Imperial College London
Job Description
Director of the Graduate School
Job Title
Director of the Graduate School
Department
Education Office
Responsible to
Vice Provost (Education)
Responsible for
Direct reports and, indirectly, all staff of the
Graduate School
Key internal
relationships
Vice Provost (Research), Deans, Heads of
Academic Departments or their nominees;
Postgraduate Tutors; Academic Registrar and
senior staff within Registry; Directors of Learning
and Teaching, Student Support, Outreach and
Student Recruitment, Careers Service; Chair
and members of relevant committees; other
colleagues within the Education Office; Student
Union officers; relevant external bodies
Appointment
It is envisaged that a commitment of 0.5
(FTE) is required and that the role will be for a
fixed-term of five years
Campus location
South Kensington
Introduction
The Graduate School includes all postgraduate students at both Masters and
Doctoral levels in Imperial College London, totalling approximately 6800
students (2012/13). Its overarching purpose is to support the provision of
excellent quality postgraduate education and research and to enhance the
postgraduate student experience.
The Graduate School has several, varied functions. These include: providing
professional award-winning skills training for postgraduate students via the
Postgraduate Development Unit, fostering and encouraging interdisciplinary
academic activities and formulating policy on post graduate education within
the College, and externally, on matters relating to postgraduate education,
and organising and coordinating events designed to provide up-to-date
information and promote excellent practice. In addition, the Graduate School
Committees have responsibility for quality assurance and enhancement with
day to day responsibility being held within the Registry. The Graduate School
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also supports other departments in the College in activities relating to
postgraduate students.
The purpose of the post
This is a key, senior managerial role which is responsible for the leadership
and overall coordination of the Graduate School’s activities. Joining the team
at a crucial time, the Director will play a significant part in ensuring the
communication and implementation of the College’s Education and Student
Strategy. The Director must ensure that provision is leading-edge while being
responsive to the needs of the Faculties and their academic departments, and
to the Business School. A creative and collaborative approach is essential.
Key responsibilities
Strategic leadership
 Supporting the implementation of the College’s Education and Student
Strategy
 Strategic development of the Graduate School and the provision of
services to support the postgraduate student experience and those
staff who work closely with postgraduates
Management and coordination
 Quality assurance and enhancement of postgraduate taught courses
leading to certificates, diplomas or master’s degrees of the College and
of those awarded jointly or in collaboration with other organisations
 Quality assurance and enhancement of postgraduate research training,
including collaborative and joint provision of the development, delivery
and evaluation of transferable skills training
 Leading and/or coordinating applications for funding to support
graduate education in the College
 Represent the Graduate School on key College committees, such as
Senate, the Vice Provost’s (Education) Advisory Group , the Vice
Provost’s (Research) Advisory Group
 Contribute to relevant committees/ad hoc working parties etc.
 Coordinate the award of scholarships, prizes and medals with, for
example, the Vice Provost (Education), Vice Provost (Research)
 Representing the School internally at College events, e.g. Graduation
ceremonies and externally at events as appropriate
People and resource management
 Effective planning and organisation of the Graduate School’s overall
resources to deliver activities to enhance the student experience
 Manage the School’s staff and encourage and support professional
development
 Provide leadership in respect of equality and diversity
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 Recommend budgets in line with planning priorities and ensure
effective management of the School’s budget
 Ensure effective data capture and the provision of appropriate
management information to inform decision-making
As job descriptions cannot be exhaustive, the post-holder may be required to
undertake other duties which are broadly in line with above key
responsibilities.
The postholder will be expected to observe and comply with all College
policies and regulations including the key policies and procedures on
Confidentiality, Conflict of Interest, Data Protection, Ethics, Financial
Regulations, Health and Safety, Imperial Expectations, Information
Technology, Private Engagements, Register of Interests, Smoking etc.
He or she will also be responsible for undertaking specific safety
responsibilities relevant to the role.
Imperial College is committed to equality of opportunity and to eliminating
discrimination. All employees are expected to adhere to the principles set out
in the Equal Opportunities in Employment Policy, Promoting Race Equality
Policy and Disability Policy and all other relevant equality guidance/ practice
frameworks.
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PERSON SPECIFICATION
Imperial Expectations
This is a senior managerial role and these are the 7 principles that Imperial
leaders, managers and supervisors are expected to follow:
1) Champion a positive approach to change and opportunity
2) Communicate regularly and effectively within, and across, teams
3) Consider the thoughts and expectations of others
4) Deliver positive outcomes
5) Encourage inclusive participation and eliminate discrimination
6) Support and develop staff to optimise talent
7) Work in a planned and managed way
Experience and expertise
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Professorial status within College
Evidence of organisation and delivery of effective graduate education
Experience of successful graduate student supervision and
examination
Experience of academic course leadership
Skills and Abilities
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Demonstrable strategic leadership skills, including the ability to drive
and implement change
Evidence of successful people management and development and a
good understanding of the importance of equality in relation to this role
Demonstrable effective communication skills
Progressive and innovative in approach
Collaborative and influential, with the ability to engage with internal and
external stakeholders
Effective committee leadership and participation
Financial planning and budget management
The College is seeking applications from academic staff with Imperial-specific
expertise and knowledge. It is envisaged that the successful candidate will
have a joint appointment with the Education Office and with his/her home
academic department, thus retaining day-to-day knowledge of academic
practice and enhancing the role.
August 2013
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