The Faculty of Health and Life Sciences at Oxford Brookes University, led by Professor Astrid Schloerscheidt, is seeking a Partnerships & Placements Manager, to be appointed as soon as possible. Due to a retirement in the team, we are looking for a full time, experienced manager with a good understanding of the role of Placement Education in Higher Education or a similar environment, to lead the Faculty’s Practice Education Unit on a permanent basis. This is a senior Professional Services role reporting to the Faculty’s Head of Operations.
The majority of the Faculty’s placement activity is made up of the compulsory placements which form part of the learning of our health and social care students. The role-holder will be expected to lead the administrative team who work closely with our academic teams to organise and manage students’ placements, working to strict deadlines and maintaining accurate records needed to support courses regulated by the Nursing & Midwifery Council (NMC) and the Health Care Professions Council (HCPC). The work involves collaboration with a wide range of stakeholders, including academics, students, University administrators and healthcare providers in the NHS and private sector. We are looking for a solution focused individual who is committed to continuous process improvement and enjoys leading a high performing team..
Overall purpose of the post:
To work collaboratively at all levels across the Faculty and wider university with internal and external stakeholders to create, develop and manage the provision of high quality partnerships, placements and voluntary activity for students. To ensure effective administration and support for all users of the service.
Principal duties and responsibilities will include:
To facilitate Faculty and University strategic employability objectives that fall within the field of partnerships and placements
To produce as required complex analysis and management data relating to placements on a regular basis (eg. weekly, monthly, annual reports) to inform Faculty quality groups’ (eg. TLEC) decisions and those of external partners, PSRBs, etc
To identify and manage all aspects of student placement activities in a timely and professional manner. Where required, in conjunction with academic staff, negotiate and secure placement opportunities or contracts with external partners; supporting academic staff in adapting requirements and ensuring compliance with internal and external quality standards and deadlines, including those from professional bodies where relevant
To oversee the operational planning of compulsory placements within fixed, non-negotiable deadlines. To include planning resources on a yearly cycle accounting for fluctuations in student numbers and external factors. Identify methods of addressing any shortfalls and negotiate with relevant placement partners/areas to rectify the position. Collaborate with academic colleagues and external partners to ensure business continuity plans when faced with shortfalls.
The successful candidate should have:
A degree or significant relevant experience
Substantial demonstrable administrative experience
Successful project management experience
Significant experience of managing staff
Strong influencing & negotiating skills
The ability to work closely with, and influence senior and academic staff
Be able to represent, champion and promote the Faculty and University, internally or externally e.g. with professional or funding bodies
Ability to manage key partnerships within the University, with Professional bodies and organisations providing placements
Ability to independently manage a demanding workload with competing priorities and meet challenging deadlines
Excellent written and oral communication skills.
Benefits of working at Oxford Brookes University
As one of the largest employers in Oxford we pride ourselves in the great experience we offer our staff. Whatever job you are applying for, you'll be joining a friendly, professional environment where every member of staff is recognised as important to the success of Oxford Brookes University.
You will also enjoy up to 38 days annual leave, rising to 41 days (this includes 13 Bank Holidays and Concessionary Days), a generous Local Government pension scheme (19.2% Employer contribution rate), Childcare vouchers, cycle to work scheme and access to a variety of university facilities (NHS Dentist, Brookes Nursery, Gym and sports facilities).
Application Process:
As part of the application process, we ask that all candidates submit a covering letter and a CV. Please make sure to provide examples of how your skills and experience align with the selection criteria outlined in the Person Specification table. Once you have completed this, please upload your covering letter and CV as part of your application.
At Oxford Brookes, inclusivity is one of our five guiding principles: we take positive steps to create an environment in which we celebrate, value and provide equal opportunity to all. We are committed to recruiting from the widest possible pool and welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates who embrace our values, regardless of their background.
As a Disability Confident Employer, we guarantee to interview any disabled applicant who meets the essential selection criteria.
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