University of Bath Students’ Union

Chief Executive Job Description

Organisation

University of Bath Students’ Union

Job Title

Chief Executive

Responsible to

Students’ Union President and Board of Trustees

Responsible for

Direct Reports: Deputy Chief Executive, Finance Director (in their capacity within the Students’ Union), Executive Support and Facilities Manager, Marketing Manager, Bars and Events Manager.

Job Summary

The Chief Executive is the senior member of staff at the University of Bath Students’ Union (Bath SU) and is the principal advisor to the Students’ Union President, Officer Team and Board of Trustees.

The Chief Executive develops and leads on Bath SU’s direction, strategy and objectives in order to meet the needs of the membership, internal and external stakeholders. Leading a group of highly qualified managers, professionals and student staff, the Chief Executive ensures that areas of strategic importance are identified and addressed. Furthermore, the Chief Executive will be responsible for spearheading new initiatives, through appropriate consultation and negotiation to challenge high profile issues affecting the membership.

Supporting the Students’ Union Officers, the Chief Executive has oversight of governance, ensuring that the elected leadership of Bath SU are the key decision makers and that Bath SU policy reflects this.

Enhancing the internal and external reputation of Bath SU, the Chief Executive is expected to network extensively within the University, local community, nationally and internationally, forging effective partnerships and utilising best practice.

Job Purpose

Under the direction of the Board of Trustees, the Chief Executive is accountable for the management, development and longer term sustainability of the Students’ Union and for providing the highest level of support to the elected leadership.

Achieving the Mission, Vision and Values of Bath SU is central to the role, and the effective management of resources should ensure that the day to day operations of the organisation remain excellent.

The Chief Executive has direct responsibilities and accountabilities as a result of Bath SU’s charitable status with the Charity Commission and for ensuring compliance with requirements set out in Charity Law.

The Chief Executive is the accountable individual to the University of Bath for Health and Safety and enacting relevant policies which effect Bath SU (e.g. Human Resources, Finance etc.).

Main Responsibilities

1. Strategic and General Management

  • Develop and agree with the Board of Trustees the Mission, Vision, Values and Strategic Plan of Bath SU.
  • Translate the strategic plan with the Students’ Union President, elected leadership and senior management into operational plans.
  • Act as the principal advisor to the Students’ Union President and the elected leadership (SU Officers).
  • Support the elected leadership to review, implement and improve governance and democracy, ensuring the membership are at the heart of Bath SU.
  • Having overall responsibility for meeting agreed objectives and key performance indicators through the efficient and effective management of staff, finances and other resources.
  • Ensure compliance with legal, financial and probity issues in accordance with organisation, statutory and policy requirements.
  • Propose and implement improvements in structures, practices and policies through benchmarking and horizon scanning.
  • Ensure the Values and Policies of Bath SU are reflected in all aspects of the organisation.
  • Responsible for policies and practices regarding Health and Safety and ensuring they are adhered to by staff and student groups.
  • Manage effective relationships with Trustees, University personnel and other major stakeholders.
  • Develop, review and drive a high quality and high performance organisational culture which meets members’ needs.
  • Lead on the development of appropriate marketing and communications strategies, in support of the strategic plan and ensure effective engagement with Bath SU’s members and stakeholders.

2.Financial Management

  • Propose the annual budgets for Bath SU, for agreement by the Board of Trustees.
  • Lead and be responsible for the evaluation and management of new and existing commercial income streams.
  • Provide advice and guidance to the Students’ Union President and Board of Trustees on financial issues.
  • Be the responsible staff member for signing the annual accounts and audit.
  • Ensure the delivery of financial objectives and capital expenditure throughout the year.
  • Responsible for ensuring budget reviews are held with the Board of Trustees and remedial action taken where appropriate.
  • Ensure the effectiveness of financial procedures, policies and controls reviewed as a part of the audit process.

3. People Management and Development

  • Act as the principal advisor in supporting the Students’ Union President and elected leadership.
  • Ensure that all staff are aware of and working towards organisational objectives and key performance indicators, as well as the Vision, Mission and Values of Bath SU.
  • Ensure that the Behaviours Framework is used effectively as part of the staff and Officer review process to promote and encourage behaviours consistent with Bath SU’s Values. Ensure that appropriate staff management procedures are implemented effectively.
  • Responsible for the motivation and the overall management of Bath SU staff.
  • Hold regular meetings with managers to facilitate effective and continuous communication among all Bath SU stakeholders, including; staff, members, volunteers, the Board of Trustees and University.
  • Develop a learning culture with Officers and staff members at all levels within the organisation.

