JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Title Student Voice and Insight Manager

Reporting to Student Support and Representation Director

Place of Work YUSU Student Centre

Hours of Work 35h per week

Salary£26,553.16 - £28,659.17 per annum

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Purpose of Role

The post holder will be responsible for developing student engagement and participation in our democracy and representation work-strands to enhance students’ learning experience; contribute to the development of a comprehensive insight programme; and support the development and delivery of the representation strand of YUSU’s strategic plan, empowering YUSU’s members to represent students’ views at all levels of decision making.

Direct reports

  • Student Engagement Development Co-ordinator (Academic)
  • Democracy and Campaigns Co-ordinator

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Key Tasks

Service Delivery

  • To manage and be accountable for the work of the Voice and Insight staff team; covering YUSU’s democracy and academic representation provision and supporting the Director in all aspects of their role in relation to representation and engagement.
  • To inform the continued development of YUSU’s strategy in relation to representation.
  • To work with marketing colleagues and senior managers to incorporate data and trends into strategic decision making, with a particular focus on student voice.
  • To scope, design and deliver research projects to inform work plans and support policy development and insight to effect positive change for students.
  • To support Officers to be effective representatives and student leaders that secure change, from overseeing coordination of student elections, to the delivery of a programme of training, support and developmentto help officers represent members and achieve their goals.
  • To provide support, information and advice to elected Officers, preparing reports and briefings as appropriate.
  • To ensure policies and procedures are in place that quality assure outputs and outcomes within remit.
  • To ensure that the department is well informed and able to identify key issues affecting all students.
  • To support the development, delivery and implementation of Union policy and campaigns.
  • To contribute to the maintenance and review of YUSU’s governance framework.
  • To monitor and disseminate information on Higher Education and relevant policy developments affecting students to elected officers and representatives.
  • To monitor the needs of underrepresented groups and identify ways of empowering students to work with the Union to address these needs.

Resources and Financial Management

  • To prepare funding applications and project development in liaison with the Director.
  • To manage the team’s budgets and use all resources effectively and efficiently, taking account of YUSU’s financial procedures.

People Management

  • To be responsible for the Voice and Insight staff team.
  • To coordinate staff recruitment, selection, induction, training and personal development.
  • To regularly monitor performance and quality of output and undertake appraisals.
  • To encourage a culture of learning, development and change to address student needs.
  • To ensure effective and efficient communication within and between departments

Management Team Responsibilities

  • To oversee the Voice and Insight team in developing student led networks that support students to come together and deliver positive change.
  • To support and engage Officers, student representatives and student groups in the delivery of well-researched, relevant and successful campaigns.
  • To develop the Voice and Insight team plan, working with the Director to ensure it contributes appropriately to the overall plans of Directorate and wider Union.
  • To work with staff and colleagues to implement the plan, managing workloads to ensure goals are met.
  • To undertake annual reviews of the plan in order to inform future activity.
  • To prepare reports as requires, including submissions to Union and University Committees.
  • To attend all meetings and training events as required.
  • To ensure that statutory and legal obligations are met.

General Notes

  • The principle roles and responsibilities will change from time to time and the post holder is required to undertake any additional duties as deemed appropriate and may reasonably be expected given the incumbent’s qualifications, experience and grade.
  • Staff are required to have a Personal Development plan and to participate in training, meetings or conferences considered relevant to their job. Staff must carry out their duties with full regard to the rules policies and procedures and conditions of service contained in the staff information guide.
  • A condition of the employment is that all staff are expected to assist in key events throughout the year e.g. the Fresher’s Fair, Student Balls and any other key events, such as elections.
  • Staff are expected to portray a positive image both internally and externally of the Students’ Union by displaying standards of service integrity, punctuality, politeness and professionalism.
  • Staff are expected to work within, promote and uphold the student-led and democratic ethos of the Students’ Union.
  • YUSU envisages that this post will develop through time and that the post-holder is expected to be proactive in pursuing these changes.

Student Voice and Insight Manager

Person Specification

Requirements / Essential / Desirable
QUALIFICATIONS
Education to degree or equivalent level of experience/qualification / X
Appropriate training qualification / X
EXPERIENCE
Experience of leading a team to produce clear results against set targets, with budget management responsibilities (minimum 3 years) / X
Experience of developing and delivering projects and or using quality frameworks to achieve lasting improvements / X
Experience of developing and utilizing research to generate insight and change / X
Experience of communicating with a diverse range of stakeholders, both individuals and groups / X
Experience of quickly developing knowledge and expertise in a diverse range of policy areas / X
Experience of developing and delivering impactful campaigns to raise awareness and achieve change / X
Demonstrable experience of successful outcomes in two or more of the following areas:
  • Student voice and academic representation
  • Membership engagement
  • Public affairs
  • Research and social policy
  • In a democratic environment
/ X
SKILLS
Able to operate effectively in a complex, high pressure environment and adapt to a range of challenges / X
A high level of digital literacy – able to use Microsoft Office, social media and bespoke web based applications to support effective service delivery and membership engagement / X
Effective communication skills. Able to present information clearly and concisely in written and oral formats for a range of audiences, including the ability to write reports which identify key recommendations / X
Able to assimilate complex information and use data to inform decision-making / X
Highlighly organized with the ability to manage multiple demands / X
Able to work as part of a team as well as under own initiative / X
Commitment to the delivery of high standards of customer service and attention to detail / X
Knowledge & Attitude
Positive about working in member led organisation / X
Knowledge of issues affecting students & Higher Education policy developments / X
A flexible approach to work / X
Knowledge of key aspects of relevant legislation / X
Knowledge of the role of Students’ Unions, democratic processes and elected Officers, with the ability to empower elected Officers and build constructive relationships / X
A positive approach to problem solving and a ‘can do’ attitude / X
A demonstrable understanding of quality assurance processes in Higher Education / X
A commitment to equality of opportunity / X