Assignment Brief. Director of Executive Education Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership

Transcription

1 Assignment Brief Director of Executive Education Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership Prepared by Anne Esler Head of Education Practice +44 (0) Prepared by Natasha Jackson Consultant, Education Practice +44 (0) March 2016 Harvey Nash Executive Search 110 Bishopsgate London EC2N 4AY

2 Page 2 Contents Confidentiality Notice... 3 Executive Summary... 3 Company Information... 4 Job Description... 4 Candidate Profile... 6 The Rewards... 8 Process & Timescales... 8 How to Apply... 8 Expenses... 9 Health & Safety... 9 Data Protection... 9

3 Page 3 Confidentiality Notice These details are provided on the understanding that you will treat them as strictly confidential and that none of this information will be disclosed to, or discussed with, any other person without our client s prior permission. Similarly, any information regarding yourself which we provide to our client in the course of the assignment is supplied on the same understanding and we will not contact referees without your prior permission. Executive Summary The Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership (CISL) has established itself as a pioneer in the development and provision of business action, executive education and Master's-level programmes exploring business leadership at the interface of profitability and sustainability. With over 25 years of steady growth, CISL now plans to significantly extend its portfolio, scaling up existing provision and developing new products and services to reach influential audiences around the world, as part of its mission to build leadership capacity to respond to sustainability challenges. CISL s own research as well as that of organisations such as the World Economic Forum and the World Business Council for Sustainable Development, amongst many others, demonstrates that sustainability is increasingly seen as a significant strategic business risk, but while leaders are recognising that risk they are not yet fully addressing it. The time is therefore ripe for CISL to offer a broader portfolio of executive education solutions in which sustainability is meaningfully integrated into mainstream leadership development which serves to prepare leaders for the challenges ahead. In line with its pioneering history, CISL intends to lead the way with this development and position itself ahead of more mainstream providers, many of whom are only now waking up to the growing focus on sustainability in the business community. CISL is seeking an ambitious and experienced Director of Executive Education who is able to perceive and realise the opportunity to broaden CISL s offering and bring its expertise to a wider audience. The appointee will lead a team of around 15 directly employed staff to deliver this growth, working closely with other colleagues and teams in CISL as well as drawing on the intellectual breadth of the University of Cambridge, and with a substantial network of associates and partners. The team includes four senior business development directors, supported by programme and project managers and an operations team. S/he will develop and communicate an inspiring strategy for growth, and lead a high performing team in winning and delivering business in line with agreed budgets, building on the Institute s and the University s extensive knowledge, experience and network. This is an exciting opportunity to join CISL as it takes its distinctive expertise in sustainability into new territory, to create and drive a business growth strategy and make a tangible impact on an internationally renowned Institute. Initial interviews will take place in May with CISL s Executive Search partners, Harvey Nash. Thereafter, the interview process will consist of a mix of formal and informal interviews with key people drawn from across CISL. The intention is to conclude the recruitment process in early June and for the successful candidate to join the Institute September.

4 Page 4 Company Information For over 25 years, CISL has been working to build leadership capacity to tackle critical global challenges, through its business action, executive education and Master's-level programmes. The institute helps influential individuals, major organisations and whole sectors to develop strategies that reconcile profitability and sustainability and to work collaboratively with their peers not only to develop solutions to shared challenges but also catalyse real systems change. Programmes include the flagship Prince of Wales s Business & Sustainability Programme offered in the UK, South Africa, Australia and Colombia, as well as tailored programmes delivered in Cambridge and internationally for some of the world s leading companies, and public sector leadership programmes, such as those the Institute runs for the cities of Beijing and Guangdong. CISL is an Institute of the University of Cambridge and sits within the University s School of Technology. Its annual turnover is approx. 7M and there are 56 members of staff in the UK operation. Job Description Job Title Reporting Line Purpose of the Role Director of Executive Education Reports to CEO, CISL The Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership (CISL) builds strategic leadership capacity to tackle global challenges. This is through the delivery of leadership programmes and collaborative projects with business and policy leaders around the world, informed by research from the University of Cambridge and partners globally. The Director of Executive Education is a member of the CISL Senior Executive Team (SET), consisting of the Director, the Director of Strategy and Operations and the Director of the Business Platforms (business leadership groups). The role holder will lead a team to develop and deliver an ambitious plan to significantly extend CISL s executive education portfolio, scaling up existing provision and developing new products and services to reach influential audiences around the world, as part of its mission to build leadership capacity to respond to sustainability challenges. In addition, as a member of SET they will be responsible for agreeing and delivering CISL s overall strategy and business plan and for ensuring that all CISL activities are aligned with this plan. The role holder will work closely with high level corporate executives (including C-suite level), human resource directors, heads of learning and development, strategy, operations, marketing and other functions, as well as donors, funding bodies and foundations. Travel Requirements Probation period The role holder will need to be able to travel to meet client companies, both within Europe and internationally, although it is not anticipated that this will entail extensive periods of absence from home. 9 months

