Director of Advocacy and Opportunities - Recruitment Pack (February 2024)

DIRECTOR OF ADVOCACY AND OPPORTUNITIES

RECRUITMENT PACK

Letter

LETTER FROM THE CEO

Herts is a diverse university community, rich with culture and innovative by nature. We’re home to more than 33,000 students from 140 countries - in fact, we’re extremely proud to be one of the most diverse student populations in the UK!

As the Students’ Union here at Herts, our ambition is huge - we’re aiming for 100% of our students to engage with at least one of our service offerings. To achieve this, we’re not afraid to take risks and try new things to improve students lives, and our innovative and ambitious staff and officer team are committed to working in partnership with students to make this a reality.

Reporting to the CEO, our Director of Advocacy and Opportunities is at the heart of this work. You will lead impactful initiatives to enrich the student experience. Direct our wellrespected Advice and Support Centre and shape the direction of our student insight. Lead the team that oversees our 15,000+ member student societies and the University’s student representation system. Provide support for our innovative Elected Officer model.

In this role, you can fully apply your expertise to reimagine the student experience at Hertfordshire. You will make a significant impact by empowering the next generation of student leaders, advocating for student success, building communities and providing the support our students need to thrive during their important university years.

Put simply, our goal is for each student to love life at Herts, and our Director of Advocacy and Opportunities is pivotal to our success. Thank you for your interest in the role, and we look forward to discussing it with you!

Rebecca Hobbs

Letter

OUR STRUCTURE

TRUSTEE BOARD

Our Trustee Board has overall responsibility for the management of our organisation. They are responsible for ensuring we’re a well run, effective, law-abiding and financially secure organisation. The Board is made up of 10 Officer Trustees 2 Student Trustees, 1 University Trustee & 4 External Trustees. In the role of Director of Advocacy and Opportunities, you will attend the Trustee Board as an Officer in Attendance, along with the rest of the Senior Management team and our Secretary to the Board.

ADVOCACY AND OPPORTUNITIES

As the Director of Advocacy and Opportunities, you will be line managed by our Chief Executive Officer. You will be responsible for our Advice & Support, Insight & Policy and Student Opportunities teams, as shown on the right.

You will work in collaboration with our Commercial, Community Events, Marketing, Finance and HR teams. You can view our full organisation chart here

RECRUITMENT PACK

Letter from the CEO

Our Structure

Our Impact

Vision, Mission & Values

Job Description

Working for Herts Recruitment Process

ABOUT US

Herts SU is here to support students on their journey at the Uni of Herts and make sure it’s the best it can be. We’re a registered charity that works closely with the Uni of Herts to enrich the student experience. We are a dynamic, vibrant and exciting organisation.

We run a variety of provisions for the benefit of our 35,000 strong student population. Services include advice & support, events, opportunities, a nightclub and student representation.

CAREER STAFF

Our career staff team is made up of 35 full-time and part-time members. In addition to this, we have our innovative model of Elected Officers, comprising of 1 Full-Time Officer and 9 Part-Time Officers. Our President works full-time, taking a year out of their studies to improve the academic experience at Herts. Out Part-Time Officers focus on different areas of representation, working flexibly alongside their studies.

STUDENT STAFF

Our student staff team are vital to our continued growth and we couldn’t reach our ambitions without their support. We employ over 130 Herts students every year, working nearly 15,000 hours between them across our various services. Roles include Bar Staff, Digital Content Creators, Events Assistants, Research Assistants, Tech Crew, Welcome Desk Assistants and more.

SO FAR THIS YEAR (AND WE'RE NOT EVEN HALF WAY THROUGH!)

OUR IMPACT SUPPORTED 622 STUDENTS WITH ADVICE & SUPPORT

WE'VE SPOKEN TO 581 STUDENTS FACE-TO-FACE FOR FEEDBACK

STUDENTS COMPLETED OUR SURVEYS 2,517

WE’VE SOLD 17,127 TICKETS TO THE FORUM

WE’RE SUPPORTING 822 STUDENT REPS & 34 SCHOOL COMMUNITY ORGANISERS

WE’VE CARRIED OUT 9 RESEARCH PROJECTS

WE SENT 1,244,060 INDIVIDUAL EMAILS

130 STUDENTS ARE WORKING WITH US PART-TIME

7,278

STUDENTS HAVE COME TO OUR EVENTS

WE GIFTED 13,354 STUDENTS WITH FREE ACADEMIC SOCIETY MEMBERSHIPS

WE’VE OFFERED 8,810 HOURS TO STUDENT STAFF

OUR ELECTED OFFICERS SUCCESSFULLY LOBBIED FOR TUITION FEE EXTENSIONS FOR ALL INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

THERE HAVE BEEN 1,178 SOCIETY MEMBERSHIP PURCHASES TO 109 SOCIETIES

WE’VE REACHED 13,084 FOLLOWERS ON INSTAGRAM

WE’VE RUN MORE THAN 100 EVENTS FOR STUDENTS

Letter

VISION, MISSION & VALUES

OUR AMBITION

Our ambition is for 100% of students at the University of Hertfordshire to be involved in at least one of our service offerings. This could be anything from academic support and advice through to events and societies.