4. Other

  • With the SU Officers, ensure that Bath SU decision making is transparent in its dealings and communications with its members.
  • Ensure the provision of support, advice and continuity of information for the Board of Trustees and Management Group with particular reference to constitutional and governance issues.
  • Ensure regular benchmarking of practice within and outside of the sector with similar organisations.
  • Prepare regular reports to the Board of Trustees and Management Group to support decision making.
  • Chair and be a member of a number of Bath SU and University committees.
  • Where necessary, act as the Returning Officer or Deputy Retuning Officer in democratic processes.

This job description is not exhausted and the post holder will be required to complete roles as reasonably requested.

Relationships and Contacts

The Chief Executive is expected to develop, maintain and utilise extensive networks of stakeholders whom are deemed beneficial to the organisation.

These networks include:

  • Bath SU senior staff members and elected leadership (SU Officers).
  • Bath SU full time, part time and student staff.
  • Bath SU elected student leaders (of student groups).
  • University of Bath Senior Management and in particular the Pro Vice Chancellor (Learning and Teaching), Heads of Professional and Academic Departments and Faculties and key University representatives.
  • Campus Trade Unions.
  • GW4 Students’ Unions
  • Chief Executives and Senior Management in benchmarked Students’ Unions.
  • National Union of Students.
  • Association of College Unions International
  • MP, Local Council, Residents’ Associations and other community stakeholders.
  • Key suppliers and contractors.

Person Specification

Qualifications / Essential / Desirable
  1. Educated to degree level or equivalent.
  1. Professional Management Qualifications.
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Experience and Knowledge / Essential / Desirable
  1. Significant and relevant senior management experience in a complex or multi discipline organisation.
  1. Good awareness of the current issues affecting the Higher Education Sector.
  1. Good working knowledge of charity law and governance and how this impacts on membership or not for profit organisations.
  1. Experience of successful strategic management and a proven track record of leading the development of strategic objectives and policies.
  1. Acomprehensive knowledge of relevant legislation including Health and Safety, Charity, Human Resources and Data Protection
  1. A proven record of successful financial management including the management of a significant organisational budget and of effective business planning.
  1. A track record of leading, motivating and managing multi-disciplinary teams and for ensuring a high performing and high achieving culture.
  1. A track record of working in and forging successful partnerships with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders.
  1. Significant experience in developing marketing and communications strategies in support of agreed objectives.
  1. Able to demonstrate a clear understanding of democratic processes and relationships.
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Skills / Essential / Desirable
  1. Demonstrate sensitivity to the challenges of working in a membership led organisation and an elected leadership team.
  1. Outstanding interpersonal and networking skills with the ability to establish and maintain strong relationships with staff, elected leadership, volunteers and members.
  1. Ability to work effectively with and support the elected leadership and the work of the Board of Trustees.
  1. Ability to deliver targets and objectives within agreed specification, time, cost and quality standards.
  1. Ability to interpret complex financial information in order to inform decision making.
  1. An inspiring leader who motivates senior managers and staff in the organisation.
  1. Strong project management skills.
  1. A strategic thinker with the ability to navigate multiple sensitive issues at any one time.
  1. Excellent oral and written skills with the ability to communicate and engage with people at all levels.
  1. Able to demonstrate the use of successful communication strategies when engaging with relevant stakeholders.
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Attributes / Essential / Desirable
  1. Highly organised with a flexible approach to practices.
  1. Highly motivated, energeticand ableto motivate others.
  1. Strong team working skills with the ability to be a part of and lead a team.
  1. Strong networking skills.
  1. Diplomatic, approachable and open minded.
  1. Ability to lead and inspire teams through example and with integrity and inspirea high performance environment.
  1. Ability to deal with confidential matters and act with discretion.
  1. Flexible approach to work and willingness to be flexible over working hours when required.
  1. Capable of remaining calm and effective under pressure and demonstrate a high level of resilience.
  1. To be able to act as a leader on equality of opportunity and demonstrate a commitment to diversity.
  1. Evidence of a commitment to Continuing Personal and Professional Development.
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