HEAD OF COMMUNITY OPERATIONS CANDIDATE INFORMATION PACK
WELCOME TO HERTFORDSHIRE STUDENTS' UNION Hertfordshire Students’ Union (HSU) is a dynamic and vibrant union and our job is to help students love life at Herts. We run a variety of services for the over 24,000 students at the University of Hertfordshire. We offer an array of societies, we campaign on issues that matter to students, we fight for students' rights and run a busy Advice and Support Centre for when things don't go right. We also run what is arguable the hub of the College Lane campus - our nightclub, The Forum. The Forum has recently been redeveloped and is a 1,100 person, selfcontained nightclub space, spread over two floors and an integral Part of the student experience at Herts. The Head of Community Operations will be instrumental in bringing this space to life – through supporting our Licensed Trade team in running night-time events, through supporting our Student Activities team is utilising the space as part of their broader community building initiatives, and through supporting our Marketing team to make sure students at Herts know that their membership of the SU is there to support them through their entire student journey.
OUR VALUES HELPFUL
EMPOWERING
REPRESENTATIVE TRANSPARENT
STUDENT-FOCUSED
MARK
OUR OUTREACH
30,
followers across plat
1.
ADVICE & SUPPORT 4,356
contacts with students (2020 - 21 academic year)
1,580
students supported (2020 - 21 academic year)
198
in the SU buddy scheme
page views on ou y
2
THE FORUM
volume of e students in
9,000+
students attending each year
1,100
capacity of The Loft and Seventy7
£1M
average yearly income
KETING
,000+
all our social media tforms
.7M
ur website in the last year
2.2M
emails sent to n the last year
STRATEGIC PLAN
https://hertfordshire.su/your-union/strategy/
STUDENT ACTIVITIES 124
Active societies
2,361
society memberships
100+
events held this year
STUDENT VOICE 750
student Reps
23
school community organisers Input from
6,917
students for research
(2020 - 21 academic year)
5
campaigns run (2020 - 21 academic year)
THE ROLE We're here to enrich the student experience at the University of Hertfordshire, which is why our vision underpins all that we do to help students love life at Herts. The successful candidate will help us drive this mission forward - will be a proven, experienced and dynamic leader who is looking for a new challenge, a chance to grow and build an team where students and staff are a priority.
Strategic Development and Direction The Head of Community Operations will lead our Licensed Trade activity, our Marketing function and our Student Activities (Societies, Events and Volunteering) team. You will collaborate with the CEO, the rest of the Senior Management and staff teams, our Trustee Board, our students and University partners to develop and implement plans to develop services in line with the vision and values of HSU.
JOB DESCRIPTION Job Title: Responsible to: Salary: Location:
Head of Community Operations Chief Executive Officer Up to £49,000 Hatfield, working on site minimum of 4 days per week
Responsible for: The post holder will oversee the management of the Forum, Marketing and Student Activities teams, act as the Premises Licence Holder/DPS for the Forum and actively Lead of Health and Safety guidance for the SU. Contacts: • •
The post holder will work with students, HSU Managers, Trustees and Staff and University staff. Provide strategic leadership to Hertfordshire Students’ Union’s Forum, Student Activities and Marketing teams as a member of the Senior Leadership Team.
Equal opportunities: We encourage applications from individuals from a diverse range of backgrounds and experiences to reflect our student population. We welcome applications from all, regardless of race, sex, disability, religion/beliefs, sexual orientation or age. Read more on the roles benefits here
Vision: Our vision at Hertfordshire Students’ Union is that we help students love their lives at Herts. The Head of Community Operations is a key driver of bringing this vision to life through the management of The Forum, Marketing and Student Activities. Values: We are a truly values-led organisation. As such, we’re looking for someone who lives our HERTS values of being helpful, empowering, representative, transparent and student-focused. We encourage our team to have fun at work while never losing sight of our vision. Service Excellence: We go above and beyond for our students and each other – we’re committed to providing excellent service across the board and we support each other to prioritise this every day. Flexibility: We offer flexible working at HSU, and whilst there is capacity for working from home, this role is primarily based onsite in Hatfield. As part of our Senior Leadership Team, this role does not accrue lieu time.
Main duties and responsibilities: Senior Management • • • • • • •
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/operational support for the Elected Officers in relation to the SU’s operations. Ensure that all Health & Safety policies, procedures, rules and regulations are adhered to and are regularly reviewed, updated and communicated. Lead on the implementation of processes within the Forum, Student Activities and Marketing teams that deliver the Union’s strategic plans. Overall responsibility for strategic planning and budgets relating to Forum, Student Activities and Marketing departments. 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 Head of Community Operations, 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. Manage the Managers of the Forum, Student Activities and Marketing teams.
Networking and Diplomacy • • •
Advise and influence at senior levels within UH. 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, byelaws and policies of The Union are adhered to by all staff in the Forum, Student Activities and Marketing teams.
General • • • • • • • • • • •
Develop and maintain contacts with colleagues within other Students’ Unions and relevant organisations, including site visits to other Students’ Unions. To keep abreast of relevant national and local developments, changes in legislation, and good practice and attend conferences, training events and meetings as necessary. To have a flexible approach to work and to undertake any other reasonable duties which may be required. To 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. To respect the democratic structure of the Students’ Union at all times. To abide by Hertfordshire Students’ Union Memorandum and Articles of Association, and Union Policies and Procedures at all times. To work flexibly and efficiently and to promote a positive image of Hertfordshire Students’ Union at all times. To set high standards of integrity, punctuality, accuracy, politeness and professionalism by personal example. To 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 Head of Community Operations. 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.
PERSON SPECIFICATION Essential
Good general education, to degree level or equivalent Knowledge of key issues affecting students in Higher Education Computer Literate Excellent written and verbal communication skills, ability to communicate at all levels Ability to create and maintain strong working relationships with a wider range of people including University staff and external providers Ability to overcome hurdles and problems in a constructive manner Self-motivated and self-reliant Punctual and well organised A good team player and pro-active with drive and enthusiasm Facilitative of others’ ideas and nonjudgemental Flexible working, including evenings and weekends where required Experience of project or event management NEBOSH qualification or equivalent Alcohol Personal Licence Holder Desirable
Applicable Knowledge of various HE policy issues Experience of or awareness of policy creation Experience of working or volunteering in a membership organisation Experience or qualifications in writing and delivering training
Application Interview Presentation
Experience of supporting meetings or committees Experience of providing briefings Experience of writing reports Experience of people or volunteer management or working with Students Evidence of continuous commitment to career and personal development Ability to deal with conflict or challenging situations with tact and sensitivity Appreciation of the culture and working arrangements within Students’ Unions
FURTHER INFORMATION & APPLICATION PROCESS For a confidential conversation please contact our advisor James Gregory, of The Management Recruitment Group. james.gregory@mrgpeople.co.uk 020 3962 9900 The closing date for applications is midday on Sunday 17th April.