And we want them to have 100% satisfaction when they do.

100% ENGAGEMENT • 100% SATISFACTION • 100% SUCCESS

OUR MISSION

We’re here to support students during their time at university.

We empower students to advocate for themselves and others. We develop and enhance communities amongst our richly diverse student population. And we provide the support they need to carry them through these transformative years.

WE HELP STUDENTS LOVE LIFE AT HERTS.

OUR VALUES

Our work is guided by our HERTS values. These shape everything we do. They are...

HELPFUL EMPOWERING REPRESENTATIVE TRANSPARENT STUDENT-FOCUSED

Letter from the CEO

Our Structure

Our Impact

Vision, Mission & Values

Job Description

Working for Herts Recruitment Process

JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Title:

Responsible for:

Responsible to:

Contacts:

Purpose:

Salary:

Director of Advocacy and Opportunities

The post holder will oversee the management of the Advice, Insight, Elected Officer and Student Opportunities departments.

The post holder reports to the Chief Executive Officer as well as working closely with other staff, Students’ Union Managers and Elected Officers.

The post holder will work with students, HSU Managers, Trustees and Staff and University staff.

Provide strategic leadership to departments in this directorate as a member of the Senior Leadership Team.

The salary for this role is up to £55,000

KEY ROLE REQUIREMENTS

• Deputise for the Chief Executive Officer in the areas within the role’s remit.

• Lead, manage and develop the directorate including strategic planning and operational delivery

• Support Elected Officers and Student Representatives through provision of advice, guidance, support and training.

MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Senior Management and Strategy Development

• Work with the Chief Executive Officer, HSU Trustees and staff as part of the SU’s senior leadership team, supporting strategic leadership and direction across the Students’ Union.

• Provide advisory and operational support for the Elected Officers.

• Lead on the implementation of processes within the directorate that deliver the Union’s strategic plans.

• Overall responsibility for strategic planning and budgets relating to the departments in the directorate.

• Lead the identification and development of evidence based new projects and ideas across the Union to drive improved quality, performance or impact.

• Attend and contribute to the HSU Board of Trustees meetings as required.

Finance/Resource Management

• Support Managers in preparing and oversee budgets and financial plans for all departments that are the responsibility of the Director of Advocacy and Opportunities, and ensure services operate effectively within budget and to initiate and explore ways of improving efficiency and effectiveness.

• Support the Chief Executive Officer and the rest of the Union’s SLT in overseeing the Union’s budget to maximise use of the Union’s resources across the board.

People Management

• Lead the directorate to meet the constantly changing needs of students, with a focus on increasing membership engagement, impact and levels of satisfaction by setting challenging targets and managing outcomes in line with strategic/operational plans of the SU.

• Invest in staff, and deliver our aims, by overseeing the induction, training and development of Union staff in the directorate.

• Line manage Managers within the directorate.

• Be actively inclusive and collaborative as a leader; develop an inclusive, professional, and positive culture of collaboration and creativity across teams. Set and maintain high standards for the directorate; leading, developing, supporting, and coaching staff.

Networking and Diplomacy

• Advise and influence at senior levels within UH; participating in working groups and committees as and when required.

• Responsible for building relationships, liaising and negotiating with HSU staff, University staff, and other relevant external parties on issues relating to the directorate and the wider union.

• Exert diplomacy, tact, patience, negotiation and analytical skills when dealing with a broad range of students with complex issues.

Supporting Student Representatives

• Mentor, support, advise and guide Student Officers and representational structures within the Union, ensuring induction, training, support and development of individuals is tailored to specific needs on a day-to-day basis.

• Ensure that Officers are supported to represent students in dealings with University Committees and staff as well as external contacts and bodies.

• Ensure that the Memorandum and Articles of Association, bye-laws and policies of The Union are adhered to by all staff in the directorate.

• Deputise for CEO as Deputy Returning Officer in the HSU Elections as and when required.

General

• Develop and maintain contacts with colleagues within other Students’ Unions and relevant organisations, including participation in relevant Communities of Practice.

• Keep abreast of relevant national and local developments, changes in legislation, and good practice and attend conferences, training events and meetings as necessary.

