission. (References should validate a minimum period of six years employment).

A completed Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form (which you will be redirected to once you have submitted your application).

Right to work checks

If you are successfully shortlisted, our partner, Yoti, will contact you to complete an online right to work check. This is a quick and secure process, ensuring that all necessary legal requirements are met before proceeding further in the recruitment process.

Monitoring

One of Alumni Global’s and the University of Brighton’s objectives is to ensure that its workforce is reflective of the local community and therefore we actively encourage applications from under-represented groups. So that we can successfully achieve these aims, while it is not mandatory we would encourage every applicant to complete the “Equal Opportunities Monitoring form” so that we can measure the effectiveness of our efforts.

For a confidential discussion on this role please contact:

Owen Francis, Director or Beth Stickney, Principal Researcher, on [phone].

Candidate adjustment

If you require any reasonable adjustments to be made as part of the recruitment process please can you advise us so that we can ensure this is accommodated.

Final Interviews: 12th, 13th or 26th June 2025 - TBC.

Please ensure you have made a note of the final interview date(s). We recommend that you bookmark this microsite, as any potential updates regarding the role will be posted online.