Chief Executive Officer - The Guardian : Job Details

The Russell Group represents 24 research-intensive universities located in every region and nation of the UK. Our members are committed to maintaining world-class research, delivering outstanding teaching and learning, and contributing to innovation, skills and economic prosperity across the UK and internationally.

We are now seeking an exceptional individual to succeed Dr Tim Bradshaw as Chief Executive. This is a rare opportunity to lead a team of policy advisors/analysts and communications professionals in a high-profile organisation at the heart of higher education and research policy, working closely with Vice-Chancellors to ensure the collective voice of our universities is heard clearly and constructively by government, policymakers, and the wider public.

The Chief Executive will play a central role in strengthening the Russell Group’s influence at the highest levels of government and across all four nations of the UK. The successful candidate will ensure that the Group continues to deliver authoritative, evidence-based policy analysis, while developing a more outward-facing and impactful approach to advocacy and engagement. They will need to be politically astute, capable of building trusted relationships across parties, and skilled at presenting the value of our universities in ways that resonate with national priorities.

We are looking for a proven leader with a strong track record of political engagement and advocacy at senior levels, alongside experience in policy development and analysis in higher education, government, research or a related sector. They will bring the authority to act as a confident spokesperson with political, media and public audiences, and the ability to support our Vice-Chancellors in their own influencing roles. Exceptional stakeholder management skills, experience of working with complex governance, and an inclusive and empowering leadership style will be essential.

This is a significant and influential appointment. The successful candidate will combine political judgement, policy insight and strategic communication skills with the authority and integrity to lead one of the most important voices in UK higher education, ensuring it demonstrates its value to government, society and the economy in new and compelling ways.

For further details, including how to apply, please visit: russellgroup

Closing date: noon on Monday 29 September 2025.

We welcome applications from people whatever their race, gender, disability, sexual orientation, religion and belief, or age. We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion as a core part of our values.