Job Summary

Robert Gordon University (RGU) is an innovative, inclusive, and professionally focused University with a mission to transform people and communities. Through the impact of its teaching excellence, its applied research and enterprise, the University promotes an inclusive, prosperous and sustainable society by improving quality of life, driving economic growth and creating equal opportunities for all.

RGU places students at the heart of both the design and delivery of its teaching and learning and is positively reflected in The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025 where it was ranked third in Scotland and 14th the UK for teaching quality.

The University is renowned for its engagement with industry and employers to ensure graduates and workforces are equipped with the skills needed for the future. As a result, the University has a leading reputation for the employability of its graduates.

RGU is proud to be a regional university, which like the region it is based in, has a strong international outlook and footprint. The University has a strategic commitment to support economic, social, and cultural development in the North-East of Scotland as well as further afield nationally and internationally.

As an institution, and a community of 18,000 students and 1,800 staff, RGU values curiosity, authenticity, approachability, collaboration, enterprise, ambition, respectfulness, and equality— values the University embeds in every aspect of what it does.

As part of a University-wide restructure of Schools and Departments, a new department of External Affairs has been created. This new department brings together previous departments responsible for Communications, Marketing, Design & Print and Alumni & Fundraising. Collectively this new department will be responsible for developing and maintaining the University’s distinctive brand within the Scottish and UK higher education sector. This is an exciting opportunity for the right candidate to bring to life a University with makes a significant positive contribution to individuals and communities across the country.

The new Director will be responsible for bringing these different teams together to create a new department culture better able to present the University to a wide range of stakeholders. The Director will be expected to work closely with the heads of other external-facing professional services across the University including the Head of Business and Economic Development and the Director of Student Recruitment, Access & Admissions. The post-holder will also be able to work with the Principal, his Executive and Policy Advisor to support the University’s public affairs activity.

RGU's ultra-modern campus, located on the outskirts of the vibrant and prosperous city of Aberdeen, offers a superb place to live, work and develop your career. A relocation package is available to assist with your transition to RGU, where you’ll enjoy working in one of the most impressive university settings in the UK, with first-class educational infrastructure and outstanding sporting and leisure facilities, all set against a stunning rural backdrop on the banks of the river Dee. More information can be found on our relocation pages

Interviews: 10th January 2025

We have engaged the services of Talent Acumen to source and co-ordinate applications. To apply, send your CV with a cover letter, explaining how you feel you meet the requirements of the role to: david.murphy@talent-acumen.com

This post is subject to a Disclosure Scotland check. For more information visit: https://www.mygov.scot/basic-disclosure/

To find out more, visit: https://www.rgu.ac.uk/senior-management-appointments

Job Description

RESPONSIBLE TO: Vice Principal (Strategy and Planning)

RESPONSIBLE FOR:

• Alumni & Fundraising;
• Communications & Events;
• Marketing; and
• The Gatehouse Design and Print Studio

PRINCIPAL DUTIES:

• Oversee the delivery of successful marketing strategies, high profile campaigns and proactive values- based engagement covering student recruitment, marketing, digital advertising, social media, communications and public affairs;
• Build internal and external partnerships to facilitate the above
• Promote ell our Vision and Strategy with enthusiasm and credibility across multiple platforms to key stakeholders, alumni, opinion formers and decision makers within the government, industry community, business and charity sectors;
• Provide high level strategic advice to support the development and long term cultivation of the University’s brand and identity across a large and complex organisation;
• Enhance our public affairs capacity and advising the Executive and members of the Board on all aspects of media relations; marketing; external communication and brand management;
• Develop and manage an Insights and Analytics plan to identify key areas of opportunity and to understand the effectiveness of our External Affairs activity

