Our people
Through all our work, we aim to make the world a better place.
Foreward by Vice Chancellor, Professor Shitij Kapur, MBBS, PhD, FMedSci, FAAHMS, FKC
Dear candidate, I welcome your interest in this position as this is an exciting time to be joining King’s College London. We are one of the UK’s oldest universities, world-leading for the quality of our scholarship, the success of our alumni, and the reach of our impact. I had the privilege of returning to King’s in 2021, as Vice-Chancellor & President, after having served here previously as a Dean of a Faculty. While the higher education sector in the UK is in a time of turbulence and transformation, I am pleased to find myself amidst a dynamic, resilient and ambitious organisation that is as young as ever, at its 200th anniversary. With an organisation of 10,000 staff and over £1.5 billion in annual turnover, we now have more students from more countries than ever before; the research evaluation exercise REF2021 placed us as one of the UK’s leading universities; and we use our scholarship to assist society deal with everything from youth mental health to the war in Ukraine. We build on strong foundations, but the challenges we are facing as a sector and a university – from the current financial climate to the advent of Digital and AI – mean that to retain and enhance our reputation and position we must deliver on our ambitions within Strategy 2030. It is within this context that I am now seeking an exceptional candidate for the role of Executive Chief of Staff to support myself and the senior leadership to deliver on our aspirations. We are seeking an inspiring individual with an exceptional record of delivery and passion for supporting large, ambitious and complex organisations. This is a role for someone excited by the opportunity to support this special university to reach its potential for its 200th birthday in 2029 and to deliver on the proposed merger with Cranfield University. It is a role that is personally critical to me – for this person is often my closest confidant on some of our most enterprising and challenging issues. It is also a role that requires a unique combination of insight, strategy and diplomacy; while at the same time overseeing the running of a complex senior executives office. In the next few pages, you will learn about King’s and our history, vision, organisation and the expectations of this role. This is a great opportunity, at a pivotal moment in envisioning our future success. I look forward to your interest. Professor Shitij Kapur, MBBS, PhD, FMedSci, FAAHMS, FKC Vice-Chancellor & President King’s College London
Appointment details
Reports to: Professor Shitij Kapur
Salary
A competitive salary commensurate with the profile and experience of the successful applicant will be offered.
Terms
This is a full time, permanent appointment. The position will be offered on a permanent Professional Services contract.
Closing date for applications:
22 July 2026 10:00
Vacancy ID
150647
Role Purpose
The Executive Chief of Staff will serve as a strategic advisor and operational leader to the Vice-Chancellor (VC) while supporting the wider Executive function. They will enhance executive decision-making and drive effectiveness. Acting as a bridge between senior leadership and the wider University community, the Executive Chief of Staff will oversee executive operations and will take on a range of responsibilities including: • supporting and enabling operational delivery whilst ensuring integration of cross university initiatives • acting as an interface for key relationships, ensuring effective partnership working • ensuring appropriate management committee structures are in place and co-ordinated with governance committees and local committees to support effective and timely decision making • oversight of business planning and budgeting process for Executive Portfolios function (VC’s office). • taking the lead on sensitive and important initiatives and tasks as required by the VC. • assisting in management of crises and issues The Executive Chief of Staff will act as a trusted extension of the Vice-Chancellor’s office, ensuring that key priorities, decisions and relationships are understood, coordinated and progressed effectively. Working with the Vice-Chancellor’s confidence, they will represent the VC’s perspective with judgement, discretion, credibility and political sensitivity. The role therefore requires someone who inspires trust across the institution, builds confidence with senior leaders and stakeholders, and handle sensitive matters with care and authority. In a broad sense the Executive Chief of Staff will act as: • an “air traffic controller” for the VC, identifying priority business, triaging activity and issues, handling directly but referring up where necessary • a decision making facilitator and problem-solver, acting with the authority of the VC to resolve sensitive issues arising • an integrator, connecting work streams, activities and issues that would otherwise remain siloed, and working in partnership with the other Chiefs of Staff to align practice and process across the University • an honest broker and confidant, providing expert counsel • a communicator, linking the senior leadership team and the broader organisation including preparation and prioritisation of reports for key management and governance committees, as well as holding a role in external relations • a manager, ensuring the effective and efficient running of regular management committee and meeting cycle to ensure effective decision making • a coordinator lead on strategic and special initiatives, driving forward priority projects on behalf of the VC and ensuring delivery across organisational boundaries.
