Portfolio Manager - CPD Short Courses

Oxford University Department for Continuing Education (OUDCE) is seeking to appoint a Portfolio Manager (PM) for Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Short Courses which is housed in the Department’s Professional and Open Access Courses section.

The CPD Portfolio provides short open enrolment and bespoke courses that are designed to provide high-level training and professional upskilling for individuals across a range of companies, for professionals in organisations, for government departments, and for research and academic institutions.

About the role

This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the development of the work of the Department’s Professional and Open Access Courses (POAC) section by undertaking the development, planning, marketing and delivery of self-financing professional development courses, workshops and conferences aimed at up-dating professional practitioners in a wide range of fields. In this role, you will be responsible for line-managing a team of four full-time administrative colleagues and you will deputise for the Deputy Head of student Administration when required, chairing events, welcoming visitors and representing the Department.

The role is challenging and demands a capacity for strategic thinking and excellent organisational and communication skills. We are looking for a dynamic and imaginative individual with extensive experience in developing and delivering bespoke courses for professionals.

This is a full-time (FTE) position, available on a permanent contract.

About you

You will be highly experienced in the management, development, and delivery of CPD programmes for professionals. In addition, you will have substantial experience in organising and promoting innovative ventures. You will be expected to use your initiative at all times within a framework of performance objectives and financial controls, and exercise meticulous attention to detail in planning complex courses and events. You will be expected to work with a high degree of autonomy.

Commercial awareness, an entrepreneurial instinct and a strong motivation to achieve sustainable self-financing goals are essential attributes.  You will also have an outgoing, professional approach and a positive orientation towards flexible collaboration. There is a strong emphasis on teamwork, in which willingness to help colleagues to cope with contingencies and unusual pressures is paramount.

You will draw on the expertise of faculty from across the University and will develop close ties with industry professionals.

You will be required from time to time to attend receptions, dinners, and other CPD-related events after normal office hours and, sometimes, at weekends.

You must have a strong marketing awareness, be able to exercise authority appropriately, be diplomatic and able to successfully negotiate agreements. You must be able to communicate confidently with academics, strategic groups across the University, senior managers in industry, board-level executives, and training and development specialists in multinational companies.

A high level of IT literacy is required.  The Department uses a combination of Microsoft and other packages, including MS Office packages, and new customised administrative database and finance systems.  Familiarity with these (or similar) software packages is required.  You will be expected to use new technologies for efficient and creative communication and administration.

About us

OUDCE provides opportunities for people from a wide variety of backgrounds to benefit from the University’s rich and unique resources. We are ambitious and forward-thinking, with a strong sense of identity and community. Our mission is to inspire people locally, nationally and globally by extending access to Oxford’s world-class teaching and resources through flexible and inclusive opportunities for study and research.

Colleagues uphold the uphold the Mission, Vision and Values of the Department and actively promote a culture of equality, diversity and inclusion.

For more information, please visit: www.conted.ox.ac.uk.

What we offer

Your happiness and wellbeing at work matter to us, so we offer a range of family-friendly, financial and other benefits including:

•        An excellent contributory pension scheme

•        38 days’ annual leave

•        A comprehensive range of childcare services

•        Family leave schemes

•        Cycle loan scheme

•        Membership to a variety of social and sports clubs

•        Discounted bus travel and season ticket travel loans

Application process

You will be required to upload the following documents:

1                A covering letter/supporting statement which clearly states how you meet each of the essential criteria for the post

2                An up-to-date CV

3                The contact details of two referees

To make informal enquiries about the post please contact Dr Iain Landles at [email protected]

The closing date for applications is 12.00 noon on 30 April 2024.

Interviews are expected to take place during the week commencing TBC

Bring your expertise to the University of Oxford and be a part of a community that values creativity, diversity, and excellence.

The University of Oxford is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from individuals regardless of their background.