39,324 -to 52,793 per annum, according to qualifications and experience

Transcription

1 Job Related Information This document includes information about the role for which you are applying and the information you will need to provide with your application. 1. Role Details Vacancy reference Job title: Reports to: Salary: Terms and conditions: Senior Policy Adviser Senior Policy Manager 39,324 -to 52,793 per annum, according to qualifications and experience Academic Related Grade Grade 8 Duration of post: Working hours: Location: Permanent 37 hours per week Milton Keynes Closing date: Noon, Monday 19 June 2017 Type of application form accepted: Number of referees required: Unit recruitment contact: Short version, CV and covering letter or statement Three Comms-recruitment@open.ac.uk The Open University, Human Resources, HRG158 Page 1 of 7

2 2. Summary of duties Insert job description : Purpose Statement To develop evidence-based policy positions for The Open University (OU) on areas of Government policy in England that are of relevance to the University and its students. This will entail providing insightful analysis of developments in higher education, skills and lifelong learning and the opportunities these may present for the OU and the higher education sector. In particular, the postholder will lead on generating credible and imaginative policy and strategy ideas that senior OU staff (and those they engage with externally) can take forward. They will also develop policy responses to UK government consultations and parliamentary inquiries in England and the UK, with associated messaging. The post-holder will work in close collaboration with the Senior Policy Manager. Responsibility for specific policy areas ranging from lifelong learning, student finance and support for students with disabilities through to support OU faculties and their interests will be split between the two roles. This is a varied and stimulating position in a small but highly effective team. It will demand a credible track record in policy formulation and a strong understanding of the higher education sector in England, coupled with an awareness of the associated further education, adult learning and skills landscapes. Main Responsibilities 1. To monitor and analyse the UK political landscape and funding environment (including legislative bodies in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland) and provide insight in order to develop an effective understanding of new or developing policies that may be relevant/provide opportunities to the OU across all 4 Nations. 2. To be a thought-leader and generate new, imaginative and credible policy solutions that will help to shape and influence a favourable policy environment for the UK higher education sector and the OU. This will involve collaboration with senior internal stakeholders (including the Vice- Chancellor s Executive, Nation Directors, the Director of Communications and Head of Media Relations and Social Media Engagement). 3. To draft policy position papers, articles and blogs for internal and external audiences, as well as making presentations at meetings. 4. To draft OU responses to UK Government, Parliament and wider stakeholder inquiries and consultations. 5. To work with Head of Government and External Affairs and Senior Policy Manager to communicate relevant external policy developments within the OU, via effective channels. The Open University, Human Resources, HRG158 Page 2 of 7

3 6. To work with external stakeholders including UK Government Officials, to inform and shape policies that affect the University s students, staff and markets. 7. To provide strategic advice on key areas of policy work to the media team, the Vice-Chancellor, senior staff and other colleagues, as requested. 8. To represent the OU externally at roundtable discussions, meetings and events, where appropriate. 9. To ensure consistency of the University s internal and external policy positions across the four nations of the UK, by close working with OU colleagues in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. 10. To use internal mechanisms such as Committees, Groups and papers as a means of both relaying the ramifications of UK Government policy on the University and its students and to seek input and decisions on policy asks, messages and ideas. 3. Person specification Requirements (E = Essential/ D = Desirable) Education, qualifications and training Essential: First degree or equivalent Desirable: Masters or additional qualifications or training in public policy (or similar) Knowledge, work and other relevant experience Essential: Exceptionally strong higher education policy background and experience ideally will have worked in Her Majesty s Government, Education Think Tank, Higher Education Institution or Mission Group etc. Excellent knowledge of policy-making. Experience of proactively identifying ways to capitalise on changes to public policy. A real understanding of Whitehall and Westminster and the practicalities of policy development and legislation, as well as understanding the economics behind it and levers for change. Desirable: An understanding of legislative bodies and HE in Scotland, Wales and NI The Open University, Human Resources, HRG158 Page 3 of 7