Key responsibilities
This role will report to the Vice-Chancellor and will line manage the Head of Business Support. The Executive Chief of Staff is responsible for the effective operation of the Vice-Chancellor’s Office and Executive Portfolios function, acting with the Vice-Chancellor’s confidence across a range of strategic, operational and sensitive matters. • Coordinate activity on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor across the VC’s Office, Executive Portfolios and the wider University centre, enabling clear communication, effective delivery and collaborative ways of working. • Oversee business support to the senior leadership team, including Executive Portfolios business planning, budget setting and related operational processes. • Ensure effective information flow, agenda development and preparation of committee papers, quality-assuring materials and briefing the Vice-Chancellor on key issues, risks, decisions and sensitivities across a broad range of subject areas. • Represent the Vice-Chancellor at selected meetings, contributing with judgement and discretion, capturing key issues and decisions, and ensuring appropriate follow-up. • Work in close partnership with the senior leadership team on University Executive matters, exercising judgement and bringing insight into senior discussions, helping to shape priorities, progress decisions, resolve issues and maintain momentum. • Lead and coordinate special projects on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, often involving senior officers and cross-institutional stakeholders. • Work with other Chiefs of Staff to connect the work of committees, strengthen alignment across portfolios and harmonise activity where appropriate. • Support the Vice-Chancellor’s engagement with Council and its committees, working closely with the University Secretary and senior colleagues to ensure effective briefing, preparation and follow-through. • Support senior appointments, onboarding and induction processes for SVPs and VPs. • Champion and actively drive a collaborative and inclusive working culture that values transparency, partnership and data-informed decision-making. • Assist in managing crises, sensitive issues and urgent matters, ensuring appropriate, timely and well-judged responses. • Undertake other activities necessary to support the effective execution of the Vice-Chancellor’s agenda.
Essential
• Significant experience of building trusted relationships with senior stakeholders, influencing across complex internal and external groups, and driving alignment across disparate views. • Proven experience of delivering successful outcomes in a complex, matrixed organisation, working effectively across formal and informal lines of authority. • Experience of navigating sensitive, political or ambiguous issues with judgement, discretion and credibility, using strong communication and influencing skills to resolve challenges constructively. • Experience of providing high-quality strategic advice and briefing to a senior executive or leadership team, including on complex, fast-moving or sensitive matters. • Strong understanding of governance, senior decision-making and committee processes, with the ability to ensure effective preparation, information flow and follow-through. • Strong organisational, analytical and critical reasoning skills, with the ability to prioritise competing demands, interpret complex information and solve problems under pressure. • High levels of personal credibility, resilience and judgement, with the confidence and discretion to act on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor when required.
Desirable
• An appreciation of the ethos, drivers and culture of UK Higher Education, including the distinctive responsibilities of working within a mission-led, charitable and publicly accountable institution. • Experience of working in, or closely with, a large, complex education, research, public sector or not-for-profit organisation. Qualifications • A university degree (essential) • Postgraduate qualification / further study (desirable)
About King's
King’s College London is ranked 5th the UK in the 2026 QS World University Rankings, and 31st in the world, with a turnover exceeding £1.3 Bn. It is the fourth oldest university in England, and is based in the heart of London. Kings has over 40,000 students from over 150 countries studying in person and online, and has over 12,000 employees. King’s academics are members of 9 Faculties, based on 5 campuses in central and SE London. Together the King’s community delivers a comprehensive portfolio of outstanding and impactful research and education in close partnership with the vibrant ecosystem across London along with other universities and partners across the globe. King's College London offers an intellectually stimulating environment in which to work, where staff are dedicated to the advancement of knowledge and learning in the service of society. We are a multi-Faculty institution, providing high-quality education, research and innovation across the humanities, sciences, medicine, law, dentistry, and social sciences. King’s Strategy 2030 sets out how we take our purpose to make the world a better place forward, with four key priorities including student success in and beyond university, investment in research and education excellence that responds to the changing world, to foster innovation and entrepreneurship, and sustainable finances for a secure future. King’s provides world-class education which enables students to become rounded critical thinkers, set up for success and with the character and wisdom to strive for social change. Through enquiry-driven research, King's delivers transformative insights and solutions that have the power to advance and accelerate global progress. Our comprehensive range of disciplines are organised into nine Faculties: • Faculty of Arts & Humanities • Faculty of Dentistry, Oral & Craniofacial Sciences • Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine • Faculty of Natural, Mathematical & Engineering Sciences • Faculty of Social Science & Public Policy • Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing, Midwifery & Palliative Care • Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience • King’s Business School • The Dickson Poon School of Law
Structure & Organisation
The University Executive sets the strategic direction and objectives to achieve the overall mission governed by the Council, oversees resource allocation and management of corporate risk and sets the tone for the culture and values of the King’s community.
