SOAS University of London is Europe’s leading higher education institution specializing in the study of Asia, Africa, the Near and Middle East. SOAS University of London is positioned to play a leading role in reimagining higher education globally, with a new strategic plan as the basis for the renewal and revitalization of the university that commits SOAS to both student responsiveness and research intensity. SOAS is moving towards a new model of international partnerships that respond to the transnational nature of the global challenges we face.

About the department

The Provost’s Office consists of the Dean, Faculty Deans, Director of Global Learning and Teaching, Head of Learning Strategy and Student Experience, Head of Planning, Learning and Teaching Enhancement Team and the team that provides direct support to strengthen the University’s operational and strategic leadership.

The team within the Dean’s Office provides essential support to the Provost and the Dean’s senior management team, including executing their internal leadership roles and external work.

About the role

In this newly created role, the Director of Executive Support will play a pivotal role in supporting and overseeing the day-to-day operations of the Dean’s Office, collaborating closely with the Dean’s team to achieve strategic and operational goals, supporting colleagues, and managing assigned projects accurately and efficiently. By providing core project and administrative support, the post holder will contribute to the success of the Dean’s senior management team.

As the primary point of contact for the Dean’s Office, the position holder will manage high-level administrative and executive assistance tasks, ensuring seamless communication and coordination with staff, students, and external stakeholders. They will coordinate the work of the Executive Assistant to the Dean’s Office and lead the progress of education projects, adhering to clearly defined procedures and goals.

The role requires astute analysis and the ability to devise practical solutions to issues through workshops and effective communication. The Executive Support Manager will provide strategic recommendations to the senior management team on complex issues, analyze and present data and contribute to committee reports and papers. The Director of Executive Support will actively communicate within the University community and beyond to support their work and amplify the Dean’s initiatives.

By promoting a culture of continuous improvement, the Executive Support Manager will support personal and professional development, ensuring excellence in communication, quality and service.

You can find more information about the key criteria for the role in the job description and person specification, along with a full list of duties and responsibilities, which can be found on the SOAS website.

How to apply

Closing date: 19^y October 2025

Interviews to be conducted: w/c 03^Third November 2025.

We particularly welcome applications from working class, first generation, highly educated, black, Asian and other minority ethnic candidates and under-represented groups from within the UK and abroad. All hiring decisions will be made on the basis of merit, and after a fair and competitive process.