University Dean for Student Employability

Closing Date 04 May 2018

Accountable to the Pro Vice-Chancellor for Student Experience and Academic Standards, the Dean for Employability will provide dedicated academic leadership to the development and delivery of the University’s student Employability strategy and activities. Working within the framework of the University’s overall strategy, policies and procedures, the Dean will work with academic and professional service colleagues to provide leadership in support of the graduate prospects of our undergraduate, postgraduate taught and postgraduate research students. This includes the further development of the University’s placement and work related opportunities, as well as through the development of graduate attributes and transferable skills that will help our students to prepare for the world of work and achieve their career ambitions.

The Dean for Employability will work closely with colleagues, including College Deans, across the University to:

  1. Further increase the opportunities for all students to gain work experience and work-related learning as part of programmes of study and wider curricular and extracurricular activities;
  2. Increase the provision and effectiveness of graduate attributes and transferable skills in programmes of study, research activities and the wider curriculum;
  3. Work with available data/ evidence to understand what makes a difference to student employment outcomes and to shape university practice, paying particular attention to students from under-represented groups;
  4. Work with relevant professional service areas and our academic schools to support our students to maximise the benefits of employment related opportunities for future careers;
  5. Support work that facilitates and enables our students to record and articulate their learning and achievements with respect to enhancement of their employability;
  6. Work with the relevant professional services areas to develop the professional resources needed to secure and administer successful work placements and other employment related opportunities for our students;
  7. Represent the interests of the University on internal and external committees/working groups as appropriate.

Key Competencies, Capabilities and Experience

  • An established track record of support for/work in the area of employability and transferable skills in the curriculum
  • A full understanding of current policies and procedures underpinning the area of graduate employability, graduate attributes and transferable skills in the curriculum
  • A sound understanding of the external environment, issues, trends and developments within the area, including awareness of the graduate employment market
  • Demonstrable experience of Academic Leadership with the ability to think strategically and engender a shared vision
  • A proven track record of building effective and productive internal and external working relationships
  • Involvement with relevant professional communities
  • A wide breadth of understanding of current activities being undertaken within the area and requirements for the future

Attributes and Skills

  • Proven capabilities as a team leader with the ability to inspire and motivate others
  • Experience of delivering change successfully
  • Good negotiating skills, flexibility and open mindedness
  • Inclusive and collegial management style able to establish relationships across a wide spectrum of stakeholders including colleagues, students and external groups
  • Initiative, judgement, decision making and change management
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills, networking and team building

This role will be 0.6FTE and fixed term for three years. The role holder will receive an annual one off non-pensionable allowance of £4,500.

1