Strategy 2030
For almost 200 years, King’s has been a place where ideas turn into action. From revealing the structure of DNA to reimagining nursing, from advances in medicine, law and the study of war and peace to shaping culture and public debate, our work has always been guided by a belief that knowledge should serve society. Over our history, King’s has been home to 14 Nobel Prize winners, and to scholars whose ideas and leadership have shaped thinking, policy and practice around the world. King’s has always been a place where knowledge is put to work for the benefit of others. King’s Strategy 2030 sets out how we take that purpose forward. The environment in which universities operate is shifting: the way higher education is funded is under strain, expectations of students and communities continue to evolve, and universities must increasingly show – through our actions and impact – the value we bring to society. Technology is changing how we teach, learn and research, and public scrutiny has never been stronger. In this context, standing still is not an option but King’s must be both fixed in our purpose and adaptable in our choices.
About King's
King's College London provides a dynamic habitat for individuals looking to expand their career prospects
Professional Services
Our Professional & Support services
King’s Strategy 2030
In service of society through academic excellence.
Please quote the vacancy id: 150647 in all correspondence.
Closing date for applications: 22 July 2026 10:00
Interview date: 06 August 2026
Application process
To apply for this post you will need to register on the King’s College London Job application portal here, and submit the application form, along with the following: • a statement setting out your reasons for applying for the post and highlighting the particular skill and experience which demonstrates your fit to the role (2 pages max) • a curriculum vitae We pride ourselves on being inclusive and welcoming. We embrace diversity and want everyone to feel that they belong and are connected to others in our community. We are committed to working with our staff and unions on these and other issues, to continue to support our people and to develop a diverse and inclusive culture at King's. We ask all candidates to submit a copy of their CV, and a supporting statement (circa 2 pages), detailing how they meet the essential requirements in the person specification. If we receive a strong field of candidates, we may use the desirable criteria to choose our final shortlist, so please include your evidence against these where possible. We are able to offer sponsorship for candidates who do not currently possess the right to work in the UK.
Contact us
For more information regarding the vacancy please contact us using the details below
Selection process
Applications will be shortlisted by the selection committee which includes representation from the across the University. The final interview panel will be chaired by the Vice Chancellor. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to a final panel in-person interview.