• Oversee the development of integrated digital content, including the creation, adaption and distribution of content across digital platforms and social media channels, ensuring extensive research and engagement.
• Lead and inspire teams of professionals to provide a broad array of communications, marketing and public affairs functions and support long-term skills and development to enhance in-house capacity and capability;
• Demonstrate thought-leadership in areas relevant to higher education policy and being able to identify key trends while being able to shape a University-wide response;
• Develop prioritised plans and targets and using creativity to maximise the impact and value of paid-for multi-media campaigns across all communication channels;
• Work effectively with colleagues from across the institution to oversee the development of high quality, joined up media and editorial content and nurturing effective communications; PR and media relations which clearly reflect the institutional brand identity and strategic priorities for a range of audiences;
• Oversee the contracting of external services and regularly monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of marketing, communications and all forms digital activity;
• Manage crisis communications and advise senior decision-makers as necessary;
• Contribute to a University wide events programme to engage internal and external audiences and enhance the University’s profile and reputation;
• Work collaboratively with existing networks to influence public affairs and respond to and shape local and national policies;
• Advocate on behalf of the University to influence public disclosure and to communicate effective narratives linked to our mission and values;

Person Specification

Qualifications and Professional Memberships

Educated to degree level, with a relevant postgraduate and/or chartered professional qualification or equivalent experience.

Discipline and Sector Expertise

• Significant experience of a broad product range, across marketing, communications and public affairs
• Significant knowledge and a proven track record in the successful management and delivery of marketing, brand, insights and analytics
• Knowledge of all marketing channels – social, digital, aggregators and traditional print and above the line channels
• Knowledge of key issues facing the UK higher education sector in relation to marketing, brand management and partnership development
• A sound understanding of public policy, the fundraising sector and the legal and financial aspects of marketing.

Leadership and Management Expertise

• Excellent leadership, business and management skills with an understanding of the management of a large and complex organisation
• An inspirational leader with experience of achieving results through effective change management, both within teams and across organisations
• Collaborative approach with the ability to motivate, manage and bring out the best in individuals and ultimately multiple teams
• Strong commitment to deliver and promote the University’s values around Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
• Experience of engaging with, and influencing, multiple audiences and stakeholders
• Evidence of resilience, tact and diplomacy in high profile and unpredictable situations
• A company and brand ambassador with a track record of developing external relations for a large scale organisation
• Evidence of successful strategy development and implementation.
• Experience of financial management, business improvement and strategy development with strong skills in digital and IT

Job Purpose:

Before applying for this job, it is important that you read the Applicant Guidance by clicking on this link and the Job Profile attached. These explain the job role and the type of person we're looking for.

Location: Marischal College, Broad Street, Aberdeen

Duration: Permanent, Full Time

Aberdeen City Council is currently in discussions with Trade Unions regarding a proposal to move from a standard 37-hour full-time working week to a standard 35-hour full-time working week.

Please note: A decision has been reached, in consultation with our Trade Unions, that all new vacancies will be advertised on a maximum of 35 hours per week, and accordingly, new appointments made on a contract of 35 hours per week.

We are looking for an experienced Accountant with the excellent leadership skills, and who can add value as Deputy CFO for Aberdeen City Council, during this exciting time of ongoing transformation. This is an opportunity to really have a positive impact and we are seeking exceptional candidates who have drive and ambition with an entrepreneurial mindset who will be excited about the potential to be part of this award winning local authority in Scotland. You will be an influential leader who will inspire your team to deliver best value and continuous improvement.

Working at a strategic level, and having a track record of delivering results we are seeking a committed individual that can make a difference for Aberdeen and the people we serve.

The successful candidate will play a major part along with senior colleagues and Elected Members in taking forward the priorities set out in our Local Outcome Improvement Plan (LOIP), whilst supporting the Section 95 Officer.

We truly value our team and understand the importance of flexibility as part of a high-performance work culture, so we are flexible around core working hours and offer the opportunity of working from home and the office on a hybrid basis.

