Further Particulars
This document includes information about the role for which you are applying and the
information you will need to provide with the application.
1. Role details
Vacancy reference:
7157
Job title:
Senior Manager, Vice-Chancellor’s Communications
Reports to:
Head of Vice-Chancellor’s Office
Salary:
£36,862 - £44,016 depending on qualifications and
experience
Terms and conditions:
Academic Related
Grade:
Grade 8
Duration of post:
12 months Fixed Term Contract (Maternity cover)
Working hours:
37 hours, Monday to Friday
Location:
Walton Hall, Milton Keynes
Closing date:
21st April 2011
Type of application form accepted:
Long version and covering letter
Number of referees required:
2
Unit recruitment contact:
Univ-Sec-Recruitment@open.ac.uk
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2. Summary of duties
ROLE SUMMARY
The primary role of this position is to initiate, formulate and execute against a comprehensive
Communications Strategy and Plan which will enable the Vice-Chancellor to communicate
effectively and expeditiously with a broad range of internal and external stakeholders.
This role provides an excellent opportunity to gain a broad understanding of how a complex
organisation operates at executive level. In fulfilling all aspects of this role, the successful
candidate will be required to:



Demonstrate a nuanced understanding of the strategic priorities of the OU and the
objectives of the Vice-Chancellor and his Executive;
Demonstrate a detailed grasp of the main issues pre-occupying the Vice-Chancellor’s
Office;
Understand and respond appropriately to matters which are highly confidential: to
know when and how sensitive and confidential information can and cannot be
communicated.
MAIN DUTIES
Vice-Chancellor’s Communications
1. To initiate, plan, organise and deliver vehicles for the Vice-Chancellor to communicate
effectively with both OU staff and external audiences. This will include formal
communication to the governance bodies of The Open University, including the ViceChancellor’s quarterly reports to Council and Senate.
2. To ensure a professional service is provided to the VC in preparing well-written, wellresearched and evidence-based speeches and written work on time and to
specification. An ability to translate the VC’s thoughts and direction of travel into
succinct, well-illustrated and impactful speeches pitched at the right level for the
audience and the occasion is critical.
3. To undertake thorough research to ensure major conferences, high profile events,
conferences etc are built in to the overall planning of the VC’s commitments throughout
the year and to alert him to any conferences (either UK or international) that would
provide good opportunities to increase the OU’s profile.
4. To liaise with the Head of Media Relations to manage and maximize the VC’s media
activity and profile and enhance the corporate profile of The Open University. To
anticipate, identify and resolve problems which could potentially involve high
reputational risk for the University and assist with initiating creative solutions. This work
will often require working within tight time constraints.
5. To be responsible for the Vice-Chancellor’s internal and external websites, and any
others that may be required in the future. To generate sophisticated content, ensuring
topicality, relevance and strategic thrust. To convey complex information in an
accessible way to diverse audiences. To direct and ensure the maintenance of the
sites.
6. With Communications, to be responsible for the production of the VC’s Annual Report:
requesting contributions from quarters across the University, editing of entries, working
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with Communications Group and Design on layout and format, organisation of printing
and circulation.
7. To identify gaps in process/communication between the Vice-Chancellor and the staff
of The Open University and suggest ways of improvement to ensure the mutual
exchange of information. To implement and maintain such processes ie regular
meetings, briefing sessions, email circulations.
8. To assist with ensuring the effective communication of complex and sometimes
politically sensitive information between the VC’s Office and the University Secretary,
pro-VCs, Government Relations, Communications, the Development Office, Faculties
etc.
9. To be responsible for ensuring the consistency and quality of communications from the
VC’s office to maintain and enhance the University’s reputation.
10. To evaluate and monitor the VC’s communications activities to inform a review and
revision of the overall strategy.
Communications Service to the Chancellor, Pro-Chancellor and Vice-Chair of Council
11. To provide a communications service to the University’s Chancellor, Pro-Chancellor
and Vice-Chair of Council, and other senior University figures to maximise their role
within, and contribution to, the University, and as required by the Vice-Chancellor.
12. To keep the Chancellor, Pro-Chancellor and Vice-Chair of Council informed of relevant
