Education Support Manager - Engineering and Physical Sciences - 98630 - Grade 7

Position Details

College of Engineering & Physical Sciences

Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK

Full time starting salary is normally in the range £31,406 to £40,927, with potential progression once in post to £43,434

Grade 7  

Full Time

Two roles available; one Permanent, and one 3 year, Fixed Term Contract

Closing date: 5th January 2021
 

Job Summary

This role is based within the College of Engineering and Physical Sciences and plays a vital role in supporting the management and development of educational provision working closely with senior academics and Professional Services colleagues to enable the College to deliver excellence in teaching.

The post holder will possess a broad understanding of how academia operates as a business and will be responsible for the management and optimisation of administration for all learning, teaching and quality administrative processes. They will work with Education Support Office staff across the College, lead on defined Education projects and make a major contribution to strategic discussions, developing policy and procedure in Schools ensuring consistency of practice and delivery of the College strategy.

The post holder will work on their own initiative and exercise a high level of judgement, skill and understanding to conceive, develop and implement long term improvements to service delivery and effective ways of working within their areas of responsibility. 

Main Duties

• To work closely with School Heads of Education, and the wider College Education team to enhance and maintain the quality of education in line with University, College and School education strategy and the College strategic plan. 

• Work independently, whilst consulting with senior academic staff, senior College staff and Heads of Operations on the development and implementation of procedures to support change using an open and inclusive leadership style to gain commitment from all staff for any initiatives they implement.  This will involve working with a variety of staff and may involve significant changes, gaining commitment and handling potentially difficult HR situations

• Manage education-related administrative processes, ensuring they are robust, flexible and operate effectively interfacing with colleagues at both College and University level.

• Undertake regular reviews of education processes and systems to ensure that they remain efficient, integrated, fit for purpose and in line with current University, College and School quality assurance practices, current sector guidance and best practice. The post holder will identify the need for improvements where necessary and contribute to the delivery and implementation of action plans to respond to those needs, with agreement from the College Head of Operations (Education)

• Ensure that the shape of support in each School is fit for purpose, reviewing and balancing the allocation of responsibilities within the teams to ensure that an effective and efficient service is delivered, and communicate with Schools to ensure the delivery of a high-quality service which meets local and College needs.

• Offer specialist advice about University systems, policies and regulations concisely in addition to reviewing, interpreting and implementing any new systems, policies or regulations using own specialist knowledge and expertise in this area to ensure administrative compliance 

• Maintain an overview of curriculum development, taking responsibility for the integrity of information held at School, College and University level

• Represent the College on Committees and Groups as directed by the Deputy Director of Operations (Education) and Head of Operations (Education)

• Work with professional services and academic colleagues to support the delivery of change projects across the College, planning and ensuring delivery within set timescales.

• In relation to teaching, learning and assessment the post holder will be expected to keep abreast of, analyse, interpret and provide professional expert advice and guidance within the School context on relevant University regulations, codes of practice and other external statutory obligations (including new legislation, CMA, QAA requirements etc.) taking into account the wide range of programmes delivered. 

• Take the lead on projects or new initiatives relating to the University’s education agenda as required

• Prepare and where appropriate, present reports, proposals and papers for stakeholders and senior meetings. 

• Coach and encourage staff in a supportive environment, demonstrating willingness to listen, engage and support.

• Contribute to and deliver training and other forms of support to staff within the College.

• Promote and encourage professional development opportunities for the staff you manage, through the Professional Development Review process and the Birmingham Professional initiative, developing and enhancing necessary skillsets.

• Nurture good working relationships to ensure effective communication of College initiatives, also ensuring the University Planning & Policy Development processes and procedures are circulated effectively.

• The post holder will be required to undertake any other duties as may reasonably be required by the Head of Operations (Education), Deputy Director of Operations (Education) or Director of Operations. 

Person Specification

You will need to evidence: 

• First Degree (or equivalent qualification), or equivalent relevant work experience

• Significant experience of working in Higher Education senior administration and/or management

You will be:

• Knowledgeable of the environmental, economic and political factors impacting on Higher Education.

• Experienced in analysing complex information and of contributing to action plans, strategic plans and quality reviews.

• Experienced in working within a customer centric organisation.

• Experienced in managing staff, delegating work to colleagues and collaborating with others at a senior level to deliver change and/or projects.

In addition to the above, you should be able to demonstrate and/or evidence the following:

• High level of competence in the use of IT with proficient experience of using Microsoft Office, databases (preferably student record systems) and online learning resources

• Excellent interpersonal skills, experience of working collaboratively with the ability to establish good working relationships with colleagues at every level of an organisation

• Excellent organisational skills

• The ability to cope with change in a fast moving, dynamic environment where change is often required immediately.

• Ability to demonstrate effective negotiating and positive influencing skills

• Ability to demonstrate tact and diplomacy, and the ability to deal discreetly with confidential and sensitive matters

• Excellent written and verbal communications skills

• Ability to work with minimum supervision, and be self-motivated but also able to work as part of a larger team

• Exemplary attention to detail and the ability to work confidentially, use judgement and make appropriate decisions within the constraints of the role 

• Excellent understanding of delivering excellent customer service and the ability to influence others to deliver

• Demonstrate a flexible, positive and creative approach to work and meticulous attention to detail

• Demonstrate ability to acquire knowledge and understanding of detailed University policies and procedures and apply them in practice with the ability to interpret policy and offer advice to colleagues

• An understanding of the importance of equality and diversity in the workplace

• Ability to identify and respond to equality and diversity issues in line with relevant policies and procedures

For further information please contact Sheila Boniface via [email protected] 

Valuing excellence, sustaining investment

We value diversity and inclusion at the University of Birmingham and welcome applications from all sections of the community and are open to discussions around all forms of flexible working.