Key Responsibilities include:

• Financial Systems, Controls, Reporting (including Arms Length External Organisations (ALEO) and Joint Ventures)
• Financial Planning, Budgets, Forecasting
• Strategic Initiatives
• Performance and Process Improvements
• Maintaining a High Performing and Engaged Team Culture

If you feel you have the leadership skills, and qualities and experience to take on the challenges of this exciting new role, we would welcome your application.

For informal enquiries please contact Jonathan Belford on jbelford@aberdeencity.gov.uk

The post holder needs to hold as a minimum:

CCAB Qualified Accountant and current membership of a recognised chartered professional body

Relevant degree or professional qualification and/or Member of Professional Institution/Association

The postholder is able to demonstrate:

Skills & Experience in:

Sound commercial and business acumen with strong knowledge of business drivers and the external environment

Sound understanding of organisational change management philosophies, tools and techniques

An ability to assess business needs from multiple sources, producing high level summaries and recommending appropriate interventions

Proven extensive experience in:
o Strategic policy development and implementation
o Managing strategic partnerships
o Service improvements
o Successful budgetary management and control
o Developing integrated services
o One or more of the service areas within the scope of the directorate
o Working with Elected Members, Board members and other similar stakeholder groups

Leadership & Managerial Skills

Workforce and resource planning

Strong written and verbal communication skills and ability to tailor communications depending on the audience

Relationship, influencing and networking skills

Negotiation and contracting skills

Team working and team building skills

Strong customer focus skills and the proven ability to continually anticipate and exceed customer expectations

Understanding of:

Ideally an understanding of the role of Elected Members and the decision making
structures within the Council

Technical financial expertise related to accounting and options appraisal

Excellent record of achievement at management level in a complex, multi-functional
organisation

Managing consultation forums and working with trade unions, within the context of
partnership

Managing a demanding client base and effective strategies for business partnering,
stakeholder management and customer service

Risk analysis and management

Proven track record of understanding key drivers in finance and working in partnership with key stakeholders to measurably improve service delivery

Practical understanding and application of engagement philosophies

Commitment to:

The principles and aims of Aberdeen City Council

The Aberdeen City Council Target Operating Model

The Local Outcome Improvement Plan

CPD as relevant to the post

About Us

Please see the Job Profile for further details.

Aberdeen City Council is an equal opportunities employer and we are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion. For further information, please see our Equality, Diversity, Inclusion and Recruitment pack.

Flexible Working

We are happy to talk flexible working and offer flexible working for most roles in the organisation meaning that many of our employees enjoy the freedom of choosing a working pattern that suits them as much as it suits the organisation.

Disability Confident

We are a Disability Confident Employer. If you consider yourself to have a disability and think you may require a reasonable adjustment to be made for this part of the selection process, or would like further information in relation to reasonable adjustments, please contact AskHR@aberdeencity.gov.uk.

Armed Forces

We are a forces-friendly employer, have signed the Armed Forces Covenant and are a silver award recipient in the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme. We have a specific email address for those in the forces, those who have left the forces, as well as their partners / spouses / families: armedforces@aberdeencity.gov.uk. We are able to answer questions about jobs and our application / selection process, as well as about our employee support provisions.

Guaranteed Interview Scheme

We have a number of guaranteed interview schemes available to applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the role they are applying for who:

• have a disability as defined by the Equality Act 2010 (all jobs)
• looked after young people, those that are in continuing care or are a care leaver up to the age of 29 (all jobs)
• are aged 16-24 and live in Aberdeen City or have been to an Aberdeen City Council school and are applying for a Modern Apprenticeship (except Trades apprenticeships)
• have done a Foundation Apprenticeship with Aberdeen City Council and are applying for any apprenticeships relevant to the area in which they did their Foundation Apprenticeship
• are New Scots* aged 16-24 and are applying for any apprenticeships

*"New Scots" are defined as refugees and asylum seekers who are in Scottish communities and include those who have been granted refugee status or another form of humanitarian protection, people seeking asylum, those who have been refused asylum, and those whose application has been refused but who remain in Scotland.

