Employability Skills Manager (Fixed-Term) (Part-Time 0.932FTE)

Bournemouth University’s vision is worldwide recognition as a leading university for inspiring learning, advancing knowledge and enriching society through the fusion of education, research and practice. Our highly skilled and creative workforce is comprised of individuals drawn from a broad cross section of the globe, who reflect a variety of backgrounds, talents, perspectives, and experiences that help to build our global learning community.

We are looking for an exceptional and experienced Higher Education professional to join the CareersBU Team within Student Services. This integrated team is responsible for the delivery of innovative high-quality careers and employability support to students and graduates working collaboratively with faculties and external stakeholders in the implementation of BU2025, the University’s strategic plan.

This is an exciting time to join CareersBU as we grow the visibility of the service, and our skills offer across the University. This position has overall responsibility for the management and delivery of The Graduate Skills Programme (GSP); Bournemouth University’s extracurricular skills programme which includes the Graduate Skills+ Award. The Graduate Skills Programme is BU’s flagship employability skills offer. There are currently over 1300 students engaged with the programme.  This programme is open to any BU student and encourages personal and professional skills development alongside their degree programme.

Major elements of the work include setting up and organising a series of in person workshops or webinars, industry insight days and a large annual awards ceremony. As well as managing multiple events, you will continually develop and enhance our Graduate Skills+ Award, which recognises over 100+ activities and online learning options that BU students can access to develop themselves.

Employers including IBM, University Hospitals Dorset, LUSH, Marriott, 3-Sided Cube, BCP Council and Mazars are strategic partners who endorse and co-deliver the programme. The role acts as the primary contact with these employers to ensure that endorsement agreements are adhered to and that students can access opportunities and expertise through these organisations.

The Graduate Skills Programme is a key vehicle for the development of graduate attributes and employability skills at BU. As well as managing the GSP, this position requires the ability to work with academic and professional services staff collaboratively to ensure that elements of the GSP are embedded into the faculty provision. A large part of this role will involve working alongside the Head of Careers and Employability to proactively seek out and promote degree programmes where Graduate Outcomes Data has shown that skills development support is required, and then supporting faculties to be able to utilise resources to achieve better Graduate Outcomes.

This position also line manages one full time member of Staff (Grade 3).

We are looking for someone who is proactive, friendly, and passionate about working with students and committed to working collaboratively with colleagues across BU and several of our key employers who endorse the GSP. You will have excellent organisation, be adaptable and able to work efficiently often managing multiple deadlines. You will be a proactive team worker and feel confident in presenting to large audiences and influencing decisions at a senior level. Excellent inter-personal skills are required, and you should have a strong record of communicating with multiple internal and external stakeholders to achieve successful outcomes.

Experience of working in a management role in the Higher Education sector is advantageous.

A detailed job description and person specification are available from our website together with an online application form. Alternatively, please email the HR Services Team at [email protected] quoting the appropriate reference (SSS291). 

This position is offered part time for 34.5 hours per week (0.932fte) on a fixed-term basis for up to 12 months to cover the maternity leave of an established member of staff.  Consideration may also be given to the position being offered as a secondment opportunity, but this would need to be discussed with their line managers prior to application.

If you have any questions about the post, please contact Jenna Darlow at [email protected]