Vice - Chancellor

Vice - Chancellor

Job reference : IBOPA

Closing date : Monday 15 July

Buckinghamshire New University has been transforming lives for more than years through inspiring employment- and profession-focused education, enabling people to impact society and their futures in positive ways. With over 7, students, our education works for all, regardless of background or circumstance. In , we were ranked number one in England for overall student satisfaction in the National Student Survey, and were also named University of the Year for Student Support in the Daily Mail’s University Guide . The University currently operates over five sites with our main campuses in High Wycombe, Aylesbury and Uxbridge.

Following the announcement that Professor Nick Braisby will step down from his role in , we are now seeking to appoint his successor. The Vice-Chancellor is responsible for the leadership and management of the University and its community, and accountable to the University Council. They will develop, promote and champion the distinctiveness, quality and profile of the University through clear vision, informed leadership and sound management.

The successful candidate will inspire people, have strategic vision, intellectual acuity, innovative thinking, and a collaborative approach. We seek a bold leader with a strong track record of delivering success, who can forge strong links externally with our partners and stakeholders. Candidates will need to bring well-developed executive leadership skills and possess an excellent understanding of the challenges facing the sector, as well as a compelling vision for how to position BNU for continued success within that context.

Saxton Bampfylde Ltd is acting as an employment agency advisor to Buckinghamshire New University on this appointment. For further information about the role, including details about how to apply, please visit using reference IBOPA. Alternatively telephone 20 (during office hours). Applications should be received by noon on Monday 15 July.

Location High Wycombe Contract Type Permanent Salary Range Spot salary Hours per week 37 Closing Date 15/07/ Ref No Documents
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Job Description

Key responsibilities

 Leadership

Shape and communicate a strong sense of vision, purpose and identity for the university that continues to place delivering a transformational experience for students at its heart Provide visible, inspirational and effective strategic leadership across the university Promote a culture of shared values and behaviours that engenders high levels of motivation and collegiality and builds trust, innovation and engagement Develop outstanding relationships with staff and students across the university Champion equality, diversity and inclusiveness, and ensure that they remain fundamental drivers of the university’s strategy and culture Act as an ambassador for the university, representing the university within the sector and key stakeholders, as well as nationally and internationally as appropriate Instil and develop a culture of continuous improvement to enable BNU to respond with agility to changes in the external environment as well as seize opportunities to enhance our offer and maximise income generation

Strategic management

Define the strategic direction, priorities and targets, in collaboration with the University Council and Executive Team Deliver organisational performance in line with strategic objectives and key performance indicators and targets Lead the university’s Executive Team in promoting a culture of co-operation and high performance against agreed targets across all areas of the institution Ensure the highest standards of teaching, learning and research and monitor the provision of an outstanding educational experience for our students Horizon-scan, anticipate and respond decisively to developments, in a dynamic higher education and political environment to continually evolve and adapt the university’s response to drivers for change Promote BNU’s profile and brand in the UK and internationally Maximise the potential for generating additional commercial and other income streams Deliver exceptional performance seeking continuous improvement in student feedback, TEF, REF and KEF awards, financial performance and staff engagement

Governance

Ensure that the university fulfils the various statutory and other requirements of the funding councils and other Government agencies Act as Accountable Officer for the university, to ensure timely and accurate preparation of regular reports to the University Council Ensure that the university’s governance remains compliant within the appropriate legal, statutory and regulatory frameworks

Partnerships

Work in partnership with students, in the spirit of co-creation to strengthen the university’s commitment to the student teaching and learning experience Enhance and build relationships with local, regional, national and international partners to deliver the university’s mission and strategic objectives Support engagement with and development of the university’s global alumni community Develop and maintain a network of relationships with key organisations and individuals that enables the university to enhance its influence, reputation and market position

EXPERIENCE

A proven track record of success as a senior leader in an executive capacity in a university or relevant organisation Track record of empowering teams to deliver excellent services and achieve high performance Managing substantial budgets and resources Developing coherent and aligned strategic goals and objectives and defining meaningful measures Innovation and entrepreneurship, including diversifying income streams Leading transformational change programmes, including cultural change Track record of optimising the profile and brand of an organisation

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND APPROACH

An engaging, innovative and insightful leader who is able to lead transformation and bring staff and others on the journey Ability to identify opportunities for partnership/collaboration and cultivate relationships to explore and develop them for educational, research and/or commercial gain Ability to take bold decisions using a robust risk-based approach Ability to develop and maintain research culture amongst academic staff Outstanding communicator with a high degree of emotional intelligence Passion for equality, diversity and inclusion, widening participation and social justice High levels of personal and professional integrity Strong grasp on effective governance processes and ability to develop and maintain productive working relationships with the Chair and Council Understanding of university finance and the complexity of contemporary funding and commercial financing arrangements

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

A strong intellect and a track record of achievement that will command respect within the University’s academic community Ability to act as a compelling ambassador for BNU both locally, nationally and internationally Politically astute with ability to influence and shape perception Proactive visibility across the university and externally

QUALIFICATIONS AND TRAINING

Doctoral level qualification or equivalent standing Evidence of continuing professional development

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