Vacancy for General Council Secretary

The role of the General Council

The General Council has a statutory right to comment on matters that affect the well-being and prosperity of the University, with the aim of ensuring that graduates have a continuing voice in how the University is governed. Its membership mainly consists of graduates, plus senior academic and professional services staff and members of the University Court.

What does the Secretary do?

The Secretary takes the lead on the various initiatives undertaken by the General Council and has overall responsibility for its general operations and communications. The Secretary also acts as Secretary to the Business Committee of the General Council – the  body that plays a pivotal role in ensuring that the views and concerns of graduates are effectively communicated to the University Court –  and also provides support and advice, in particular to its Convener.

In addition to an advisory role, the Secretary must ensure that all meetings and other events of both the General Council and the Business Committee are run appropriately. They will interact with many parts of the University, especially in relation to its governance and administration. There is also close liaison with Development & Alumni.

The post requires familiarity with working with committees, good organisational skills, and an ability to work successfully with a wide range of people. The post-holder needs to be able to see and keep in mind the ‘big picture’ while not being put off by the need to get the details right. They will be an excellent listener and be able to influence others as well as offering sound guidance. Experience of working within a large and complex organisation would be beneficial.

The work is both interesting and stimulating, as well as presenting exciting and highly

rewarding challenges. Ultimately, the role of the Secretary provides the post-holder with a special opportunity to contribute to the success of their alma mater.

The position is part time and honorary, making the Secretary an alumni volunteer.

The Secretary is supported by the Assistant Secretary, a permanent, full-time member of University staff who also carries out the Council’s general administration.

A detailed role and person specification is given below.

Eligibility to apply 

Only General Council members are eligible to be appointed as Secretary.

To avoid conflicts of interest and maintain the independent status of the General Council in the governance process, any General Council members who are currently members of University of Edinburgh staff or otherwise in a paid contractual relationship with the University, or are members of Court or student representatives, will be expected to relinquish these roles if appointed as Secretary.

How to apply 

Expressions of interest should be sent by email with a brief biography or CV and the names of two referees - to: General.Council@ed.ac.uk by 5pm on Monday 7 December 2026

Paper copies of applications, marked confidential, can also be sent by post to arrive by 7  December addressed to: 

Convener of Business Committee

 The General Council

The University of Edinburgh

Charles Stewart House

9-16 Chambers Street

Edinburgh

EH1 1HT

Any informal enquiries can be directed to the Convener by email to General.Council@ed.ac.uk

Interviews

Interviews with shortlisted candidates will be held in the first week of February 2027

Appointment process

The Business Committee will make a recommendation to the June 2027 Half Yearly General Council meeting and appointment is subject to approval then.