Further information can be found at https://www.aberdeencity.gov.uk/services/jobs

Proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme

Job Description

Duration: Full Time, Permanent

Location: Marischal College

Job Purpose:

The purpose of this role is to provide the lead on the strategic development of all education services for the city of Aberdeen, including adult learning, family learning, libraries, community learning, in school learning, transitions, early years, employability services, inclusion and attainment and, in accordance with ‘Getting It Right for Every Child’, deliver improved outcomes for children and young people.

As Chief Education Officer, the postholder will ensure the provision of effective, professional advice to the local authority, elected members and officers in relation to the authority’s provision of education related services.

Reporting directly to the Director - Children, Families & Communities, the Chief Officer - Education & Lifelong Learning will play an intrinsic part of the extended Corporate Management Team and will ensure excellent working relationships with all appropriate stakeholders including other functional areas, elected members, trade union representatives and employees.

Key Extended Corporate Management Team: the success of this role is interdependent on relationships with the Chief Officer - Children’s Social Work & Family Support, Chief Officer - Housing, Chief Officer - Commercial and Procurement Services and Chief Officer – Data Insights (HDRCA).

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications:

Education related degree or postgraduate degree

Eligibility for full GTCS registration

Evidence of Continuous Professional Development.

Responsibilities

As a minimum, demonstrate skills and experience in:

• Operational and strategic management of education services
• Managing stakeholder consultation and working with trade unions
• Reporting to Committees and engaging with Elected Members
• Motivating and empowering staff to high levels of performance and autonomy
• Proactively managing the health, safety and wellbeing for self and others
• Solution focussed problem solving
• Managing and deploying resources including human, financial and ICT to ensure effective service delivery
• Working with others, both within and outwith ACC, co-operatively and flexibly to achieve fully integrated services and customer-focused outcomes.
• Proven education experience and knowledge covering:
• Additional Support Needs legislation.
• Parental Engagement.
• Getting It Right For Every Child (GIRFEC).
• Curriculum for Excellence.
• Closing the Gap.
• School improvement and curriculum development.
• Inclusive practice and research, particularly around the presumption of mainstreaming and Additional Support Needs legislation.

As a minimum, demonstrate an understanding of:

• Children and Young People (Scotland) Act 2014
• Education (Scotland) Act 1980 and 2016
• Education (Additional Support for Learning) (Scotland) Act 2004, as amended
• Standards in Scotland’s Schools Act 2000
• Teachers’ terms and conditions of employment as agreed by the Scottish Negotiating Committee for Teachers
• Key drivers in a business area and working in partnership with stakeholders to measurably improve service delivery.

The Individual

Please see Job Profile & Candidate Pack for further details

Aberdeen City Council is an equal opportunities employer and we are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion.

Flexible Working

We are happy to talk flexible working and offer flexible working for most roles in the organisation meaning that many of our employees enjoy the freedom of choosing a working pattern that suits them as much as it suits the organisation.

Disability Confident

We are a Disability Confident Employer. If you consider yourself to have a disability and think you may require a reasonable adjustment to be made for this part of the selection process, or would like further information in relation to reasonable adjustments, please contact AskHR@aberdeencity.gov.uk.

Armed Forces

We are a forces-friendly employer, have signed the Armed Forces Covenant and are a silver award recipient in the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme. We have a specific email address for those in the forces, those who have left the forces, as well as their partners / spouses / families: armedforces@aberdeencity.gov.uk. We are able to answer questions about jobs and our application / selection process, as well as about our employee support provisions.