briefings and communications from and about the University on events, meetings and
activities as appropriate, drafting written work as required, and liaising with external
contacts to research and provide University information for speeches and other
publications.
Donor Management
13. To represent the VC’s Office in liaising with the Director of Development regarding
potential major donors and agreeing visits to prospective donors.
14. To work with staff from the Development Office to arrange appropriate occasions for
the VC to entertain or visit potential donors from companies, Trusts and Foundations.
Other
15. To establish and maintain a current knowledge of the University and the HE Sector
generally, through research and reading. To identify and maintain the information and
statistics regularly used by the Vice-Chancellor.
3. Person specification
1. A graduate (or equivalent)
2. An excellent communicator (written and oral) with the ability to build strong working
relationships at all levels internally and externally
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3. Experience of preparing well-written, well-researched and evidence-based speeches
4. Well- developed writing skills, with the ability to communicate complex information
clearly, and in a style appropriate to the intended audience
5. Advanced skills in MS PowerPoint
6. Professionalism, trustworthiness, tact and diplomacy
7. Proven track record in Higher Education
8. Ability to work under pressure and balance competing priorities
9. Experience of operating effectively at a senior level
10. A pro-active and innovative individual capable of a high level of independent working
but with excellent team working abilities
Note: Essential elements are those, without which, a candidate would not be able to do the job. Applicants who have
not clearly demonstrated in their application that they possess the essential elements will normally be rejected at the
short listing stage. Desirable elements are those which it would be useful for the post holder to possess.
4. Role specific requirements e.g. Shift working
5. About the unit/department
About the Vice-Chancellor’s Role
The Vice-Chancellor plays a vital role in the University. He is the chief academic and
administrative officer of the University, with responsibility for maintaining and promoting
the integrity of the University's degree, diploma and certificate offerings as well as the
efficiency of the University in general. The Vice-Chancellor leads the institution on a
day-to-day basis, chairs senior University committees and takes overall responsibility
for all operations of the University. The role is a strategic one, and he provides
leadership to the University as it meets the challenges of the 21st century.
About the Vice-Chancellor’s Office
The office is comprised of a team of five people: Head of the Vice-Chancellor’s Office,
Senior Manager, Vice-Chancellor’s Communications, Executive Assistant and two
Office Coordinators.
The team provides a complete professional, administrative, logistical support service to
the Vice-Chancellor to enable him to perform his role as effectively as possible. This
includes managing the Vice-Chancellor’s diary, travel arrangements and event
organisation and delivery. The office communicates and liaises with external and
internal stakeholders including government departments, funding bodies, major donors
and foundations, other higher education institutions and sector bodies, both nationally
and internationally and at the highest levels.
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6. How to obtain more information about the role or application process
If you would like to discuss the particulars of this role before making an application please
contact Sheila King on 01908 858055 or email S.M.King@open.ac.uk
If you have any questions regarding the application process please contact Univ-SecRecruitment@open.ac.uk
7. The application process and where to send completed applications
Please ensure that your application reaches the University by: 21st April 2011 noon.
You should enclose:

A covering letter, clearly indicating how you believe you meet the person
specification. Please ensure you provide relevant examples as evidence to
support your statement on no more than two sides of A4

Your completed application form (long version)
Post it to:
Name/Job title:
Mrs Diana Griffiths, Recruitment Co-ordinator
Department/Unit: University Secretary’s Office
Address:
Room 202, Charles Pinfold Building
The Open University
Walton Hall
Milton Keynes
Post Code:
MK7 6AA
Or e-mail your application to: Univ-Sec-Recruitment@open.ac.uk
8. Selection process and date of interview
The interview panel will be chaired by Dr Sheila King. The Interviews will take place in May
2011.
We will let you know as soon as possible after the closing date whether you have been
shortlisted for interview. Further details on the selection process will also be sent to
shortlisted candidates.
Applications received after the closing date will not be accepted.
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