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Marie Gallagher has been appointed as the University’s new Director of Faculty Professional and Technical Services. This post has been established to provide leadership and accountability for the delivery of professional and technical services activities across the four new Faculties, which become operational from August this year. Marie will commence the new role on 20 June. 

Marie currently works at University College London (UCL) as Executive Director in the office of the Vice President for Operations, leading admissions and recruitment and the university’s Student Lifecycle Digital Change portfolio. Marie has extensive experience across, and deep knowledge of, the higher education sector having worked in departments, faculties and central professional services.  

Prior to her role at UCL, Marie held significant leadership positions at Queen Mary University of London and Royal Holloway, University of London. At Queen Mary she served as the Faculty Director of Operations responsible for the operational delivery of professional and technical services across a complex and diverse community of schools. Prior to this, Marie was the Deputy Head of Operations for the School of Management, where she played a key role in leading strategic institutional projects. 

Marie said: “I am thrilled to be joining the University of Sussex in a role that crosses the frontier of working with Faculty colleagues, and professional colleagues in the central teams. The sense of community throughout the recruitment process was tangible and I am eager to be part of that and play my role in the success of Sussex’s education and research endeavours.”   

Marie will report to the Chief Operating Officer (initially Emma Potts as Interim COO) and will work closely with Michael Luck (Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Provost), who will line manage the four new Faculty Executive Deans. With both Michael and Emma, Marie will ensure there is an effective interface between the academic community and the Professional Services teams across the University, so that the services provided by the central teams work seamlessly with those at Faculty and School level.  

Emma Potts said: “In this new role, Marie will provide University-wide coordination of Professional Services delivery to ensure that services are efficient and effective. Marie brings experience in a variety of roles across the higher education sector that will be especially valuable as we move to a Faculty model. I look forward to Marie joining Sussex this summer.” 

Michael Luck said: “With Marie’s appointment we have taken a step closer to the new Faculty model, and this role will bring synergy between the academic and Professional Services colleagues in the new Faculties. Marie has years of experience in similar roles and will bring energy and creativity to this vital new role.” 

Marie will be responsible for line management of the Associate Director of Technical Services and the four Faculty Heads of Professional Services. She will be a member of the Professional Services Leadership Team and the University Leadership Forum. 

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