BIRMINGHAM CITY UNIVERSITY (BCU) JOB DESCRIPTION. Head of Employer Engagement

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1 different EU funding, Job Title Faculty/ School/Department Responsible to: Responsible for: Research, Innovation and Enterprise Assistant Director Skills Graduate Employment Advisors Graduate Talent Consultants HLS Programme Manager BSEEN Project Manager Information Officer Job Purpose To take responsibility and provide leadership for the employer engagement strategy for BCU. Reporting to the Ass Director Skills to maximise the number of graduate jobs secured from employers, maximise student exposure to graduate level jobs, driving the volume and range of employer engagement to secure graduate jobs, mentoring and curriculum engagement, and to drive funded projects which promote employment and graduate employment outcomes. Main activities and responsibilities Lead the development, implementation and delivery of the employer engagement function, ensuring excellent levels of employer and student experience and facilitating improved Graduate Outcomes Plan, co-ordinate and be responsible for the delivery of and to play a key role in future strategic development for the expansion of employer engagement to support increased graduate jobs, entrepreneurship outcomes and partnerships to support graduate employment Support the Ass Director Skills to communicate the vision and strategy for the Service as well as providing positive motivation and leadership to the wider team Deputise for the Ass Director Skills within the University or externally as appropriate Develop and implement policies and procedures which will facilitate growth in the depth and breadth of employer participation in the skills agenda, facilitating increased partnerships and driving systems and methods which promote wider, deeper engagement to deliver employment results. Drive operational planning and organization of projects related to the area of work, and/or teams. Set performance standards and establish monitoring procedures to keep track of progress and provide input to longer term planning. Champion the development and delivery of curriculum-based employability initiatives, where employers have direct engagement. Apply creativity to devise varied solutions to problems where there is a mass of information or diverse, partial and conflicting data. Page 1 of 4

2 different EU funding, Advise SMT and other Senior University managers on employer led intelligence to inform future strategy development around employer feedback. Advise Academic and Administrative senior management on specialist issues relating to the delivery of Careers, Work Experience and Placement services to improve Graduate Outcomes Manage the relationship between teams and ensure they interact effectively to achieve the common purpose of the institution, delivering against service standards set, encouraging benchmarking and implementation of best practice Liaise and network internally and externally to facilitate effective strategic relationships, representing the university to maximize opportunities for students/graduates and positive graduate employability outcomes. Ensure robust management, monitoring and financial systems are in place across team. Analyse data to provide timely and accurate information, forecast and advice to Senior Managers to inform business plans that are set in the context of University strategy and policies. Additional Key Requirements: Communication Communicate complex and sometimes contentious information to a wide variety of audiences in order to influence, achieve change where necessary and achieve results. Brokering relationships providing with strong networking skills and high level influencing skills to secure maximum engagement with employers and stakeholders around graduate employment opportunities. Facilitate introduction to wider Senior Management where employer links might relate to wider opportunities for the University. Drive conversations with employers that will lead to active engagement in BCU curriculum and enhance the employer led profile of BCU within the external community. Influence internally and externally leading beyond authority to deliver results beyond the team. Teamwork and collaborative working Lead teams within areas of responsibility and act to resolve conflicts within and between teams. Work closely with equivalent colleagues across Faculties and with colleagues in central professional services to ensure the team deliver an outstanding service, proactive and responsive to the needs of customer groups and is efficient, effective, equitable and fair; maintaining and enhancing the University s reputation for quality. Network and building close working relationships with external partners to secure a range of supporting routes for graduate employment Page 2 of 4

3 different EU funding, Initiative, problem solving and decision making Review data on performance and take action to support improvement Identify new routes and ideas to address performance issues both internally and externally, establishing areas where there are skills shortages in the wider economy and working with faculties on reviewing ways in which graduates can respond. Resolve problems affecting the delivery of services within team and across Faculty. Influence wider Faculty and University decisions through participation in relevant working groups and committees and consultations. Work environment Be aware of the risks in the work environment and their potential impact on their own work and that of others. Ensure that appropriate risk management processes are operational within own areas of responsibility Special Requirements Ability to undertake duties at different premises, including any University campus in required. Additional travel may be required from time to time in order to attend meetings, conferences and events. There may be a requirement to work outside of standard office hours. The post holder will be responsible for delivering a range of work in support of University projects. The project portfolio may be subject to change in accordance with University needs. Person Specification A relevant degree or equivalent and/or experience. Will be a professional Careers and Employability specialist with high-level expertise and will have a considerable degree of independent professional responsibility and discretion, working to broad parameters and policy guidance. Proven substantial knowledge of current national Skills policy and the opportunities for Higher Education Institutions to engage effectively with this agenda. Extensive experience of leading the development and delivery of strategic skills initiatives including multiple partners and stakeholders with often competing priorities. Thorough understanding of the current regional economic development agenda and the role HEIs play in the economy. Knowledge of the HE sector and the challenges and business opportunities for universities related to skills. Demonstrable understanding of skills funding including SFA, ESIF and the role of LEPs. Demonstrable leadership and management experience including the development of strategy Has an active approach to their own continuing professional development, undertaking training as appropriate for personal and professional development. Able to demonstrate: Enthusiastic self-starter with high standards of planning and organisation Ability to build confidence, credibility and rapport with colleagues, partners and external customers / clients and to network widely Page 3 of 4

4 different EU funding, Ability to motivate others The analytical ability to comprehend the critical elements of any situation, both quickly and accurately and to inform sound judgments. Ability to work both within a team environment as well as working independently Applying business and commercial acumen in the pursuit of corporate business goals. Drive to create and maintain an appropriate level of energy and motivation in self and others to sustain enthusiasm and commitment. Excellent interpersonal, communication and client liaison skills. Considerable negotiation skills to achieve win-win results. Expectations of all staff Professional standards All staff employed by Birmingham City University are expected to exhibit high professional standards which promote and demonstrate the University s core values of Excellence, People Focused, Partnership Working, Fairness and Integrity. Equal Opportunities All staff are expected to understand and enact the University s commitment to ensuring equality and diversity in all activities. This commitment is enshrined in the Equality Statement and core values. Dignity at work Every member of staff has a responsibility to ensure colleagues are treated with dignity and respect. The University is committed to creating a work environment for all staff that is free from harassment, intimidation and any other forms of bullying at work, where everyone is treated with dignity, respect and professional courtesy. Health and safety The arrangements for meeting the University s health and safety objectives are contained in the Birmingham City University Health and Safety Policy. This includes the responsibilities of key staff and procedures covering the main activities of the University. All staff are expected to take reasonable care of themselves and those that may be affected by their actions. Dress code The University does not operate a formal dress code for its employees, other than for those who are provided with uniform and/or protective clothing. However, employees must ensure that their dress is professional, reasonably smart and appropriate for the situation in which they are working. All staff should ensure that they present a professional image and one that reflects sensitivity to customer perceptions. This may reflect their ethnicity and lifestyle, but should not be provocative or cause offence to those with whom they have contact. Citizenship Page 4 of 4

5 different EU funding, All staff are expected to adhere to good citizenship, being generous with help and support to others, collaborating with colleagues and working for the benefit of the University as a whole. In particular working to provide a positive student experience and achieving excellence in all the University s activities. This job description indicates the expectations of staff at this level. Job descriptions are not exhaustive and you may be required to undertake other duties of a similar level and responsibility. Page 5 of 4