5 Page 5 Business Development / Research and Product Development Develop and deliver a strategy to significantly grow CISL s educational activity by building a more mainstream leadership development portfolio, identifying the strongest opportunities for growth and securing the investment, resources and partnerships required to deliver this growth. Lead the development of new client relationships and new products and markets to meet agreed growth targets. Maintain awareness of best practice in sustainability leadership in organisations to direct and advise on the implications for CISL s strategy, products, services and research. Develop and / or maintain an understanding of critical sustainability issues facing senior leaders in private and public sector organisations to direct and advise on the implications for CISL s strategy, products, services and research. Develop new relationships with Board and other senior executives in private and public sector organisations, and with senior figures in the University in order to understand the needs of potential clients / partners/stakeholders, and extend the scope of CISL services. Advise on the development of CISL s products and services to meet the need of existing and potential clients. Direct the preparation of and approve bids and proposals to secure new business, resource and research funding. Direct the approach of the portfolio team to the publication and presentation of CISL s knowledge on issues of learning, leadership and change in organisations to enhance CISL s reputation in this field, and to develop relationships with potential clients and partners. Business Strategy and Finance As a member of CISL s Senior Executive Team: Define CISL s Vision, Mission and Values. Define the strategic direction of CISL, in agreement with the CISL Board and in line with the University s mission. Hold shared responsibility for the formation and implementation of CISL s Strategic Plan, and for effective monitoring of performance against the Plan. Hold shared responsibility for ensuring the existence and implementation of effective policies, planning, organisational structures and resource planning to achieve CISL goals. Hold shared responsibility for creating and promoting CISL s identity, image and reputation with high level stakeholders within the University and in the wider world. Attend meetings of CISL Management Board, and hold University-level responsibilities (committee memberships, etc.) as appropriate. Maintain high level awareness of developments in sustainability leadership - in particular with regard to learning, leadership and change in the context of sustainable development in order to provide strategic advice and direction where appropriate.

6 Page 6 External Relations Identify strategic opportunities for CISL and the University, both in the UK and internationally, to work with senior leaders of private, public and multilateral organisations. Initiate, develop and maintain key external contacts to support CISL s strategic objectives. Examples include working directly with leaders and senior managers within Government (including ministerial level both in the UK and elsewhere), the wider public sector, large corporates (including Chief Executives of over 100 multinationals), senior officials in Prince of Wales s office, and other international organisations. Initiate and develop contacts within the University to support CISL s strategic objectives (including working with Heads of Faculties, Schools, departments and colleges, and with senior leaders and academics in the University. Represent CISL and the University through participation in public events and meetings in the UK and internationally (including speaking at international conferences, seminars and leadership programmes). General/Line Management Manage a portfolio team in accordance with CISL and University Staff policy and procedures. Hold shared responsibility for ensuring that all CISL staff are equipped to do their jobs and are supported and encouraged to do so. Hold responsibility for the performance of direct reportees against agreed objectives and all other employees through line management. Marketing and Communications Hold shared responsibility for CISL s marketing and communications strategy. Hold shared responsibility for ensuring that CISL s branding and positioning accurately reflects CISL work and reinforces the reputation of the University. Candidate Profile Education & qualifications May come from a range of backgrounds, including Universities, government, business or think tanks, but will be educated to first degree level as a minimum Specialist knowledge & skills Knowledgeable about core areas of CISL s business, including the challenges of global leadership, sustainable development and corporate social responsibility Understanding of the political and policy context within which leaders of global corporations operate Ability to identify mainstream executive and professional development needs and opportunities to be able to respond to these challenges

