Executive Support Manager

The Executive Support Manager is an important role within the University's Executive Office, and in the broader Executive Support division. You will work with the Head of Executive Office and gain exposure to a wide range of activity across the University, supporting the Vice-Chancellor and Registrar and Secretary, and working with senior academic and Professional Services colleagues.

Working at the heart of the University, the role includes: developing concepts and managing them through to implementation, complex project management, undertaking research activity, policy development and support, preparing briefings and presentations, paper and speech writing, and committee work. The role also manages the University's highly-regarded Graduate Management Training Scheme in Professional Services (including line management of the trainees).

This is a busy and challenging post. The role will suit a highly motivated individual with outstanding interpersonal skills who relishes the chance to take on a range of different types of work, from policy development and writing, to project delivery. You will be skilled at quickly getting to grips with the detail of many different subjects whilst maintaining a clear focus on the key issues that need to be addressed. You will have an in-depth understanding of policy issues as they relate to the University, as well as being capable of taking the initiative to develop and lead institutional projects. Your approach will be collaborative and founded on a real empathy with the academic endeavour of the University.

This is a management grade position and is particularly suitable for someone seeking to develop a successful career in Higher Education management.It is an excellent opportunity to work closely with senior leaders in one of the most ambitious and successful universities in the UK.

The post holder will have the following combined experience and personal qualities:

 

Qualifications

• A good first degree (First or Upper Second) or equivalent.
• A postgraduate qualification is desirable.

 

Skills and Experience

• Relevant professional experience in a complex organisation.
• Outstanding writing skills, with the ability to write high quality papers, speeches, reports, briefings and presentations to executive board level, and in the name of the Vice-Chancellor or Registrar and Secretary.This requires very strong intellectual confidence, a clear style of communication, and the ability to write for a range of internal and external audiences.
• Highly developed research skills and experience of producing and analysing complex source material, information and data and turning these into purposeful reports that influence policy and assist decision making.
• Demonstrable experience of managing a range of projects.
• Experience of developing effective networks and strong relationships with academics, Professional Services and other partners.
• Excellent oral communication and presentation skills, with an ability to use a range of communication skills and strategies to gain commitment to action or change.
• Excellent IT, organisational and administrative skills.
• The ability to exercise discretion regarding the handling and management of sensitive information.
• The ability to service Committees and Working Groups.
• An ability to work simultaneously and effectively to progress several different tasks.

 

Personal Characteristics and knowledge

• Strong intellectual ability and the ability to apply this to management tasks.
• A strong interest in and understanding of key policy issues in HE and management.
• A high degree of initiative, personal judgement, resourcefulness, flexibility and a self-motivating approach. The ability to complete tasks based on only broad direction and with minimum supervision.
• Enthusiasm and willingness to meet challenging demands, working to different people, deadlines and within budget.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including tact and diplomacy, and an ability to work at all levels of the organisation.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team.
• A flexible approach and attitude and a willingness to respond to changing requirements of the team.
• Demonstrates collaborative working, builds open, trusting and effective partnerships.
• A firm but diplomatic attitude with the ability to prioritise, negotiate and use one's own judgement.