Further Particulars
This document includes information about the role for which you are applying and the information you will need to provide with the application.
1. Role details
Vacancy reference: 9610Job title: Assistant Director (External Strategy)
Reports to: Director
Salary: £47,787 - £53,765 per annum
depending on qualifications and experience
Terms and conditions: Academic Related and Support Staff
Grade: Grade 9
Duration of post: Permanent
Working hours: Full-time (37 hours per week)
Location: The Open University in Wales, Cardiff
Closing date: 12 noon 27th February 2014
Type of application form accepted: Full Application Form
Number of referees required: 3
Unit recruitment contact: Miss Michele Looker
2. Summary of duties
1. Manage and be accountable for a range of activities with substantial internal and/or significant external impact and plan strategically in the work area.
2. Negotiate and/or plan for appropriate resource, including the deployment of HR, to meet the needs of operation/educational areas.
3. Liaise with other areas of Student Services and other units and provide educational and managerial input into policy making and core activity groups.
4. Deputise for the Director of the Open University in Wales across a range of functions and, sometimes, across all functions.
5. Normally have management responsibilities for staff, UAP and/or associate lecturers, including their recruitment, appointment, development and appraisal.
6. Maintain a sound knowledge of University policy and procedures within the specific work area and in relation to students and associate lecturer services generally.
7. Contribute to the development of an academic community.
8. Convey the mission and values of the OU and standards of service to students and staff.
9. Promote collective understanding of Student Services provision and responsibilities and sharing a good practice across all units of the university.
10. Integrate and apply the internal review processes within regional practice within the work area.
11. Develop, monitor and review quality assurance mechanisms, including appropriate, well-designed feedback, to inform practice and continually improve service delivery.
12. As agreed, deputise for other Assistant Directors.
13. Such other appropriate duties as may be determined by the Director, Wales.
SPECIFIC RESPONSIBLITIES
1. Take the strategic lead on widening access, employer engagement and other externally facing activities, liaising and working closely with Wales-based academic staff, central academic units (including the Centre for Inclusion & Curriculum) and other staff across the University as appropriate.
2. Take the lead in considering, evaluating and exploring opportunities for relevant and strategic alliances, collaboration and wider relationships with other institutions and bodies (such as employer bodies and trades unions) in order to enhance the University’s student recruitment, provision and income in line with the overall approach, objectives and targets of the Welsh Government (WG) and the Higher Education Funding Council for Wales (HEFCW), and within the overarching framework of ‘OU Futures’
3. Under the direction of the Director, Wales, and working with the other Assistant Directors, take a lead on the University’s contribution to the three regional strategies for HE in Wales, with the Further Education sector, and other collaborative activity as it relates in particular to widening access and employer engagement. Ensure that information is reported and disseminated appropriately throughout the OU in Wales and the wider University.
4. Lead the University’s contribution to the three Reaching Wider partnerships in Wales.
5. Represent the University and contribute to the development of its role in the Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol, working closely with the Director and the Assistant Director (Development, Teaching & Learning).
6. Line management responsibility of widening access and employer engagement related staff.
7. Work closely with the Assistant Director (Development, Teaching & Learning) to ensure that widening access and employer engagement work is linked firmly with work on improving retention and progression.
8. Contribute at strategic level to the OU's wider UK structures and committees for example, the Strategy Unit and the Widening Participation Management Group, in order that WG and HEFCW policies and priorities in the areas of widening access and employer engagement shape the over-arching University strategies, policies and targets for both areas of work at UK level.
9. Oversee and/or manage projects from time to time based in the OU in Wales and in Student Services more widely.
10. Individually, and with colleagues, be responsible for external bids and income generation.
11. On behalf of the Director for Wales, develop and maintain links across the University with appropriate units and sub-units, including the Office of the Pro-vice Chancellor for Research and Scholarship, the Head of the Business Development Unit, the Director of Strategy, Faculty staff and the Centre for Professional Learning & Development (CPLD).
12. Contribute strategically and operationally as a member of the Directorate Team with the Director for Wales, the Assistant Director (Development, Teaching & Learning) and the Assistant Director (Planning & Resources), including contribution to the development of formal strategic plans.
13. Assist the Director and work with the Policy and Public Affairs Manger in establishing and sustaining external relationships with government, policy-makers and other appropriate bodies and individuals.
