The DepartmentThe University of Essex is continuing through an exciting period of change and the Academic Section plays a leading role in the change agenda as an integral part of the Professional Services teams supporting our mission in relation to excellence in education and excellence in research and the delivery of our ambitious Strategic Plan.
The Role and DutiesWe are looking to appoint a Director of Student Life/Deputy Academic Registrar to lead, shape and manage the new Student Life directorate within the Academic Section, which was established as part of a recent and ongoing reorganisation. Responsible for delivering effective, responsive and customer-focused student services across all three of our campuses, the directorate plays a key role in meeting our institutional objective to place students at the heart of everything we do. As a diverse team comprising over 100 staff, key areas of responsibility for the directorate include multi-campus delivery of our Student Services Hub, student wellbeing, disability & inclusivity support, advice & guidance, student funding & bursaries, careers services, management of our Residence Life team, delivery of the University's Employability Strategy, effective harnessing of the student voice, embedding student engagement and development of our student community.
Working closely with the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Education), academic departments and other Professional Services teams, the directorate supports the development and implementation of the University's Education Strategy, including delivery of the annual Education Action Plans, and leads key areas of work in support of the institutional focus on student progression and success and graduate employability.
In this exciting and rewarding role, you will make a significant contribution in shaping the new and evolving directorate in support of our institutional commitment to a transformational educational experience. You will work directly to the Academic Registrar, who is the academic administrative lead for the University and the head of the Academic Section, building key relationships with senior managers across the Academic Section, Heads of Academic Departments and Departmental Managers, Heads of Professional Services Sections and Faculty Managers, as well as members of the University Steering Group, particularly the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Education), and the Students' Union.
Qualifications and Skills requiredAs an excellent leader, manager and team player with a creative and innovative approach, you will use your leadership and management experience within a university or similar complex organisation to provide strategic direction for the operation and development of Student Life directorate, fostering an environment of innovation, continuous improvement and professional development, underpinned by a strong commitment to the student voice. You will be able to work effectively alongside other senior leaders in developing and implementing University-wide strategy and policy and will bring to the role an excellent understanding of policy issues in Higher Education, a flexible approach and a willingness and ability to take on a range of complex tasks and projects on behalf of the Academic Registrar. The ability to think strategically while balancing operational delivery with several complex and fast paced agendas is essential. Combined with first class interpersonal and communication skills, you will be able to work cooperatively and effectively with academic and professional services colleagues with personal credibility and at all levels. The successful candidate will be educated to degree level (or equivalent).
The role will involve evening and weekends from time to time and will also involve travel across the Essex region and the UK; on rare occasions travel internationally may be required.
We particularly welcome applications from those from an ethnic minority as they are under-represented in the Academic Section.
At the University of Essex internationalism is central to who we are and what we do. We are committed to being a cosmopolitan, internationally-oriented university that is welcoming to staff and students from all countries and a university where you can find the world in one place.
Please see the further detail link below for a full job description and person specification which outlines the full duties, skills, qualifications and experience needed for this role plus more information relating to the post. We recommend you read this information carefully before making an application. Applications should be made on-line, but if you would like advice or help in making an application, or need information in a different format, please telephone the Resourcing Team (01206 874693/873521).
*Further detail: Director of Student Life/Deputy Academic Registrar jobpack*More information: Working at the University