Vacancy Reference: Manager (Strategy and Projects) The Academic Strategy Unit supports the Pro-Vice Chancellor, Research and Academic Strategy.

Transcription

1 Further Particulars 1. Role etails Vacancy Reference: Job title: Manager (Strategy and Projects) Reports to: Portfolio Manager Salary: 31,656 37,768 Terms & Conditions: Academic Related Grade: GR7 uration of post: Temporary contract 12 months Working hours: 37 Location: Milton Keynes Closing ate: Noon, 11 February 2016 Type of application form accepted: Full version plus covering letter. Number of Referees required: 3 Unit recruitment contact: RAS-Recruitment@open.ac.uk 2. About the Unit/epartment Academic Strategy Unit The Academic Strategy Unit supports the Pro-Vice Chancellor, Research and Academic Strategy. The core purpose of the Academic Strategy Unit is the effective management and strategic development of the University s curriculum portfolio to meet its needs as a Higher ducation provider in UK and overseas markets. In particular, we support the development and implementation of the University s strategic priorities for curriculum and qualifications, including management of the Unit Strategic and Resource process for central academic and allied units support and manage University-wide projects that take forward curriculum development work with Marketing and Sales and faculties to obtain and interpret market intelligence to identify new curriculum areas and markets work with academic units to ensure the quality and standards of all qualifications and

2 modules manage governance activity relating to curriculum and qualifications work with academic and other units engaged in collaborative partnership activity; managing governance and assuring the quality of modules and qualifications delivered in partnership manage the Planet system (including the Planet costing tool and the Curriculum Management Guide) 3. Summary of uties We are seeking to appoint a manager to work across the Academic Strategy Unit, supporting the development and delivery of the Academic Strategy and the delivery of Strategic Projects As a member of the Academic Strategy Unit, you will act as a first point of contact for a number of strategic initiatives, working across the Academic Strategy Unit Portfolio and the University. Central to your role will be the development and delivery of projects and project workstreams, working collaboratively with colleagues across the OU. The workload associated with this post will be varied, often demanding and with conflicting priorities. You will need to be able to act with initiative, discretion and flexibility, dealing appropriately with key stakeholders, Faculties and Professional Service Units. You will be expected to be able to work with complex ideas to a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail, have experience of working to absolute deadlines, and excellent communication skills. Anticipated workload Project work associated with the Postgraduate Strategy Workstream management and support for the evolving Academic Strategy Work required to support the maintenance of University partnerships Key tasks required to fulfil the role are: 1. Provide Project Management for a Portfolio of Strategic Projects Create and keep up-to-date project documentation observing project methodology. This includes project plans, schedules, risk registers, functional specifications, testing scripts and communication plans. Responsible for ensuring that implementation progresses according to agreed milestones (including delivery of project documentation) and to the prevailing methodology. Responsibility for ensuring that each project within the team has defined success criteria and an evaluation plan. Responsibility for ensuring that decision-making processes in relation to quality assurance and implementation are observed. 2. Provide project support for the workstream leads responsible for the delivery of Academic Strategy Workstreams Organisation and servicing of all relevant group and team meetings. This includes drafting agendas, papers and writing formal minutes. Contributing to and influencing the planning and development of activities within the scope of the workstreams

3 Taking a key role in creative problem solving and analysis of issues relating to the development and delivery of workstream objectives Co-ordinating, creating and implementing effective communications between the team and other key stakeholders within the University. Providing a point of contact for staff needing information in relation to core projects. 3. Provide support in relation to the management and maintenance of the Universities Partnerships Reviewing and updating the institutions partnership register and supporting documents Supporting and directing queries from within Faculty in relationship to Faculties Coordinating partnership activity as required. 4. General Support To be flexible and adaptable to meet the changing demands of the University. All staff are expected: To undertake any other duties which may reasonably be required To take reasonable care of the Health and Safety of themselves and that of any other person who may be affected by your acts or omissions at work. To demonstrate a strong commitment to the principles and practice of equality and diversity. 4. Person Specification Person Specification Criterion ducation and qualifications Higher education qualification or equivalent professional qualification OR extensive experience as a project coordinator/manager. Knowledge, xperience of managing change and projects, including work and experience of project management/planning and other relevant work delivering a task to a defined timescale. experience Proven ability to help others cope successfully with change. vidence of working on projects with a substantial IT element xperience of working as a member of a multidisciplinary team. vidence of quality improvement achievements in work and analysing data to drive improvements. Willingness to occasionally travel for meetings and workshops. Understanding of the University s Academic Governance requirements ssential () esirable ()

4 Skills and competencies Awareness of the general Higher ducation environment. Proven planning and organisational skills. vidence of a customer-focused approach to work and knowledge of the principles of customer relationship management. Proven ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing in both formal and informal situations, including the provision of support for working groups, with people across a range of areas and levels. xcellent IT skills including use of Microsoft Project or equivalent software. xperience of evaluating activities using quantitative and qualitative data. Presentation skills. xperience of managing resources and/or budgets. 5. Role Specific Requirements e.g. Shift working None 6. Who to go to for more information about the Role or Application Process If you wish to discuss this post further on an informal basis please contact Susie Palmer-Trew (susan.palmer-trew@open.ac.uk) If you have any questions regarding the application process please contact the Recruitment Coordinator at RAS-Recruitment@open.ac.uk. 7. Where to Send Completed Applications Your application should include the following: An application form. Please ensure you complete all sections of the form in full. A covering letter indicating why you are interested in this post and how you believe you match the Person Specification. In this letter please set out : a) Why you are interested in the post; b) How your skills and experience meet the criteria listed in the person specification. Please use the essential and desirable items listed in the person specification as subtitles within your letter. In writing your letter, examine carefully the description of the role and analyse how your skills, knowledge and experience match with the requirements set out in the person specification. Please pick out specific examples from your experience which clearly demonstrate that you have the particular knowledge and capabilities required in the person specification. The selection panel will consider how well the information you provide demonstrates that you meet the person specification. Therefore, if you submit an incomplete application you are unlikely to be shortlisted.

5 Your completed application should be returned by noon on 11 February 2016 to Alternatively you can post your application to: Name: Julie Hudson, Recruitment Coordinator epartment/unit: Academic Strategy Unit Address: Post Code: The Open University Room 111, Charles Pinfold Building Milton Keynes MK7 6AA 8. Selection Process and ate of Interview The interview panel will be chaired by Susie Palmer-Trew. The interviews will take place on 25 February 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.