• Have a flexible approach to work and to undertake any other reasonable duties which may be required.

• Aspire to the highest standards of customer care at all times and, in conjunction with other relevant Union staff, to identify and respond to customer needs.

• Respect the democratic structure of the Students’ Union at all times.

• Abide by Hertfordshire Students’ Union Memorandum and Articles of Association, and Union Policies and Procedures at all times.

• Work flexibly and efficiently and to promote a positive image of Hertfordshire Students’ Union at all times.

• Set high standards of integrity, punctuality, accuracy, politeness and professionalism by personal example.

• Be aware of the department’s impact on the environment and to work within the environmental policies of the Union and the University (where applicable).

This document outlines the general duties required for the time being for the post of the Director of Advocacy and Opportunities. This is neither a comprehensive or exhaustive list and the duties may be varied from time to time and may be changed and be added to or deducted from. Any changes will not alter the general character of the job and/or level of seniority or responsibility, unless following on from discussion and agreement.

RECRUITMENT PACK

Letter from the CEO

Our Structure

Our Impact

Vision, Mission & Values

Job Description

Working for Herts

Recruitment Process

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Director of Advocacy and Opportunities

• Significant experience of working within an education or membership-led charity or organisation.

• Experience of managing high performing staff and leading teams to achieve excellence in impact

• Knowledge of Higher Education policy and issues impacting students

• Experience of developing and delivering operational plans to achieve strategic growth.

• Experience of collaboration with partners/stakeholders/internal departments

• Ability to analyse and present data with conclusions and recommendations

• Ability to strategically analyse services and identify developments needed to improve engagement and effectiveness.

• Ability to manage complex projects or programmes of work

• Experience in coaching teams

• Experience in building high-quality stakeholder partnerships

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to negotiate, influence and challenge others

• Able to think strategically and translate that thinking into operational plans that reflect an organisation’s values

• Ability to uphold the values of the Union, demonstrating high standards of integrity, accountability, respect for others, courtesy and professionalism

• Actively committed to the growth of equality of opportunity and diversity

• Commitment to continual professional development and evidence of seeking this not just for yourself but for direct reports

Letter from the CEO Our Structure Our Impact

Job Description

Working for Herts Recruitment Process

WORKING FOR HERTS SU

YOUR SALARY AND BENEFITS

We pride ourselves on being excellent employers – we are proud of our staff team, we support them, develop them and champion their wellbeing and success at every opportunity.

The salary for this role is up to £55,000, and we offer a range of benefits, including:

• A matched 4% employee pension scheme

• A starting package of 25 days of annual leave per year rising to a maximum of 35 years after each year of service, plus University closed days (approx. 4.5 days) and Bank Holidays.

• A number of additional benefits, which you can view in full here Highlights include: a flexible working policy, a significant on-site gym discount, a weekly wellbeing hour, an Employee Assistance Programme (which includes access to free telephone counselling) and a free membership to an employee discount app, which includes restaurant discounts, great price cinema tickets and many more discounts. Find out more about the employee rewards available via Perkbox here

OUR COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY & INCLUSION

We wholeheartedly embrace inclusion and diversity; it’s in the fibre of who we are. We actively celebrate our differences, nurture belonging, and champion accessibility. Our team are encouraged to boldly be their authentic selves, which we believe makes us an outstanding place to work.

We therefore would love to see a range of applications from candidates reflective of the diversity of our students, irrespective of age, disability, gender, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation.

If you are unsure as to whether to apply because you don’t believe you meet all the job criteria, please do not let this stop you! We’re interested in developing talent and ideas, and if you are unsure, please contact Sian Gardiner of MRG (our appointed recruitment partner) at Sian.gardiner@universitypeople.com to schedule an informal conversation about the role.

Letter from the CEO Our Structure Our Impact Vision, Mission &

Job Description

Working for Herts Recruitment Process

RECRUITMENT PROCESS

HOW TO APPLY

The university union offers a competitive salary for the post. In addition the University offers a wide range of benefits, including a generous annual leave entitlement and pension scheme, opportunities to join staff networks, formal and informal learning and development opportunities, and flexibility.

For a confidential discussion to learn more about the role and opportunity please contact the University union’s appointed recruitment consultant Sian Gardiner of The Management Recruitment Group.

Closing date for applications is Sunday 24th March 2024.

Interviews with the team are scheduled for w/c 15th April.

Applications should consist of a comprehensive CV (of not more than 4 pages) and supporting cover letter (of not more than 2 pages) outlining key matching experience and rationale for the post.

Applications should be sent to sian.gardiner@universitypeople.co.uk.