Executive Director

Introduction to the AUA
The AUA (Association of University Administrators) is the professional association for higher education professional services. As well as being a representative voice for HE and FE professionals within our sector, we are here to support and guide our members as they define and develop their career ambitions. The AUA is an established provider of professional development opportunities including learning and development events, conferences and a professionally accredited career pathway. We are a registered charity, governed by a Board of Trustees, with a turnover of over £600k pa and there are currently 2,600 members. AUA Enterprises Ltd is the Association’s subsidiary company and is the accounting body for many of the trading activities undertaken by the AUA.

Overall Purpose of the Job:
The AUA is looking for an exceptional Executive Director who will be responsible for enhancing the reputation of the AUA, driving up membership numbers and coordinating the 2 activities of AUA Enterprises Ltd. The Executive Director will network effectively across the sector, maintaining and developing effective partnerships and ensuring a relevant membership offer. They will be charged with developing and leading the Association’s strategy and objectives in order to meet the needs of the membership and will be accountable for the performance, leadership, development and sustainability of the AUA under the direction of the Board of Trustees.

Key Responsibilities, Accountabilities or Duties:

1. To advise the AUA Trustee Board on its long term strategies, plans, budgets and financial plans, ensuring that these reflect the needs of a membership organisation, are appropriately resourced and regularly monitored.
2. To promote, represent and negotiate the interests of the AUA in line with strategic goals, which will include:
   a. building and maintaining constructive relationships with key stakeholders, in particular senior university staff and relevant external bodies, to identify new opportunities for added value and revenue
   b. ensuring that it is seen by higher education senior management teams and other sector bodies as a major source – and a key partner for the development of expertise on university management and administration;
   c. ensuring that members’ views are represented within the AUA structures and externally to government and sectoral bodies e.g. in significant consultation exercises;
   d. increasing representation in the press and other media;
   e. representing AUA on appropriate external bodies, as agreed with the Chair.
3. To shape the membership offer and drive membership development through overseeing the implementation of marketing and external relations plans.
4. To ensure coordination of the activities of AUA Enterprises Ltd to maximise opportunities for commercial exploitation.
5. To lead and provide direction to the senior management team to ensure the achievement of organisational aims and strategic objectives.
6. To ensure the AUA’s governance and policy frameworks are fit for purpose with strong people and financial management systems, complying with statutory requirements and reflecting best practice, which ensures that members are at the heart of all activities and enable the AUA to be sustainable and robust for the future.
7. To develop and champion a high performing, inclusive culture that values and celebrates diversity and is focused on the development and positive wellbeing.
8. To ensure that the AUA can positively demonstrate that resources are being used effectively to deliver its charitable and strategic objectives in line with Charity Commission requirements and that delivery is monitored effectively by reporting on key performance indicators focused on outcomes and impact of the activity.
9. To be the primary link between the Trustee Board and the staff team, advising the Trustee Board on their obligations as charitable trustees and ensuring these obligations are met.
10. To undertake such other duties as directed by the Board of Trustees commensurate with the level of responsibility for the role.

Recruitment pack available here

Please visit our website for further information and to apply online.