Graduate School Manager

To lead in the development and implementation of the Strategic Plan for the Graduate School and postgraduate students in the University to meet the ambitions of Vision 2020 and beyond. In addition to managing the resources, services and budgets of the Graduate School, the post holder will have an external business development role in building employer and external stakeholder connections and in promoting new development opportunities for the Graduate School.

MAJOR DUTIES:

• To contribute to the strategic direction, and lead and manage the operations and budgets of the Graduate School and its services to postgraduate students and staff.
• Through the promotion of broadly-based innovative skills development programmes focussing on employability, enterprise and entrepreneurship, a range of Graduate Continuing Professional Development (CPD) models and bespoke premium postgraduate programmes on Innovation and Leadership, contribute to the University’s goals and targets within Vision 2020 for postgraduate and international students.
• To lead on the development and delivery of programmes of innovative skills training and development for postgraduate taught students, and to develop further the capacity and reach of the Postgraduate Research Development Programme and associated
• Doctoral Training Programmes.
• To contribute to the expansion of the Graduate School as an intellectual hub for postgraduate students and staff, promoting the
• School as a physical and virtual learning and communication environment.
• To contribute to the design and content of a range of continuing professional development opportunities for the Graduate market.
• To develop effective lines of communication and collaboration with Faculties and Schools, Global Research Institutes and
• Pioneering Research Programmes to facilitate greater connectivity across the University with the strategic role and activities of the Graduate School. To network, communicate and cultivate relationships with a range of stakeholders regionally, nationally and internationally in the promotion of the activities of the Graduate School. One important aspect of this work will be to significantly enhance relationships with employers so that postgraduate students can gain competitive advantage in the employment marketplace.
• To develop linkages with leading Graduate Schools in the UK Higher Education Sector and internationally to enhance the reputation and market presence of the Graduate School.
• To provide strategic direction and financial oversight on the annual allocation of the postgraduate awards budget circa £18m, including funds allocated by Government and UK Research Councils. To provide advice and guidance to the Dean of the Graduate School, and in particular provide analysis of postgraduate student progression and career destination data, including the results of the key national surveys Postgraduate Taught Experience
• Survey (PTES) and Postgraduate Research Experience Survey (PRES).
• To undertake such other duties assigned by the Director of Academic and Student Affairs.
• Planning and Organising: Think strategically and be solution focussed. Manage and lead a team of staff in the Graduate School e.g. determine workloads and balance of in-house and externally-commissioned development. Work strategically with the Dean of the Graduate School in the development and expansion of the activities of the Graduate School.

Resource Management Responsibilities:

• Plan and manage the Graduate School budget.
• Explore opportunities for income generation and external funding opportunities.
• Lead and manage the staffing resources of the Graduate School.
• Contribute to the resources and budget plans of the Division.

Internal and External Relationships:

• Work internally and externally to maximise the prominence and impact of the Graduate School.
• Represent the Graduate School at key internal and external events/activities.
• Build and sustain internal and external networks and relationships. A primary degree (or equivalent qualification).
• A minimum of 5 years’ recent relevant experience of developing and enhancing education/ skills development/training.
• A proven track record of delivering personal and professional skills development.
• A proven track record of strategic planning.
• A proven track record of leading and managing human and financial resources. Evidence of leading projects to completion.
• High level of knowledge and understanding of postgraduate education and training.
• A thorough knowledge and understanding of the Higher Education environment.
• A comprehensive knowledge of the changes affecting Higher Education.

ESSENTIAL CRITERIA:

An understanding of curriculum/academic developments in Higher Education.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills.
- Resilient and forward thinking.
- Excellent interpersonal skills.
- Willingness to work irregular hours and undertake travel, as required.

DESIRABLE CRITERIA:

• A relevant postgraduate or professional qualification.
• Relevant management qualification.
• A track record in contributing to the development and enhancement of education/training within a HE context.
• A track record in contributing to the development and enhancement of education/ training in graduate education within a HE context.
• Experience of using technology to support the development of personal and professional skills.