Job Related Information

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: Deputy Director, Strategy & Development (Wales) Director, The Open University in Wales 65,229-78,243 per annum, according to qualifications and experience Senior Academic Grade Band 1 Duration of post: Working hours: Location: Permanent 37 hours per week Academic Services, based in Cardiff Closing date: 12 noon, 6 April 2018 Type of application form Standard application form accepted: Number of referees required: 3 Unit recruitment contact: Wales-Recruitment@open.ac.uk The Open University, Human Resources, HRG158 Page 1 of 6

2 2. Summary of duties The Deputy Director, Strategy & Development, will be a key member of the OU in Wales senior team as we work together to ensure that a growing number of learners in Wales recognise and enjoy the benefits of part time distance learning with the Open University. Your focus will be to provide leadership to The Open University in Wales strategic planning, external engagement, communication, marketing and business development activities, and you will lead a small team promoting the work of The OU in Wales and securing opportunities to grow the University s reach and impact. Strategic Planning & Business Intelligence You will maintain an oversight of the external environment including the policy landscape, legislative change and market developments, and translate the impact of change into opportunities and challenges for The OU in Wales. You will bring this understanding to the development of The OU in Wales strategic and business plan, linking to The Open University s UK-wide strategy overall. You will work with the Director and other senior colleagues, to ensure our goals are translated into clear business objectives and action plans that colleagues in Wales understand, own and deliver. You will work with our Information Analyst, and with staff in the University s Strategy & information Office, to develop our use of data and evidence to inform strategic planning and the use of resources. You will put in place systematic and straightforward monitoring and reporting to track our progress and manage risk. You will actively contribute to the University s major institutional change programme the Student First Transformation - providing insights from a nation perspective in areas relevant to your portfolio. You will build strong and productive links with The Open University's offices in Scotland and Ireland on matters of shared interest, develop an expert understanding of the different funding and political regimes operating across the 4 Nations, and ensure that colleagues are well briefed on such matters and that such intelligence feeds in to internal thinking and policy development. Business planning, growth and opportunities You will identify opportunities for growing the business in Wales, working closely with staff based at the Milton Keynes campus as well as OU in Wales academic staff. You will ensure that opportunities are properly assessed, planned and delivered in line with overall strategy. You will develop our relationships with employers, trade unions and professional bodies and build collaborations focused on securing new partnerships - concentrating on work based learning, employability and careers, skills development and apprenticeships. You will oversee our engagement with the Degree Apprenticeship programme in Wales, using your skills and networks to influence those shaping the programme at HEFCW and in government. You will work closely with colleagues in the University s Business Development Unit and build an internal strategy to position the OU as the major HE partner in degree apprenticeships in Wales. You will support staff as they identify partnerships, maximise our participation and build the external and internal relationships that will ensure successful delivery. You will ensure that our collaborative relationships with other further and higher education providers in Wales are strong, productive and mutually beneficial, and, together with the Assistant Director Student Experience, Learning & Teaching, will develop and strengthen progression pathways for learners onto OU qualifications. As well as working with external stakeholders in Wales, you will forge good working relationships with colleagues in the University s Faculties to build and maintain a thorough understanding of the University s curriculum, processes and delivery methods. You ll develop internal networks and strategies to ensure that the University can deliver excellent service and seamless learning for partners, sponsors and students in Wales. Key working The Open University, Human Resources, HRG158 Page 2 of 6

3 relationships will be with the Business Development Unit, Marketing, Communications, Government Relations and the Strategy & Information Office. Communications, Marketing and Public Affairs You will provide oversight and leadership to communications and public affairs activities in Wales, liaising closely with marketing colleagues to ensure all our external promotions activity is co-ordinated and strategically focused. You will ensure all colleagues are well supported, trained and enabled to promote the interests of the University externally in Wales, by promoting the flow of information and intelligence internally, and creating toolkits and briefings on a regular basis. You will be proactive in seeking opportunities to influence policy development that furthers the OU s interests in Wales and will participate in appropriate working groups, discussion forums and networks that improve understanding and advocacy for the University. You will ensure our political stakeholders and decision-makers are not just familiar with The OU in Wales but will recognise our ability to contribute to public policy solutions and plan accordingly. Your team will drive improvements in our media profile, gaining greater success in proactively pitching story ideas to media, including broadcast, print and online media outlets, and will promote a more impactful online presence, seeking measurable improvements in engagement through our website, content and social channels. Together with Marketing colleagues you ll ensure The OU in Wales delivers a programme of profile-raising and knowledge-sharing events, linked to our strategic goals, which engage, inspire and are useful to audiences. You will ensure our responsibilities for complying with Welsh Language Standards are met, both in Wales and in the UK, in a proportionate and reasonable manner, and will explore opportunities to promote and grow the use of the Welsh language in our work through OpenLearn Cymru and other appropriate means. You will Deputise for the Director as required and may be asked to represent The Open University in Wales in various working groups, consultative bodies and forums both in Wales and more widely in the UK. 3. Person specification Requirements (E = Essential/ D = Desirable) Education, qualifications and training Undergraduate degree. Evidence of up-to-date engagement with continuing professional development activities relevant to the role. Desirable: Postgraduate qualification in a discipline relevant to the role. Knowledge, work and other relevant experience Relevant professional experience in a senior influencing role for a university, educational or other similar organisation. The Open University, Human Resources, HRG158 Page 3 of 6