Guaranteed Interview Scheme

We have a number of guaranteed interview schemes available to applicants who meet the minimum criteria for our roles and who:

• have a disability
• are care-experienced and aged 16-29
• are aged 16-24 and live in Aberdeen City or have been to an Aberdeen City Council school and are applying for a Modern Apprenticeship (except Trades apprenticeships)
• have done a Foundation Apprenticeship with Aberdeen City Council and are applying for any apprenticeships relevant to the area in which they did their Foundation Apprenticeship
• are New Scots aged 16-24 and are applying for any apprenticeships

Further information can be found at https://www.aberdeencity.gov.uk/services/jobs

Proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme

We are looking for someone to become part of an ambitious, dynamic leadership team, you will play a crucial role in strategising and implementing plans to enhance our services and improve the outcomes for people we support. Reporting directly to the Director for Adults and Health, the role of Assistant Director is, as part of a departmental leadership team, both strategic and operational. You will form part of the senior leadership team, setting the strategic direction for the whole directorate, creating the right culture and environment for the workforce to flourish and ensuring departmental plans are delivered. This role is a pivotal part of the Adults Social Care Management team and you will work with many stakeholders and partnerships, developing and maintaining a lot of outward facing relationships. As such it is imperative to have strong networking. leadership and relationship management skills. Hear Alan Sinclair, Director of Adults and Health talk about the role in more detail here:https://youtu.be/f_ARVh0JICE

Job Description

Before applying for this job, it is important that you read the Applicant Guidance by clicking on this link and the Job Profile attached. These explain the job role and the type of person we're looking for.

Location: Marischal College

Duration: Full Time, Permanent

Job Purpose:

To provide a single point of overall strategic leadership for the Aberdeen City Health and Social Care Partnership, including lead responsibility for delivery of the services
agreed by the Integration Joint Board as defined within the Strategic Plan, as well as management of the integrated budget for those services. To lead on the improvement of those services to achieve the best health and social care outcomes for patients, people who use services and carers within the Aberdeen
City Partnership area. Accountable to the Integration Joint Board and reporting to the Chief Executives of NHS Grampian and Aberdeen City Council.

The postholder is expected to work with a diverse range of stakeholders across Health, Council, Voluntary Sector and other partner agencies. The postholder will also work closely with the Scottish Government. If you would like to discuss the role please contact:

Angela Scott, Chief Executive, Aberdeen City Council by email: anscott@aberdeencity.gov.uk Adam Coldwells, Chief Executive, NHS Grampian by email: adam.coldwells@nhs.scot

Requirements

Minimum Qualification(s) / Certificates / Memberships etc. required

A relevant degree/professional qualification

A post graduate management qualification (eg MBA) (desirable)

Evidence of continuous professional development

Responsibilities

The postholder is expected to demonstrate:

Skills & Experience in:

proven extensive experience in:
o a senior leadership role, at board level, in a large complex and multi-functional
organisation, preferably within the health and social care sector
o managing organisational and cultural change
o strategic policy development and implementation
o developing and managing strategic partnerships
o service transformation and quality improvement performance
o developing integrated services o delivering measurable outcomes
managing significant financial resources in times of financial constraint, including
planning, monitoring, control and reporting
managing and understanding a demanding client base risk analysis, risk awareness, monitoring and management of risk business/service improvement methodologies embracing new technology to deliver services in an innovative way excellent oral and written communication skills with ability to express views coherently
and convincingly to negotiate and influence outcomes in a complex organisation developing and maintaining effective, positive relationships with key partner
organisations providing a positive role model for partnership, relationship and conflict
management finding creative and pragmatic solutions, seeking improvements, adapting to changing
situations and working with and through ambiguity resilience, commitment, and the resourcefulness to operate effectively under pressure capacity to think strategically and take a whole Selection process system approach Understanding of: national health and social care partnership legislation, strategic policy, operation,
opportunity and challenges the health and social care priorities in Scotland the political agenda for Health & Social Care the context and restrictions of working in public sector integration and collaborative working key drivers in a business area and working in partnership with stakeholders to measurably improve service delivery Commitment to: working in partnership

The Individual

Please see Job Profile & Candidate Pack for further details

Proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme