JOB DESCRIPTION Student Opportunities Manager Section Student Services Location: Ipswich (Waterfront) Campus. Salary: Within the range 34,520 to 39,992 per annum Grade: 8 Contract status: Permanent Hours of work: As required to fulfil the duties of the post (based on notional 37 hrs) Pension: USS Annual Leave entitlement 30 days pa, plus Bank Holidays and closure days Responsible to: Head of Student Services Reports on a day-to-day basis to: Head of Student Services About the Department The Department of Student Services takes a holistic approach to student experience and actively contributes to the academic, personal and professional development of our students. As well as providing one-to-one impartial advice, education and guidance, we engage and collaborate with our students online, via workshops and events and across a number of cognate areas: Student experience and pastoral support * International study exchange and work opportunities * Equality and diversity matters * Disability, wellbeing and counselling services Learning difficulties diagnosis Safeguarding Career, employability and progression * Peer-to-peer support * Student finance and hardship funding * The Department is located at the Ipswich campus, with the exception of the Careers Team which also provides a peripatetic service to Partner Colleges in Suffolk and Norfolk. Annually the Department engages over 25% of our student population in one-to-one advice and guidance; and delivers a substantial portfolio of extra-curricular workshops, large events and fairs, and a programme of diverse initiatives and campaigns. Purpose of the job: This role will lead a range of student service 1 areas to deliver and facilitate a range of learning opportunities, cultural and social experiences to enhance the overall University experience and actively shape the personal and professional development of our student body. The post holder will also be directly responsible for the delivery of support to a cohort of International students and for managing and overseeing study abroad relationships, opportunities and agreements. 1 * indicates advice/support areas that fall within the remit of this role; either through direct delivery or through oversight and leadership.
The role requires a holistic approach to student life and therefore it is essential that the postholder has a good understanding of the diversity of the student population and is able to navigate the student experience and broad range of information and processes. Role Outline Possess and maintain a sound understanding of the cultural and social interests and identities of students. Develop and maintain a thorough understanding of a range of international and EU student matters, including immigration, compliance and visa issues, in order to provide appropriate information and support to such students, as their first point of contact. Provide pastoral support for International students throughout their studies. Provide information, advice, guidance and advocacy on a range of University processes, eg accommodation, immigration status, academic appeals, complaints, academic and professional misconduct and disciplinary processes. Maintain oversight of tier 4 record keeping duties in collaboration with staff from the International Office. Co-ordinate the arrangements for the reception of new international students and organise an induction programme in collaboration with academic and Professional Services staff, the Students Union and Multi-Faith Chaplaincy. Provide advice and guidance to staff on issues related to the provision of an appropriate learning environment for international and EU students. Act as the Institutional Erasmus co-ordinator and be the operational co-ordinator for participation in the Erasmus programme and oversee Erasmus project work undertaken by the Study Abroad Adviser. Manage operational spending on student mobility activity; including the Erasmus+ project grant and organisational support funds. Oversee the selection and placement procedures for students and staff undertaking exchanges. Support in forging and maintaining international partnerships and increase participation in exchange opportunities. Lead on the development and monitoring of student mobility Key Performance Indicators. Support and contribute to institutional international activities e.g. summer schools, study abroad Working at a range of levels across the institution lead and shape the delivery of services to respond to key priorities e.g. widening participation, retention, student experience, internationalisation and employability. Working with staff in the department and across the institution bring together opportunities such as, study abroad, Erasmus+, Internships, jobs, volunteering and peer mentoring to develop a coherent promotional plan that increases student engagement. Lead in developing and implementing a promotional plan for the department to raise awareness of opportunities available to students and drive up engagement Take responsibility for safeguarding matters, for example, International under 18s and Prevent Duty compliance.
Research and maintain an active interest in international practise, disseminate information and advise on best practice. Develop effective strategies to review the impact and efficacy of services and disseminate findings To work flexibly as out of office hours work may be required. Mange the maintenance and review of appropriate service information, in a variety of formats. Deputise for the Head of Student Services by supervising the work and performance of team members; conduct appraisals and hold regular review meetings. Undertake any other duties as may be required by the Head of Student Services.