Jobs at King's
Current vacancies and career opportunities
Role Purpose
The Executive Chief of Staff will serve as a strategic advisor and operational leader to the Vice-Chancellor (VC) while supporting the wider Executive function. They will enhance executive decision-making and drive effectiveness. Acting as a bridge between senior leadership and the wider University community, the Executive Chief of Staff will oversee executive operations and will take on a range of responsibilities including: • supporting and enabling operational delivery whilst ensuring integration of cross university initiatives • acting as an interface for key relationships, ensuring effective partnership working • ensuring appropriate management committee structures are in place and co-ordinated with governance committees and local committees to support effective and timely decision making • oversight of business planning and budgeting process for Executive Portfolios function (VC’s office). • taking the lead on sensitive and important initiatives and tasks as required by the VC. • assisting in management of crises and issues The Executive Chief of Staff will act as a trusted extension of the Vice-Chancellor’s office, ensuring that key priorities, decisions and relationships are understood, coordinated and progressed effectively. Working with the Vice-Chancellor’s confidence, they will represent the VC’s perspective with judgement, discretion, credibility and political sensitivity. The role therefore requires someone who inspires trust across the institution, builds confidence with senior leaders and stakeholders, and handle sensitive matters with care and authority. In a broad sense the Executive Chief of Staff will act as: • an “air traffic controller” for the VC, identifying priority business, triaging activity and issues, handling directly but referring up where necessary • a decision making facilitator and problem-solver, acting with the authority of the VC to resolve sensitive issues arising • an integrator, connecting work streams, activities and issues that would otherwise remain siloed, and working in partnership with the other Chiefs of Staff to align practice and process across the University • an honest broker and confidant, providing expert counsel • a communicator, linking the senior leadership team and the broader organisation including preparation and prioritisation of reports for key management and governance committees, as well as holding a role in external relations • a manager, ensuring the effective and efficient running of regular management committee and meeting cycle to ensure effective decision making • a coordinator lead on strategic and special initiatives, driving forward priority projects on behalf of the VC and ensuring delivery across organisational boundaries.
Key responsibilities
This role will report to the Vice-Chancellor and will line manage the Head of Business Support. The Executive Chief of Staff is responsible for the effective operation of the Vice-Chancellor’s Office and Executive Portfolios function, acting with the Vice-Chancellor’s confidence across a range of strategic, operational and sensitive matters. • Coordinate activity on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor across the VC’s Office, Executive Portfolios and the wider University centre, enabling clear communication, effective delivery and collaborative ways of working. • Oversee business support to the senior leadership team, including Executive Portfolios business planning, budget setting and related operational processes. • Ensure effective information flow, agenda development and preparation of committee papers, quality-assuring materials and briefing the Vice-Chancellor on key issues, risks, decisions and sensitivities across a broad range of subject areas. • Represent the Vice-Chancellor at selected meetings, contributing with judgement and discretion, capturing key issues and decisions, and ensuring appropriate follow-up. • Work in close partnership with the senior leadership team on University Executive matters, exercising judgement and bringing insight into senior discussions, helping to shape priorities, progress decisions, resolve issues and maintain momentum. • Lead and coordinate special projects on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, often involving senior officers and cross-institutional stakeholders. • Work with other Chiefs of Staff to connect the work of committees, strengthen alignment across portfolios and harmonise activity where appropriate. • Support the Vice-Chancellor’s engagement with Council and its committees, working closely with the University Secretary and senior colleagues to ensure effective briefing, preparation and follow-through. • Support senior appointments, onboarding and induction processes for SVPs and VPs. • Champion and actively drive a collaborative and inclusive working culture that values transparency, partnership and data-informed decision-making. • Assist in managing crises, sensitive issues and urgent matters, ensuring appropriate, timely and well-judged responses. • Undertake other activities necessary to support the effective execution of the Vice-Chancellor’s agenda.
Our people
Through all our work, we aim to make the world a better place.
Faculties & Departments
Our 9 academic faculties
Essential
• Significant experience of building trusted relationships with senior stakeholders, influencing across complex internal and external groups, and driving alignment across disparate views. • Proven experience of delivering successful outcomes in a complex, matrixed organisation, working effectively across formal and informal lines of authority. • Experience of navigating sensitive, political or ambiguous issues with judgement, discretion and credibility, using strong communication and influencing skills to resolve challenges constructively. • Experience of providing high-quality strategic advice and briefing to a senior executive or leadership team, including on complex, fast-moving or sensitive matters. • Strong understanding of governance, senior decision-making and committee processes, with the ability to ensure effective preparation, information flow and follow-through. • Strong organisational, analytical and critical reasoning skills, with the ability to prioritise competing demands, interpret complex information and solve problems under pressure. • High levels of personal credibility, resilience and judgement, with the confidence and discretion to act on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor when required.
