Job title: Pro Vice-Chancellor (PVC) Research, Academic Strategy & Planning
Reports to: Vice-Chancellor
Grade: SMT
School/Service: Vice-Chancellor’s Office
Responsible for: No. of direct reports – 5
Working hours: 37

JOB DESCRIPTION

As part of the executive team and working collaboratively, you will provide visionary leadership to successfully deliver Solent’s academic mission of ‘work-ready, world-ready, future-ready’, and be accountable for providing the institution’s academic strategic leadership of research, knowledge exchange and innovation, including strategic academic planning. Working closely with the Associate PVC Research and Innovation, you will grow our research, knowledge exchange, and innovation capacity at all levels of the institution, championing research and knowledge exchange internally and externally.  You will be responsible for identifying opportunities for growth, differentiation and improvement in academic programmes and portfolios and ensuring that the University’s academic structure, resources, and performance align to the delivery of our academic strategy. You will work closely with the PVC Education to link research and knowledge exchange with education, taking a holistic view of student education and experience from UG to PGT, in line with University Strategy, strategic KPIs, external benchmarks, and the institutional values.  As a member of the Vice-Chancellor’s Group (executive team) your role is central to the collaborative leadership of the University.

Main duties and responsibilities

• To be an articulate and persuasive institutional, regional, and national voice for Solent’s approach to work ready, world ready, future ready education and experience – and championing the role of applied and practice-based research and knowledge exchange as part of that education.

Academic Planning

• To ensure (working in collaboration with Heads of Academic Departments and Professional Services, especially the PVC Education, Chief Marketing Officer, and Academic Registrar) that the university offers a wide-ranging, distinctive and innovative portfolio of courses (size, shape, mix, delivery), at all levels, including online and CPD, and that these are resourced efficiently and aligned with university strategy and priorities.
• Working with the PVC for Education, the Chief Marketing Officer and others to identify opportunities for growth, differentiation, and improvement for the university’s education portfolio and lead the process to resource these new developments in line with university strategy and priorities.
• To lead the planning and budgeting process, in collaboration with the CFOO and CPCO, to ensure alignment of resources across the academic portfolio to achieve strategic priorities and is responsible for strategic resource planning, which includes aligning university resources with the academic mission and implementing the academic priorities of the university’s strategic plan
• To lead the use of data and digital technology to enhance the university’s performance in research, knowledge exchange and innovation, with attention to building digital capacity among academic, research, and professional services staff.
• Working closely with the CFOO to ensure all parts of the portfolio and research remain financially viable and where appropriate make sustainable contribution to University surplus.
• To monitor academic performance across key KPIs, and ensure Solent maintains all relevant compliances (for example, but not limited to, B3 and PRSB requirements) to enhance student outcomes.
• To lead, working with the Associate PVC Academic Strategy, relevant heads of professional services, and heads of department to develop a planning process and ensure that resources, specialist facilities, and infrastructure, and operational resources are aligned for the efficient and effective delivery of research and education across the university in order to maintain a high quality, efficient University.
• Lead on major change projects across the university, but especially academic areas, as required.