4 Skills, capabilities and qualities Essential: Flexible, resourceful, highly motivated, confident and proactive. Excellent written and oral communication skills. A good team player with the ability to work collaboratively with colleagues from other parts of the University and key external partners to obtain information and achieve results. Excellent analytical skills, confidently and authoritatively interpreting public policy and translating ramifications for the OU and the sector. Ability to communicate complex policy message to a range of audiences through a variety of channels. Creative, forward-looking and pragmatic with excellent critical reasoning, analytical and conceptual thinking skills. We are looking for someone who is capable of generating imaginative and credible policy and strategy ideas. Adept at collecting internal data and responses, and package for external audiences (i.e. consultations and articles etc), as well as developing messages, lines and policy positions for the OU to adopt. Attention to detail and ability to meet deadlines. Ability to think, plan and organise strategically and systematically and monitor progress using effective controls and success criteria. Excellent understanding of the use of evidence in formulating and assessing policy options. Good inter-personal skills with an ability to establish and develop strong relationships and build networks with senior figures outside and within the University. Great influencing skills and ability to use a range of strategies, build trust and win support. Has an understanding of cultural, professional and other differences and actively encourages contributions from others. Desirable: 4. Role specific requirements e.g. Shift working This vacancy is being offered as a full-time opportunity. You will be required to work 37 hours per week. The Open University, Human Resources, HRG158 Page 4 of 7

5 Required to work occasional weekends or out of hours. 5. About the unit/department Communications Directorate Provides counsel to the OU s senior leadership, and advises OU staff at every level, including best practice, on communications. Ensures communications activities are delivered in line with the University s strategic plan, and that these effectively contribute towards promoting the OU s position as a world leader in flexible lifetime learning. Provides professional leadership for the OU on communications. Digital Communications Provides Digital Services that provides a framework to manage and enhance the University s digital estate for the public web (excluding recruitment of students) and next generation intranet - enabling the delivery of the best possible experience for all audiences to visitors to (for example) News, Research, Faculties, Nations etc., and quality staff engagement through the intranet technologies we provide. Corporate Communications Guides, advises and enables pan-university communications, including: Effectively engaging staff with university strategy, institutional change and other initiatives; Supporting managers and their teams in delivering meaningful and effective communications; Staging of impactful and well-managed events; Managing the Business Planning process for the Communications Unit; Establishing and managing the framework for effective editorial planning; and Coordinating with the OU s academic community to deliver effective campaigns on Communicating Academic Excellence (CAE). Government & External Affairs (GEA) Engages governments and other key organisations and individuals to secure policy and funding objectives to support the OU s mission through: gathering intelligence, assessing and coordinating policy proposals across the OU; building relationships with decision-makers to increase influence and advocacy; and ensuring the four-nation status of the OU is promoted through close working with Nation Directors and their teams. The Open University, Human Resources, HRG158 Page 5 of 7

6 Media Relations & Social Media Engagement Media Relations Drives the OU s news output and shapes the way the University is portrayed in the media. Manages the University s reputation through: planning and shaping the editorial agenda; identifying, sourcing and developing positive stories to promote the OU as a top university; evaluating and advising on opportunities and risks; and taking timely and appropriate action on behalf of the University; and nurturing relationships with key journalists and opinion-formers. Social Media Engagement Provides Social Media Engagement that delivers proactive and responsive reputational management and adoption of social everywhere particularly in supporting Communicating Academic Excellence and Corporate Reputation. Dedicated to using creative solutions to support our students, engage our advocates in relevant/topical conversations and be the go to place for HE news and current debate in order to protect and enhance our reputation. Change Communications Leads on delivering fast, accurate responses to complex and sensitive pan-university issues. Coordinates closely with other teams to deliver effective communications and campaigns, through: developing accurate and compelling messaging; targeting and briefing key external stakeholders (not covered by GEA); and providing guidance, briefing and negotiating agreements with external stakeholders on local and national partnerships, including event sponsorship opportunities. How to obtain more information about the role or application process If you would like to discuss the particulars of this role before making an application please contact Laura Burley on telephone number +44 (0) or laura.burley@open.ac.uk If you have any questions regarding the application process please contact the Recruitment Coordinator by at comms-recruitment@open.ac.uk 7. The application process and where to send completed applications Please ensure that your application reaches the University by: your application to : Noon, Monday 19 June 2017 Comms-recruitment@open.ac.uk marking the reference number and the job title in the subject field The Open University, Human Resources, HRG158 Page 6 of 7

7 Or post to: Name/Job title: Department/Unit: Address: Post Code: The Recruitment Co-ordinator Communications, The Open University Walton Hall, Milton Keynes MK6 7AA 8. Selection process and date of interview The interview panel will be chaired by: The other members of the interview panel will be: The interviews will take place on: The selection process for this post will include Laura Burley, Head of Government & External Affairs Further panel members will be advised to candidates successful for interview Thursday 29 June 2017 Interview and pre interview written task We will let you know as soon as possible after the closing date whether you have been shortlisted for interview. Further details on the selection process will also be sent to shortlisted candidates. Applications received after the closing date will not be accepted. The Open University, Human Resources, HRG158 Page 7 of 7