Executive Officer to the Vice Principal for Research & Knowledge Exchange

Job Purpose

Working with and reporting to the Vice Principal for Research & Knowledge Exchange (VP-R&KE), your primary responsibility will be to provide wide ranging professional and executive support and advice in facilitating the delivery of the University’s research ambitions.

In this role you will contribute to the efficient and effective operations of the VP-R&KE portfolio through the provision of high level administrative and management support, and proactively and independently manage selected project delivery. You will be expected to undertake background research, compile and analyse data, and prepare reports and papers on behalf of the VP R&KE. The incumbent will work closely with the Research Services Directorate leadership team, the Executive Officer to the Senior Vice Principal and Personal Assistant to the VP-R&KE. The position will interact regularly with academic and professional staff across the University and with external stakeholders.

Main Duties & Responsibilities

1. High level executive support: Proactively manage actions in relation to the VP R&KE’s full range of activities, and provide high level administrative support, including day to day operational activity and project activity. Follow up and lead on the delivery of actions on behalf of the VP R&KE and ensure the delivery of urgent actions. This requires the role holder to be aware of key sector developments, immediate priorities and pressures, and to be sensitive to the strategic direction of the University.

2. Draft communications: research, prepare and draft presentations, speeches and communications aligned to the activities of the VP-R&KE intended for both internal and external audiences, working with colleagues across the University. This includes carrying out substantive research, proactively providing detailed and comprehensive briefings, reports and papers, using a detailed awareness of the full range of University policies and sector developments.

3. Advise: devise solutions and provide high-level, practical and impartial strategic advice to senior management on complex, multi-faceted planning, project and governance issues.

4. Research strategy: identify shortfalls in reporting and co-ordinate the design and delivery of processes and documents which track delivery against strategic workstream milestones, project plans and process improvement plans and provide coherent progress reviews on key strategic work at monthly meetings with the VP-R&KE and the Executive Director of Research Services.

5. Project management: responsible for leading the delivery of a range of small and large-scale projects within established deadlines, budget and scope.

6. Relationship management: build close rapport and manage successful relationships with internal and external stakeholders to ensure effective engagement on behalf of the VP-R&KE.

7. Professional services: proactively support the Research Services Directorate leadership team on projects aligned to the ambitions of the VP-R&KE. Work in partnership with the Research Services Directorate and wider University staff to deliver on the VP-R&KE strategic and operational ambitions.

8. Office of the Vice Principals: contribute to the wider activities of the Executive Office professional staff team.

9. Work environment: create and foster a work environment of continuous improvement of business practices, operational processes and service excellence.

10. Perform other duties as requested, consistent with the grade level of the position and agreeing appropriate prioritisation of work with line management or other relevant stakeholders as needed.

Knowledge, Qualifications, Skills and Experience

Knowledge /Qualifications

Essential:

A1 Ability to demonstrate the competencies required to undertake the duties associated with this level of post having acquired the necessary professional knowledge and management skills in a similar or number of different specialist roles. AND: Post Graduate Qualifications.

A2 Advanced knowledge of national and international HE environment and public policy issues as they relate to, HE and related areas**.**

Skills

Essential:

C1 Demonstrated ability to build personal and professional credibility.

C2 Demonstrated high level communication skills, both verbal and written, including an ability to research and write reports and presentations for a variety of audiences, draft and edit strategic documents and to convert complex information into an effective concise and purposeful briefs and papers.

C3 Highly developed analytical and conceptual skills including demonstrated ability to quickly assimilate new concepts and information and deliver positive, innovative solutions demonstrating a clear understanding of the strategic aims of the related area of work.

C4 Experience of producing and maintaining project documentation, including project briefs, business cases, project plans (deliverables, milestones), workstreams, risk and issue logs and progress reports.

C5 High degree of initiative, responsibility and self-motivation and a professional and proactive approach to problem solving.

C6 Ability to define priorities and work flexibly and effectively under pressure to meet demanding (and sometimes conflicting) deadlines.

C7 Ability to work independently, as part of a team, and collaboratively in partnership with teams in parallel services/units.

C8 Self-confidence, resilience and comfortable working in ambiguity.

Desirable:

D1 Successful interaction with academic and professional staff at differing levels of seniority and across several subject areas to deliver effectively on project outcomes.

Experience

Essential:

E1 Experience of conducting background research and preparing high quality papers and documentation to support the decision-making within organisations.

E2 Applied experience of working within and contributing to the governance and decision-making structures of a large organisation.

E3 High level of work organisation and self-motivation, with proven ability to work on own initiative, engaging others at the right stages, and applying independent professional judgement.

E4 A track record of credible engagement working with, negotiating and influencing senior executives.

E5 Experience of developing a network of contacts within a large organisation and outside, to facilitate collaboration and communication.

E6 Critical analysis and fact-finding, and examples of an ability to combine high-level strategic thinking with attention to detail.

E7 Demonstrable experience of project planning and delivery.

E8 An established track record of providing advice, influencing and implementing strategy and long-term goals.

Desirable:

F1 Knowledge of the governance and management structures of a university.

F2 Postgraduate research.

Terms and Conditions

Salary will be Grade 8, £48,350 - £56,021 per annum.

This post is full time (35 hours per week) and open ended (permanent). Relocation assistance will be provided where appropriate.

As part of Team UofG you will be a member of a world changing, inclusive community, which values ambition, excellence, integrity and curiosity.

As a valued member of our team, you can expect:

1 A warm welcoming and engaging organisational culture, where your talents are developed and nurtured, and success is celebrated and shared.

2 An excellent employment package with generous terms and conditions including 41 days of leave for full time staff, pension - pensions handbook https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/payandpensions/pensions/, benefits and discount packages.

3 A flexible approach to working.

4 A commitment to support your health and wellbeing, including a free 6-month UofG Sport membership for all new staff joining the University  https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/staff/healthwellbeing/.

We believe that we can only reach our full potential through the talents of all. Equality, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of our values. Applications are particularly welcome from across our communities and in particular people from the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) community, and other protected characteristics who are under-represented within the University. Read more on how the University promotes and embeds all aspects of equality and diversity within our community https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/humanresources/equalitydiversity/.

We endorse the principles of Athena Swan https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/humanresources/equalitydiversity/athenaswan/ and hold bronze, silver and gold awards across the University.

We are investing in our organisation, and we will invest in you too. Please visit our website https://www.gla.ac.uk/explore/jobs/ for more information.