Director of INLOGOV - Local Governance

Job Purpose

There has never been a better time to join INLOGOV, an ambitious and thriving Department that sits at the nexus between academia, policy and practice. INLOGOV is the leading academic centre for research and teaching on local governance and public management, with a focus on engagement, influence and impact.INLOGOV has a strong track record of delivering innovative executive development programmes and consultancy for local government and the wider public sector. We are seeking an outstanding individual to lead our community of internationally recognised researchers, educators and associates.

We are a small, closely-knit department focused on research, post graduate teaching and executive development for the public sector. We offer innovative programmes through a range of teaching modes including blended and on-line learning and offer a sector-leading Degree Apprenticeship in Public Management and Leadership.Our UK and international students include a large number of practitioners and policy makers, alumni and wider Associate team. Situated within the School of Government, we have strong links across the College of Social Sciences which offers opportunities for working across a range of areas including health, social policy and business.We have extensive networks of practitioners, policy makers and researchers in the West Midlands region, nationally and internationally.We also work with colleagues in the physical and natural sciences in our interdisciplinary research on cities in the UK, Europe and other emerging economies.

The role of the Head of INLOGOV offers an ambitious individual the opportunity to provide strong leadership and inspiration across all of our activities.

This is a multi-faceted role, straddling academia and practice. We are looking for someone with a credible and versatile background in local government and the wider public sector, which the appointee can draw upon to create relevant teaching programmes and support the Department's vibrant research environment, extending further the reach and significance of its work. The role holder will have extensive knowledge and networks in local government at local, regional and national levels. They will have the skills to develop and implement a compelling vision that will take this small but influential department to the next stage of its evolution.

Main responsibilities

Policy and external profile

The successful candidate will have strong national, regional and local policy links, and will be able to promote the work of INLOGOV via their networks and policy profile.They will have significant credibility with practice, managerial and policy communities, and will be experienced in terms of policy analysis/advice, organisational development and/or practice and leadership development.Key tasks include:

Leading organisational development and service evaluation projects in the field; Contributing to debate nationally about policy, leadership and practice through publications; conference activity and external advisory roles as appropriate; Ensuring INLOGOV is well networked nationally and extending further the reputation of its research and teaching; Generating service evaluation and CPD income in order to further the work of the Department.

Learning and teaching - key tasks include:

Leading the development of innovative and appropriate approaches to learning and teaching; Acting as an adviser for teaching and learning methods through excellent practice and mentoring other colleagues; Leading the design and/or co-ordination of programmes or equivalent activities across the Department and School; Teaching and examining courses at a range of levels; Planing and reviewing own teaching approaches and acting as a mentor to encourage others to do the same; To undertake and develop the full range of responsibilities in relation to supervision, marking and examining.

Management and administration - the Head of INLOGOV is responsible for:

Developing and managing staff performance and resources in support of major research and teaching activities; Setting the strategic direction of the Department (in line with University, College and School strategies); The financial, personnel, and general management of INLOGOV, delivering agreed research, teaching, financial and other targets in consultation with the Head of School; Participating in the School Management Team and contributing to the future strategic development of the School; Supporting the personal development of staff and students; Contributing to administrative activities within the University (e.g. appeals panels, working groups).

Person Specification

• Good first degree together with relevant higher degree and/or relevant professional qualifications/experience
• Active national policy and practice networks
• Significant national policy, leadership or practice credentials
• Major leadership experience of research, teaching, consultancy and/or policy advice
• Senior leadership experience of people, teams and budgets
• Demonstrable ability to plan strategically, responding to and helping shape public service policy and practice
• Commitment to equality and diversity
• Experience of providing expert advice to colleagues, students, social care practitioners/leaders and policy makers
• Evidence of ability to work across organisational boundaries and build relationships with key external stakeholders

The School is committed to supporting and promoting equality and diversity and welcomes applications from all sections of the academic community. We particularly welcome applications from female and black minority ethnic candidates who are under-represented in in the School of Government and Society more widely. We are happy to discuss flexible working