14. Promote the interests of the University externally in Wales more widely by participating in appropriate working groups and discussion forums; attending conferences and reporting back; taking part in broadcasts and briefing journalists; and contributing to responses to consultative documents from the WG and the HEFCW and other bodies.
15. Deputise as necessary for the Director, Wales.
3. Person specification
Degree or equivalent / ü
Relevant professional qualification and/or evidence of updating and continuing professional development / ü
High level of experience in managing staff and activities at a strategic level / ü
Recent or current experience within adult, further, higher education or a related field / ü
Understanding of the needs of adult learners particularly within the context of part-time supported open learning / ü
Experience of income generation from external projects and funding streams (such as EU funding) / ü
Awareness of the external environment and government policies as they impact on the University / ü
In-depth knowledge of the external environment and Welsh Government policies as they impact on the University particularly in the areas of widening access and employer engagement. / ü
A clear understanding of the legal and cultural status of the Welsh Language in Wales. / ü
High level of computer literacy in order to use IT systems effectively as planning and management tools / ü
Knowledge of, as well as commitment to, Equal Opportunities policy / ü
The ability to communicate through the medium of Welsh. / ü
Willingness to travel around Wales and throughout the UK / ü
Willingness to work some evenings and weekends / ü
4. Role specific requirements e.g. Shift working
5. About the unit/department
The Open University in Wales is responsible for delivery of core services to students and enquirers right across the country. It is funded by the Higher Education Funding Council for Wales and serves approximately 11,000 students and 320 Associate Lecturers, and offers tutorials at locations across Wales.Our Cardiff office is the base for 63 members of staff. The Open University in Wales is structured as follows:
§ the Director for Wales and 3 Assistant Directors with overall responsibility for the management and oversight of the work of the Open University in Wales, including that delivered by faculty staff based in Wales;
§ around 18 academic staff, managers and coordinators of Faculties and Schools – these report jointly to the Director, Wales and the Dean of their Faculty/School;
§ 11 Student Services Managers working closely with faculty staff to ensure the successful delivery of services to students, enquirers and Associate Lecturers across all activities;
§ 2 Widening Access Managers, 1 Employer Engagement Managers, 1 Corporate Development Manager, Wales working closely with Directorate to enhance the Open University in Wales contribution to the widening access, employer engagement and collaborations agenda in Wales;
§ 1 policy and public affairs and 3 marketing staff.
§ around 22 support staff, including Directorate Assistants, Faculty Assistants, Associate Lecturer Services staff, and Office and IT Services staff.
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 has a Welsh Language Scheme and provides a bilingual service in its dealings with the public and its students. The University is committed to 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 works to develop further its work in the fields of widening access, employer engagement and partnership and collaboration activities, whilst providing a high quality learning experience for its students.
Staff are involved in planning and organising large-scale operations, using new technology to produce materials and information, and effective management of 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. Important issues currently facing the University include student recruitment and retention in the increasingly competitive higher education environment. Student Services is reviewing its learner support model and during the next few years, there are likely to be changes to the patterns and mechanisms for supporting students. It is therefore important that staff are flexible in their approach to work and the duties that they undertake.
The Open University in Wales operates within a framework of policies and procedures laid down by the University’s senior management and committees. It sets and implements policies and reviews its activities through the Open University in Wales Committee and several other working groups and teams, of which the formal ones include representation from students and Associate Lecturers.
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 NCP car parks nearby, some of which are available at a reduced rate.
For further information on Open University in Wales, and on the University, please see The Open University in Wales’ website at www.open.ac.uk/wales
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 Mr Rob Humphreys, Director on 029 2047 1019 or emailIf you have any questions regarding the application process please contact Ms Michele Looker, Assistant Director (Planning and Resources) on 029 2047 1019 or email
7. Where to send completed applications
Please ensure that your application reaches the University by: 12 noon 27th February 2014Post it to:
Name/Job title: Miss Joanne Hodgetts
Address: The Open University in Wales
18 Custom House Street
Cardiff
Post Code: CF10 1AP
Or e-mail your application to:
8. Selection process and date of interview
The interview panel will be chaired by Mr Rob Humphreys, Director. The other members of the interview panel are to be advised.The interview date is also to be advised.
The selection process for this post will include a presentation to the interview panel and selected staff.
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 data will not be accepted.
FPs - Post 9610 - English - Feb 14 Human Resources HRG158 Issue 2
January 2010
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