Strategic Planning and Projects Officer, Directorate of Strategic Planning & Corporate Governance (PLA035A)

A unique and exciting opportunity has arisen to join the Directorate of Strategy, Planning, and Data Insights on a six-month basis (secondment opportunity considered), as we work to support the Senior Management Team in taking forward a number of initiatives that will underpin realisation of the University’s strategic priorities. 

Job Description

This is an excellent opportunity for the right individual to gain valuable career experience in a role that will make a direct and positive contribution at the highest level of the University. Based in our Old Aberdeen campus, you will be responsible for providing proactive and high-quality planning and project related services and support to senior University management across a number of key functions. This will include support to re-design and implement a new strategic planning process, to be applied institutionally, across Faculties, and within Directorates. The postholder will also play a key in enhancing the University’s risk management function, helping to drive the management of strategic risk while ensuring that risk management arrangements at both strategic and operational levels are fit for purpose and effective. In addition, a key part of this role will be managing strategic initiatives designed to drive institutional league table performance and reputation, among other responsibilities. Across all of these areas, the post-holder will provide regular advice to senior colleagues, including the Director of Strategy, Planning, and Data Insights, the Provost, and the Vice-Principals, among others, on a range of issues related to the above.

Educated to degree level, you will be an ambitious, self-starting and enthusiastic team-player who can work effectively at every level of the University, and with key external partner organisations. You will have a strategic mindset and the ability to translate high-level strategic objectives into tangible activities at an operational and tactical level. You will demonstrate excellent organisational and prioritisation skills that will enable you to make a meaningful contribution across different projects and activities, and you will have excellent writing skills, with a requirement to draft reports for audiences like the Senior Management Team, and the University Court. You will also be an effective communicator with excellent interpersonal skills; someone with the ability to build effective working relationships with diverse stakeholders across the University, including senior managers.

Salary will be at the appropriate point on Grade 7, £47,389 - £56,535 per annum, with placement according to qualifications and experience.

Informal enquiries should be made to Iain Grant, Interim Director of Strategy, Planning and Data Insights, e-mail: i.grant@abdn.ac.uk

This role is based in the UK and as such the successful candidate will be required to live and work in the UK.

To apply online for this position visit https://www.abdn.ac.uk/jobs

Job Reference Number: PLA035A

The closing date for the receipt of applications is 1 October 2026

The Directorate of Strategy, Planning and Data Insights embraces a diverse working environment and recognises the many benefits this can bring. Applications from individuals from across all of the equality protected characteristics are encouraged.

Please Note

If you are unable to complete an application online, please contact the Recruitment Team (HRRecruitment@abdn.ac.uk) to make alternative arrangements for submitting your application within plenty of time before the advertised post closes.