7 Page 7 Interpersonal & communication skills Ability to forge high-level partnerships and networks with academic bodies & public and private sector organisations globally in a manner which demonstrates an empathy with the demands and pressures on academia and other leaders and decision-makers in external organisations Excellent written and oral communication skills and interpersonal skills Leadership skills appropriate for an organisation that engages with both the academic and business world Relevant experience Experience of operating at an executive level within a business organisation, with a proven track record of strategic planning, financial management and team leadership. Strong entrepreneurial skills, with the vision and ability to identify new opportunities and innovative products, services and markets, to bring in new and commercially viable business that is client focussed and responsive to a highly competitive marketplace Track record of business development with international organisations, working at the most senior levels and demonstrating high-level negotiation and relationship management skills Financial management skills, with the ability to secure funding to underpin the growth and future security of CISL Demonstrate an in-depth awareness of the academic, and well as the leadership and executive context within which CISL operates Additional requirements Ability to help develop research strategy for CISL s work, and personally conduct appropriate research within specified areas of CISL s work. Key Competencies (skills, aptitudes and behavioural abilities) Consultative, appropriately challenging and engaging business development style which moves the conversation forward and translates clients latent awareness of sustainability and leadership issues into action via executive education Able to quickly build personal credibility and trust with key decision-makers in client organisations Dynamic, passionate and inspiring leadership style which motivates a team and enthuses clients Confidence to make the ask and close deals Collaborative team player attitude which recognises and develops the strengths of others First class people, communication and organisational skills must be able to influence and inspire people at all levels, both internally and externally and motivate people in the implementation of strategies and plans Interest in the interplay between sustainability and business

8 Page 8 The Rewards Salary Benefits Competitive salary Pension: Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS) Holidays Full time employees are entitled to annual paid leave of 33 days plus public holidays. 3 days (exclusive of public holidays) must be taken during the period when CISL closes over Christmas/New Year. The leave year runs from October 1 September 30. Notice Period 3 months Process & Timescales The Director of Executive Education for CISL will be appointed by a Selection Panel advised and assisted by CISL s Executive Search partners, Harvey Nash. Selected candidates will be invited to attend an interview in London with Anne Esler or Natasha Jackson, Consultants with Harvey Nash, week commencing 9 May Key dates (subject to final confirmation): Closing dates for applications Friday 22 April Candidate interviews between selected w/c 9 May candidates and Harvey Nash Informal meetings with stakeholders w/c 23 & 30 May Final interviews w/c 6 June References and qualification checking Upon offer to preferred candidate At first interview with Harvey Nash you will be required to provide proof of identity and, where necessary, permission to work as required by the appropriate National Government. Please bring these documents to your first meeting with Harvey Nash. You will also be required to provide these documents when you are invited to attend interviews with CISL. How to Apply For a confidential discussion please ring our recruitment advisers at Harvey Nash plc: Joanna Grinnell +44 (0) Natasha Jackson, Consultant +44 (0) Anne Esler, Director Education Practice + 44 (0) To apply, please the following to education@harveynash.com, quoting reference number HN in the subject line of the A full up to date CV including educational and professional qualifications, a full employment history showing the more significant positions, responsibilities held, relevant achievements, budgets and staff managed A covering letter of a maximum of 3 pages indicating how you meet the criteria in the person specification, setting out your relevant experience, your motivation for applying for this role and what you would bring to CISL Your latest remuneration including any benefits and notice period

9 Page 9 Daytime, evening and/or mobile telephone numbers as well as your personal address (to be used with discretion) Contact details for two referees. Referees should be people who can comment authoritatively on you as a person and as an employee and must include your current or most recent employer or his/her authorised representative. Confidential references are taken up on the preferred candidate emerging from formal interviews. However, we will refer back to you for confirmation that referees may be approached before any contact is made with them Confirmation of your availability for meetings on key dates as outlined above You will receive an acknowledgement once your application has been received. If you have not received an acknowledgement within 5 working days please contact Joanna Grinnell on or her at joanna.grinnell@harveynash.com Candidates are advised to be explicit in their responses and not rely on details provided in a CV or assume that their achievements and experience will be known to the Selection Panel. All applications must quote reference HN in the subject line and be received by 5pm Friday 22 April Once the closing date for applications has passed, applications will be evaluated according to the person specification and the Selection Panel will identify the candidates to be invited to the initial stage of the process. Expenses Reasonable pre-agreed expenses incurred travelling to and from interviews will be duly reimbursed. Original receipts/tickets will be required. Health & Safety To Harvey Nash s best knowledge, the client s premises have been assessed to comply with Health and Safety regulations and the environment of employment has been considered safe. Where there are potential risks, they have been administered by the client. Data Protection Harvey Nash plc is registered under the Data Protection Act to hold personal data supplied by you.