Selection Criteria Candidates will be assessed against the following essential/desirable attributes: Essential Good general education to Honours Degree level Desirable Relevant qualification Professional memberships EDUCATION AND QUALIFICATIONS KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE SKILLS Knowledge of the Erasmus+ Mobility Tool Experience of providing impartial advice and guidance to students and interpreting and advising on complex regulatory matters. Experience of working in a socially and culturally diverse community and embedding this within work. Knowledge of international student experience in Higher Education Experience of interpreting complicated regulations and procedures, and explaining these in a clear and effective manner. Excellent IT user with a good knowledge of a range of IT platforms, social media and/or learning environments to engage clients. Experience of managing others. Excellent interpersonal, networking and collaborative skills Excellent presentation skills and experience of working with groups and presenting information online Excellent organisational skills Well-developed verbal and written communication skills. Good interpersonal skills to develop and maintain effective working relationships and forge professional links. Ability to analyse problems and identify potential solutions. Excellent organisational skills, including ability to plan, prioritise and manage own workload in a fast moving environment. Ability to prepare and deliver presentations to large audiences clearly and confidently. Experience of the immigration system as it relates to students Experience of organising and running workshops and events to coordinate a programme of activities Experience of producing studentfocussed publications Experience of leading a range of cognate student services ATTITUDE Able to initiate work, prioritise and manage time effectively. Committed to embracing the diversity
Essential Desirable of the community. An understanding of and commitment to Equal Opportunity and Health and Safety Policies, and the ability to promote this in the day to day work of the post. ENQUIRIES For specific enquiries about the role please contact Chantalle Hawley, Head of Student Services c.hawley@uos.ac.uk 014732 338410 For general enquiries about applications please contact the HR team (see below). Closing date: Monday 2 nd October 2017 at midday Interview date: to be confirmed but likely to be 19 th or 20 th October 2017 APPOINTMENT TERMS This is a full time permanent post on salary scale 8, within range 34,520 to 39,992 pa. EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES University of Suffolk is a diverse community and is committed to providing equality of opportunity to all staff and students. NO SMOKING POLICY A no smoking policy operates at all University of Suffolk premises, including the use of electronic cigarettes/pipes. APPLICATIONS Please see below for specific instructions on how to apply. Please note that applicants who fail to return all the documents asked for, may be discounted. To apply for this post: All forms and information can be found on our website http://www.uos.ac.uk/jobs Fill in the Application Cover Sheet and include details of any flexible working request you are making Complete the monitoring form Attach a curriculum vitae and a letter of application setting out clearly how you meet the essential and desirable criteria for this post Return them as Word (.doc) attachments by e-mail to: jobs@uos.ac.uk please put the post title in the subject box of your email. If you are unable to email your documents, you may post them to The Human Resource Team University of Suffolk Waterfront Building Neptune Quay Ipswich Suffolk UK IP4 1QJ If you are unable to apply via the website please ask for an application pack from the address above, or by phone on 01473 338351.
FLEXIBLE WORKING As a Top 30 Employer for Working Families 2016 we consider flexible working requests for all our vacancies. This might include adjustments to the working location, hours, time, or working on job share basis. Applicants wishing to apply for a flexible working arrangement should state clearly that they are applying on a flexible working basis providing details of their request including their availability for work. About the University of Suffolk After nine years of strengthening its reputation the University of Suffolk, formally known as University Campus Suffolk, achieved University status in 2016. This evolution was much faster than expected, faster than any other institution, which speaks volumes for the quality of education on offer here and the quality processes completed to achieve full status. Before now, Suffolk was one of only four counties in the UK without a university, and both staff and students have been working towards establishing the institution as a distinct and reputable place of study. Considering its humble beginnings and the fact that the University of Suffolk is young and small compared to other institutions, its growth is of key economic and educational importance: putting Suffolk on the map as an exciting destination for students to learn and discover opportunity. The University of Suffolk is agile and responsive, custom built for a changing world, absorbing the best of UK university traditions and aligning them with a twenty first century audience and a modern world of employment and entrepreneurship. It is committed to being economically relevant and having a measurable civic impact, whilst remaining student centric. The University of Suffolk is comprised of the main Ipswich Campus, with learning networks in the Further Education Colleges in Bury St Edmunds, Great Yarmouth, Lowestoft, and at Suffolk New College, Ipswich.