Research and knowledge exchange

• To lead on policy formulation for all aspects of research, innovation, and knowledge exchange, including research ethics and equity.
• To provide institutional authority, being ultimately accountable for, the REF, KEF, and all forms of UKRI and other research funding opportunities, especially international and European (EU) funding, and to ensure an outstanding submission to REF in all aspects (outputs, research environment, impact).
• To facilitate and work with the Associate PVC Research and Innovation to deliver transformational change in research and knowledge exchange culture and practice through collaborative working alongside effective strategies for research enhancement, benchmarking, continuous improvement and performance management to sustain Solent’s emerging track-record (e.g. REF, KEF) and to meet institutional KPIs for both staff and research students.
• To work with the Associate PVC Research and Knowledge Exchange, university research leads, and heads of department to ensure the development of research and knowledge exchange clusters, centres, and networks to maximise the outputs, funding success, and external impact of the university’s research activity, and to engage internal and external stakeholders in leveraging a high degree of activity and visibility for Solent research and practice.
• With the support of the Associate PVC Research and Innovation, you will lead the development of, and implement, a distinctive KE and innovation strategy that leverages the university’s role in supporting the regional economy for the benefit of business and community stakeholders but also generates substantial income and impact for the university.
• To work with Associate PVC Research and Knowledge Exchange to ensure the university adheres to sector research ethics and equity processes, benchmarks, and compliance processes to ensure the university exceeds expectations and benchmarks in all aspects its research and knowledge exchange.
• To work with the Associate PVC Research and Knowledge Exchange to develop the funding mechanisms, policies, and research and learning culture to support a vibrant community of graduate students and post-docs, developing innovative methods of graduate education at doctoral level, ensuring that supervision aligns with best sectoral practice, and that outcomes meet external and internal KPIs and research council requitements.
• To be accountable for, in conjunction with the Associate PVC, for HEIF and other research funds to maximise the effective use of external funding, and working with the Associate PVC Research and Knowledge Exchange to maintain an efficient and functioning research office to support research and KE developments, and also working with the Associate PVC to maintain a university-wide graduate school aligned with Solent’s research ambitions.
• Collaboratively inspire and support the re-imagining of graduate, post-doctoral, and research culture through the creative, innovative, and efficient use of campus space.
• To work with the PVC Students and Governance to ensure that the appropriate governance mechanisms and committee structures are operative and effective to achieve the levels of compliance, quality, and aspiration commensurate with the university’ research and knowledge exchange aspirations.
• Collaborating with VCG, APVC’s and key colleagues to ensure Solent develops enhanced research partnerships in the UK and internationally.
• To work with others (especially the PVC Education) in the creation of a sector leading approach in internationalising the student experience, including graduate students, maximising the global reach of Solent’s research and education.
• To support and inspire the generation of exciting teaching and learning, embedding research and practice-based research enriched teaching with a strong industry focus across all aspects of the university.
• To work with Heads of Academic Departments and other members of VCG as appropriate, on the recruitment, development, and progression of academic colleagues, especially in promoting research, innovation, and knowledge exchange excellence.
• Working with the Associate PVC Research and Innovation to ensure that diversity and inclusion, sustainability, and the university’s approach to civic engagement are embedded in all aspects of research policies and practices.
• Working with the Associate PVC Research and Innovation to ensure that the university’s external stakeholders, but especially the business and industrial, and community stakeholders are involved in the co-creation of all aspects of Solent’s research and knowledge exchange.
• To act as a supportive, but rigorous and critical academic voice in delivering a sustainable operating model for the university.

Other

• Supporting the Vice-Chancellor, as a member of VCG, you will drive the organisational vision and demonstrate collective responsibility for the overall management of the University and delivery of the strategic plan, contributing to the academic strategy, policy, and direction of the university, including the satisfaction of Institutional KPIs.
• Build a highly inclusive and collaborative culture ensuring team members thrive and organisational outcomes are met.
• Maintain and build trusted relationships with key stakeholders maintaining a high value internal and external profile, participating in appropriate regional, national and international bodies such as: LEP, LSIP, Business South, chambers of commerce, NHS trusts, major local, regional and national employers, and civic authorities in the Solent and Hampshire region, such as Southampton City Council; UK and international research partners, UKRI and research councils, major charitable funders (e.g. Wellcome, Leverhulme), and international funders (e.g. EU, ERC); as well as learned societies connected to the university’s research areas.
• To work closely with the Vice-Chancellor’s Group in pro-actively and responsively bringing forward new ideas and strategies to address operational issues and support university-wide strategies.
• To prepare papers and reports for the Board of Governors and management committees as required.
• Safeguarding the integrity of all data, including the appropriate handling of data in accordance with established University policies and procedures, to ensure robust information is available to monitor organisational performance and effective decision making. Implementing adequate staff training and supervision to ensure the accuracy and integrity of data is maintained.
• To undertake any other duties commensurate with this post and as requested by the Vice-Chancellor including flexible working (occasional evenings and weekends) and travel as required.
• Ensure all department operations policies and procedures comply with legal and regulatory frameworks.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Qualifications

• PhD or equivalent experience (essential)
• Professorial standing (desirable)
• Senior or Principal Advanced HEA status (desirable) and/or NTF
• Reputation, profile, and experience in research and/or knowledge exchange commensurate with senior academic leadership roles

Knowledge

• Breadth and depth of Higher Education experience necessary to deputise for the Vice-Chancellor, on external and internal matters, or other academic members of the Senior Management Team on a wide variety of issues.
• Proven and current ability to contribute to institutional policy development across all the major issues facing the University, both nationally and internationally
• Demonstrable knowledge of and passion for learning, teaching and research issues in higher education
• Demonstrable knowledge and passion for research, knowledge exchange, and the development of research culture across all levels and aspects of the institution

Experience

• Demonstrably successful leadership and management experience at a senior academic level in a University.
• Apply resourcefulness, agility and drive to grow the University.
• Be a passionate advocate, internally and externally, for the University.
• Experience of academic workforce planning models, managing challenging budgets
• Proven track record of leading and managing organisational change and driving excellent performance within an academic community.