4 Experience of team management and development, working across a variety of professional disciplines. Experience of building productive networks that deliver measurable, beneficial outcomes for an organisation, sustained over a period of years. Exerience of applying a deep understanding of public policy to organisational development and change. Desirable: Desirable: An understanding of Welsh and UK Higher Education policy. Appreciation and engagement with devolved policy making in Wales and in the UK. Desirable: Experience of working at the interface between Universities and employers to build productive networks and relationships. Personal abilities and qualities Excellent written and oral communications skills. Excellent interpersonal skills, including influencing and relationship building. An excellent communicator and with extensive networks in either HE/FE; business education development; or skills and training organisations. Readiness to introduce and lead change. Proven ability to lead across multi-disciplinary teams, including colleagues without direct line management relationships. Proven ability to build a positive and inclusive working environment, role modelling behaviours that are consistent with organisation values. Additional Requirements An understanding and empthy with working in a bilingual environment. Desirable: Oral and written Welsh language skills for professional situtions. 4. Role specific requirements e.g. Shift working The post-holder will be required to travel regularly within Wales, to Milton Keynes and occasionally elsewhere. The Open University, Human Resources, HRG158 Page 4 of 6

5 5. About the unit/department THE OPEN UNIVERSITY IN WALES The Open University in Wales is responsible for delivery of academic and support services to students and enquirers right across the country. It is funded through student fee income and by support from the Higher Education Funding Council for Wales and serves approximately 7,500 students. Our Cardiff office is the base for more than 80 members of staff working for The Open University in different functions, including: The Director for Wales and deputies with overall responsibility for the leadership and oversight of the work of the Open University in Wales, including that delivered by faculty staff based in Wales; Academic staff, managers and coordinators from our Faculties and Schools, developing curriculum, supporting and co-ordinating teaching and ensuring that there is a Welsh perspective in the academic developments of the University; Our Student Recruitment and Support (Wales) team working to ensure the successful delivery of services and support to students across all activities; Staff engaged in external affairs, marketing, widening access and employer engagement, seeking to grow our collaboration agenda in Wales and tell our story to a wider public; The UK-wide Venue Management Team, which is responsible for venue procurement and management activities for all OU tutorials, examinations and ad hoc meetings in the UK and Continental Europe; Our team of Operations and Support staff, who make sure we run smoothly and effectively on a day-to-day basis. The Open University is committed to sustaining a powerful and visible presence in Wales, working closely with other educational providers and organisations to offer high quality part-time higher education opportunities via distance learning. The University is focused on working with the Welsh Government and the Funding Council in meeting the economic, social and cultural needs of the Wales. This is an exciting time to join the University, as it transforms its UK-wide operations, and refreshes its academic approach. Wales-based staff are involved in planning and organising large-scale operations, using technology to produce materials and information, and effectively managing resources to produce and deliver services to schedule. All staff are concerned with the maintenance and improvement of our high standards of support to individual students and have a strong customer service ethos. The Open University in Wales is located at 18 Custom House Street, Cardiff. This is a five-minute walk from Cardiff Central train and bus stations. Given its city centre location there is no parking available but there are numerous car parks nearby. For further information on The Open University in Wales, and on the University, please see The Open University in Wales website at 6. 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 Louise Casella, Director, The OU in Wales on or Louise.Casella@open.ac.uk If you have any questions regarding the application process please contact Catherine Collins on or The Open University, Human Resources, HRG158 Page 5 of 6

6 7. The application process and where to send completed applications Your covering letter or statement should clearly identify how you meet the criteria in the person specification if you have not already provided this information on the application form. Please ensure that you provide relevant examples as evidence to support your statements. The selection panel will consider how well the information you provide demonstrates that you meet the criteria identified in the person specification. Please ensure that your application reaches the University by: 12 noon, 6 April 2018 Post it to: Name/Job title: Department/Unit: Address: Post Code: Or your application to: Alison Deering, Senior Support Services Assistant The Open University in Wales 18 Custom House Street CF10 1AP Wales-Recruitment@open.ac.uk 8. Selection process and date of interview The interview panel will be chaired by: The other members of the interview panel will be: Louise Casella, Director TBC The interviews will take place on: 24 April 2018 The selection process for this post will include TBC 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. Expenses incurred for travelling to the interview will not normally be reimbursed by the University. The Open University, Human Resources, HRG158 Page 6 of 6