Desirable
• An appreciation of the ethos, drivers and culture of UK Higher Education, including the distinctive responsibilities of working within a mission-led, charitable and publicly accountable institution. • Experience of working in, or closely with, a large, complex education, research, public sector or not-for-profit organisation. Qualifications • A university degree (essential) • Postgraduate qualification / further study (desirable)
About King's
King’s College London is ranked 5th the UK in the 2026 QS World University Rankings, and 31st in the world, with a turnover exceeding £1.3 Bn. It is the fourth oldest university in England, and is based in the heart of London. Kings has over 40,000 students from over 150 countries studying in person and online, and has over 12,000 employees. King’s academics are members of 9 Faculties, based on 5 campuses in central and SE London. Together the King’s community delivers a comprehensive portfolio of outstanding and impactful research and education in close partnership with the vibrant ecosystem across London along with other universities and partners across the globe. King's College London offers an intellectually stimulating environment in which to work, where staff are dedicated to the advancement of knowledge and learning in the service of society. We are a multi-Faculty institution, providing high-quality education, research and innovation across the humanities, sciences, medicine, law, dentistry, and social sciences. King’s Strategy 2030 sets out how we take our purpose to make the world a better place forward, with four key priorities including student success in and beyond university, investment in research and education excellence that responds to the changing world, to foster innovation and entrepreneurship, and sustainable finances for a secure future. King’s provides world-class education which enables students to become rounded critical thinkers, set up for success and with the character and wisdom to strive for social change. Through enquiry-driven research, King's delivers transformative insights and solutions that have the power to advance and accelerate global progress. Our comprehensive range of disciplines are organised into nine Faculties: • Faculty of Arts & Humanities • Faculty of Dentistry, Oral & Craniofacial Sciences • Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine • Faculty of Natural, Mathematical & Engineering Sciences • Faculty of Social Science & Public Policy • Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing, Midwifery & Palliative Care • Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience • King’s Business School • The Dickson Poon School of Law
Structure & Organisation
The University Executive sets the strategic direction and objectives to achieve the overall mission governed by the Council, oversees resource allocation and management of corporate risk and sets the tone for the culture and values of the King’s community.
Strategy 2030
For almost 200 years, King’s has been a place where ideas turn into action. From revealing the structure of DNA to reimagining nursing, from advances in medicine, law and the study of war and peace to shaping culture and public debate, our work has always been guided by a belief that knowledge should serve society. Over our history, King’s has been home to 14 Nobel Prize winners, and to scholars whose ideas and leadership have shaped thinking, policy and practice around the world. King’s has always been a place where knowledge is put to work for the benefit of others. King’s Strategy 2030 sets out how we take that purpose forward. The environment in which universities operate is shifting: the way higher education is funded is under strain, expectations of students and communities continue to evolve, and universities must increasingly show – through our actions and impact – the value we bring to society. Technology is changing how we teach, learn and research, and public scrutiny has never been stronger. In this context, standing still is not an option but King’s must be both fixed in our purpose and adaptable in our choices.
About King's
King's College London provides a dynamic habitat for individuals looking to expand their career prospects
Professional Services
Our Professional & Support services
King’s Strategy 2030
In service of society through academic excellence.
Please quote the vacancy id: 150647 in all correspondence.
Closing date for applications: 22 July 2026 10:00
Interview date: 06 August 2026
Application process
To apply for this post you will need to register on the King’s College London Job application portal here, and submit the application form, along with the following: • a statement setting out your reasons for applying for the post and highlighting the particular skill and experience which demonstrates your fit to the role (2 pages max) • a curriculum vitae We pride ourselves on being inclusive and welcoming. We embrace diversity and want everyone to feel that they belong and are connected to others in our community. We are committed to working with our staff and unions on these and other issues, to continue to support our people and to develop a diverse and inclusive culture at King's. We ask all candidates to submit a copy of their CV, and a supporting statement (circa 2 pages), detailing how they meet the essential requirements in the person specification. If we receive a strong field of candidates, we may use the desirable criteria to choose our final shortlist, so please include your evidence against these where possible. We are able to offer sponsorship for candidates who do not currently possess the right to work in the UK.
Contact us
For more information regarding the vacancy please contact us using the details below
Selection process
Applications will be shortlisted by the selection committee which includes representation from the across the University. The final interview panel will be chaired by the Vice Chancellor. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to a final panel in-person interview.
Jobs at King's
Current vacancies and career opportunities