Skills

• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including crafting complex messages for diverse stakeholders.
• Ability to deliver objectives and projects to tight timescales and within budget.
• Proven current ability to chair major university committees in an effective and efficient manner.
• Excellent interpersonal and influencing skills including the ability to communicate a clear vision to a wide range of audiences in a variety of
• Proven and current ability to develop and maintain strong networks within the University with a wide range of stakeholders including student sabbatical officers, senior professional services staff, academics and the Senior Management Team and externally to develop long lasting partnerships.
• Ability to represent the University’s interests in policy debates at local, regional and national level.

Job title: Pro Vice-Chancellor (PVC) Education
Reports to: Vice-Chancellor Grade: SMT
School/Service: Vice-Chancellor’s Office
Responsible for: No. of direct reports – 5
Working hours: 37

JOB DESCRIPTION

Responsible for leading the education strategy and innovation across the university, taking a holistic view of student education and experience from UG to PGT, and working in line with University Strategy, strategic KPIs, external benchmarks, and the institutional values. You will champion the role of education internally and externally, and work broadly and collaboratively across the university, encouraging co-creation in the educational offering and delivery methods, with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders to deliver the Solent mission of ‘work-ready, world-ready, future-ready’ education. As a member of the Vice-Chancellor’s Group (executive team), your role is central to the collaborative leadership of the University.

Main duties and responsibilities 

• To be an articulate and persuasive institutional, regional, and national voice for Solent’s approach to work ready, world ready, future ready education and experience.
• To lead an enhanced blended and digital education that supports student choice and flexibility, promoting effective and efficient programme design and delivery.
• To lead the use of data and digital technology to enhance the student academic experience and education delivery ensuring close alignment with the overall student experience.
• To facilitate and deliver transformational change in education culture and practice through collaborative working alongside effective strategies for education enhancement, benchmarking, continuous improvement and performance management to sustain Solent’s outstanding track-record (e.g. TEF Gold) and to meet institutional KPIs for both staff and students.
• Become the institutional authority and lead on the LLE and other forms of work-balanced and life-long learning including apprenticeships, the modern skills agenda, and associated frameworks.
• Working in partnership with the PVC Students and Governance, become the joint institutional authority and co-lead on sector quality processes, benchmarks, and compliance processes (NSS, TEF, OfS, OfSted, relevant PSRBs, and including forms on individual and institutional quality, such as NTFs) to ensure the university exceeds expectations and benchmarks in all aspects of education.
• Working with the PVC Students and Governance to ensure that the appropriate governance mechanisms and committee structures are operative and effective to achieve the levels of compliance, quality, and aspiration commensurate with the university’ triple gold TEF ranking.
• Lead on policy formulation for all aspects of education including teaching and learning, assessment, and where appropriate, work collaboratively with the CMO, on admissions policy and targets.
• To ensure (working in collaboration with heads of academic departments and professional services, especially the PVC Students and Governance, Chief Marketing Officer, and Academic Registrar) that the university offers a wide-ranging, distinctive and innovative portfolio of courses, modes of delivery, and methods of study, at all levels, including online and CPD, for the benefit of students and other stakeholders.
• To ensure (working collaboration with heads of academic departments and professional services, especially the PVC Students and Governance, Chief Marketing Officer, and Academic Registrar) that Solent develops enhanced educational partnerships in the UK though franchises, articulation, tertiary structures, validations and other relationships to extend the reach of the Solent approach to education regionally and nationally and support the creation of robust pipelines of recruitment for the university.
• To ensure (working in collaboration with heads of academic departments and professional services, especially the PVC Students and Governance, Chief Marketing Officer, and Academic Registrar) that Solent develops outstanding international partnerships through on-campus teaching and learning, and through TNE arrangements including franchises, articulation, tertiary structures, validations and other relationships to extend the reach of the Solent approach to education internationally and support the creation of robust pipelines of recruitment for the university.
• To lead (with others) the creation of a sector leading approach in internationalising the student experience, maximising the global reach of Solent’s education.
• To co-lead and work collaboratively (with others, including the PVC Students and Governance) the Student Experience and other teams on enhancing the whole student experience, including the integration of volunteering, entrepreneurship, and other activities that enhance student experience and outcomes, including Graduate Outcomes metrics.
• To lead (with others) the co-creation of curriculum, teaching and learning approaches and enhanced student experience with the student body and create a Solent education that is student centred in the fullest, most holistic sense.
• Support and inspire the re-imagining of student education and experience through the creative, innovative, and efficient use of campus space.
• Support and inspire the generation of exciting teaching and learning, embedding research and practice-based research enriched teaching with a strong industry focus across all aspects of the university.
• To work with heads of department and other members of VCG, as appropriate, on the recruitment, development, and progression of academic colleagues, especially in promoting teaching and learning excellence.
• Ensure that diversity and inclusion and sustainability and the university approach to civic engagement are embedded in all aspects of teaching and learning policies and practices.
• Ensure that the university’s external stakeholders, but especially the business and industrial, and community stakeholders are involved in the co-creation of all aspects of Solent’s education offering.
• To act as a supportive, but rigorous and critical academic voice in delivering a sustainable operating model for the university.

