Job Description and Person Specification

Transcription

1 Job Description and Person Specification Job title Reports to Responsible for Grade/Salary Dean of Student Services Pro Vice-Chancellor (Student Experience) Registrar Director of Library and Student Support Director of Student Recruitment and Admissions Director of Marketing and Communications Salary negotiated with the successful candidate Job Purpose A member of the University s Senior Leadership Team, reporting to the Pro Vice-Chancellor (Student Experience) you will provide leadership and hold accountability for the enhancement of quality and the student experience with respect to the student life cycle including: Student recruitment (UK, EU & International) widening access and admissions. Library and student support and facilitate enhancements to the student experience across the University in the context of increasing student diversity and the commitment to University values. The University Registry with responsibility for Quality Assurance and Enhancements, Academic Award Regulations, General Regulations for Students, Student Records and functions of Student Services Marketing and Communications (internal and external communication, press and PR). Main Activities 1. Lead the design and the delivery of student experience that underpins the success of the University Plan and is informed by both business needs and the student voice for all students across all modes of study. 2. Develop University wide policies, procedures and action plans to support the delivery of the University s strategy. 3. Drive an enhancement agenda providing cutting edge student support contributing to the improvement of student success and performance. 4. Build a service that is leading in the use of digital technology to improve working practice and enable 24/7 support. 5. Lead on the University s Marketing and Communication Strategy, supporting plans and campaigns to ensure that the University continues to grow its brand and reputation regionally, nationally and internationally. 6. Contribute to the delivery of university objectives in relation to the recruitment of Home/ EU/ International Students on a range of delivery modes, in line with university targets. 7. Oversee, monitor and evaluate schools liaison and student recruitment activity including open days 1

2 and events. 8. Lead and manage all of the internal and external feedback mechanisms for applicant and student satisfaction and engagement including Student Surveys and respond to this feedback in order to bring about improvements at an individual, team and organisational level. 9. Provide a one-stop approach to student support, integrating services and offering a virtual and physical solution. 10. Ensure that we have a library provision that is aligned with the portfolio and fit for the future. 11. Co-ordination and monitoring of the University s Access and Participation Plan, TEF submissions, supporting information for Annual Provider Review and any other relevant statutory returns. 12. Produce an annual report on the Student Experience based on a range of internal and external evaluation mechanisms, to benchmark the University against competitors, to demonstrate continuous improvement and to inform future actions. 13. Develop close working relationships with the Students Union and its Officers to deliver an integrated student experience. 14. Operate at a national level within the sector in the student experience arena and ensure the University is positioned as a national leader within this. 15. Lead and manage key student experience events such as Welcome Week and the Award Ceremonies ensuring that these deliver a first-class student experience. 16. Have oversight of registry functions including Student Record Management and associated data. 17. Oversee, monitor and evaluate the effective operation of the formal student complaints, appeals and disciplinary processes. 18. Act as a senior professional advisor to the Executive on all matters related to Quality Assurance, University s Academic Award Regulations and General Student Regulations, ensuring they are fit for purpose, reviewed regularly and support the achievement of the University Plan. 19. Remain up to date on all emerging developments within the field of student recruitment, student experience, support and academic regulations to ensure the University is best placed to meet any opportunities or challenges that emerge. 20. Support the delivery of accurate information returns to a number of external organisations including the OFS. 21. Represent the University on appropriate committees and working groups at local, regional and national level in line with strategic and operational objectives and to build the University s reputation. 22. Line manage direct reports including setting objectives and monitoring performance, and maximise efficiency through the effective management of all resources, including financial and physical. Special Conditions The postholder will be required to travel and represent the University in the UK and Overseas as required 2

3 Variation to Job Description Staffordshire University reserves the right to vary the duties and responsibilities of its employees within the general conditions of the Scheme of pay and conditions and employment related matters. Thus, it must be appreciated that the duties and responsibilities outlined above may be altered as the changing needs of the service may require. Conditions of Service The post is subject to such terms and conditions of employment as negotiated between the Board of Governors of the University and the recognised trade unions, and/or the employees of the University. In negotiating such terms and conditions the Board of Governors will consider any appropriate advice received from the Universities and Colleges Employers Association (UCEA). 3

4 Person Specification Candidates are asked to address the essential Qualifications and Experience criteria in their supporting information as part of their application supporting information. Essential Qualifications & Experience 1. Substantial management experience in higher education that demonstrates successful strategic planning, implementation and impact, as well as effective personnel leadership and resource management. 2. Qualified with a good First degree, ideally with a post graduate qualification. 3. Experience of managing a budget and developing a business plan. 4. A successful track record of designing and leading initiatives to enhance student experience and the wider student journey lifecycle. 5. Successful experience of change management, and the delivery of complex projects to tight timescales and to deliver efficient and effective services. 6. Substantial experience in delivering services to support higher education students. 7. An excellent understanding of the current issues affecting UK higher education, in particular those issues that direct impact on students and the student journey. 8. Genuine empathy with students and a strong understanding of the issues and challenges they face. 9. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, the capacity to lead, enthuse and inspire, and to influence colleagues at all levels. 10. Excellent managerial skills with the ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and more widely. 11. A track record of professional engagement in regional/national policy developments in the area of student support. 12. Experience of working closely with Students Unions. Skills, Abilities & Behaviors 1. Strong leadership qualities and skills appropriate to a senior management position including the management, development and motivation of both teams and individuals to inspire and secure high performance. 2. Strongly self-motivated bringing gravitas, credibility, energy, resilience and commitment. 3. High level communication skills both oral and written with and ability to act as a representative of the themed area and University in a wide range of situations, both internally and externally, nationally and internationally. 4. High level negotiation, influencing and enabling skills to ensure priorities are met. 5. Ability to work positively with stakeholders to achieve outcomes and deliver change through people. 4

5 6. An understanding of the external political and policy environment and the implications for practice. 7. A positive can do attitude and approach and the ability to work at pace. 5