Other

• Supporting the Vice-Chancellor, as a member of VCG, you will drive the organisational vision and demonstrate collective responsibility for the overall management of the University and delivery of the strategic plan, contributing to the academic strategy, policy, and direction of the university, including the satisfaction of Institutional KPIs.
• Build a highly inclusive and collaborative culture ensuring team members thrive and organisational outcomes are met.
• Maintain and build trusted relationships with key stakeholders maintaining a high value internal and external profile, participating in appropriate regional, national and international bodies such as External: LEP, LSIP, Business South, FE colleges (especially validation partner or partner members of IoT), Southampton Education Forum, UTC Southampton, IoT, chambers of commerce, NHS trusts, major employers, and civic authorities in the Solent and Hampshire region, such as Southampton City Council, UK and international education partners.
• To work closely with the Vice-Chancellors Group in pro-actively and responsively bringing forward new ideas and strategies to address operational issues and support university-wide strategies.
• To ensure the effective utilisation of operational resources in order to maintain a high quality, efficient University.
• To prepare papers and reports for the Board of Governors and management committees as required.
• Safeguarding the integrity of all data, including the appropriate handling of data in accordance with established University policies and procedures, to ensure robust information is available to monitor organisational performance and effective decision making. Implementing adequate staff training and supervision to ensure the accuracy and integrity of data is maintained.
• To undertake any other duties commensurate with this post and as requested by the Vice-Chancellor including flexible working (occasional evenings and weekends) and travel as required.
• Ensure all department operations policies and procedures comply with legal and regulatory frameworks.
• Willingness to work evenings and weekends as may reasonably required, including occasional overseas travel.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Qualifications

• PhD or equivalent experience (essential)
• Professorial standing (desirable)
• Senior or Principal Advanced HEA status (desirable) and/or NTF
• Reputation, profile, and experience commensurate with senior academic leadership roles.

Knowledge

• Breadth and depth of Higher Education experience necessary to deputise for the Vice-Chancellor, on external and internal matters, or other academic members of the Senior Management Team on a wide variety of issues.
• Proven and current ability to contribute to institutional policy development across all the major issues facing the University, both nationally and internationally.
• Demonstrable knowledge of and passion for learning, teaching and research issues in higher education.
• Demonstrable knowledge and passion for research, knowledge exchange, and the development of research culture across all levels and aspects of the institution.

Experience

• Demonstrably successful leadership and management experience at a senior academic level in a University.
• Proven track record of leading and managing organisational change and driving excellent performance within an academic community.

Skills

• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including crafting complex messages for diverse stakeholders.
• Proven current ability to chair major university committees in an effective and efficient manner.
• Excellent interpersonal and influencing skills, including the ability to communicate a clear vision to a wide range of audiences in a variety of media.
• Proven and current ability to develop and maintain strong networks within the University with a wide range of stakeholders including student sabbatical officers, senior professional services staff, academics and the Senior Management Team.
• Ability to represent the University’s interests in policy debates at local, regional and national level.