JOB DESCRIPTION
TQG SCIENCE DISCOVERY CENTRE
Glyndŵr University, Wrexham
www.tqg.org.uk
JOB TITLE
Director, TQG (Full time)
UNIT
Techniquest Glyndŵr (TQG)
SALARY
£36,000 - £40,000
POST HOLDER
Vacant – new position
REPORTS TO
Executive Director, Glyndŵr University (Chair of North Wales Science)
RESPONSIBLE FOR
Strategic development and management of TQG as a science discovery
centre including outreach activity across all curriculum levels and in
particularly maximising the opportunities to engage with employers and
the university facilities and expertise. Leading the development of the
north and mid Wales’s regional hub of the National Science Academy
for Wales and a proposal for a new facility to accommodate areas of
science and technology that more fully recognises the academic and
economic strengths of the region.
Techniquest Glyndŵr (TQG) is a Science Discovery Centre in Wrexham, North Wales and is operated by
North Wales Science, a company limited by guarantee with charitable status. TQG was established in 2003
with the support of Glyndŵr University, Techniquest Cardiff and the Welsh Assembly Government. It
continues to receive a proportion of its income from the Welsh Assembly Government; central services,
academic and facilities support from Glyndŵr University; procures its hands-on exhibition and a number of
education programmes from Techniquest Cardiff and actively engages with education and business in the
pursuance of its goals.
JOB PURPOSE
To lead the strategic development of TQG as a key provider of STEM related activities and
information to schools and the public, specifically delivering a hands on science discovery centre,
outreach learning as well as the pursuance of the broader contribution of public understanding of
science, including through the Wrexham Science Festival.
To lead the development of the north and mid Wales’s hub of the National Science Academy for
Wales, building a long term, sustainable education and financial strategy and contributing as
necessary to the overall advisory and steering group arrangements at an all Wales level.
The post holder will seek to maximise the relationship with Glyndŵr University (GU) and partner
organisations in accordance with TQG’s strategic vision and values, supporting its Executive
Director in developing strategic relationships within North Wales and the UK, and managing key
functions necessary to achieve this. This will include the development of a significant proposal for
EU funding to secure a new facility in north Wales that meets the STEM needs of the region.
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A.
PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES
A1
To lead the strategic development of TQG as a key provider of STEM related activities and
information to schools and the public, specifically delivering a hands on science discovery centre,
outreach learning as well as the pursuance of the broader contribution of public understanding of
science, including through the Wrexham Science Festival.
A2
To be responsible for the financial strategy of TQG and for ensuring full compliance with Financial
Regulations.
A3
To lead the development of the north and mid Wales’s hub of the National Science Academy for
Wales, building a long term, sustainable education and financial strategy and contributing as
necessary to the overall advisory and steering group arrangements at an all Wales level.
A4
To lead TQG’s fundraising activity to secure a new leading facility in north Wales that reflects the
strengths of science and technology in the region. Also to ensure as a key priority that income
supporting an ambitious workflow for projects is maintained, that opportunities to raise funds are
identified, that ideas are generated and carefully prioritised, that innovative concepts and high quality
proposals are developed appropriately and that funds are secured wherever possible.
A5
To represent the organisation externally at a senior level, particularly in relation to the STEM
strategy, and to take on other duties consistent with effective and efficient operation of a Science
Discovery Centre, working closely with the Management Team.
A6
To represent TQG externally at a senior level, including to key partners and networks in relation to STEM
strategy and science engagement including on social and ethical issues, positioning the organisation as
a leader in these areas and interpreting (and influencing where possible) policy in this area.
A7
To develop and manage the high-level relationships underpinning the development strategy,
business plans, and determining yearly goals and SMART targets, including the relationship with
Welsh Assembly Government (WAG), GU, Reach the Heights, STEM contacts and business
partners/funders, ensuring maximum benefit to TQG’s mission and strategy and supporting the
University.
A8
To lead and manage a team to take forward the ambitious strategy for TQG to prioritise time and
effort to effectively and efficiently deliver the agreed goals, and to ensure that useful opportunities
that may arise from time to time but are not within agreed goals are considered carefully and, if
agreed, are pursued effectively.
A9
To act as line manager for the TQG management team, motivating and empowering them, encourage
joined-up thinking and ensure the smooth operation of the Science Discovery Centre and development
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of activities and partnership on and off site within existing structures at GU and/or arrangements unique
to the organisation.
A10
To lead the research and evaluation activities of TQG, working with and through partners, where
possible. Identifying and prioritising areas of research, setting objectives and guidelines for research
and evaluation activities, and ensuring that outcomes are properly disseminated
A11
To lead the further development of TQG activities including embedding a sense of ownership across
GU Academic teams and external educators/stakeholders in accordance with TQG’s objectives and
strategic plan.
A12
To undertake other duties as allocated by the Executive Director, Glyndŵr University.
B.
PERSONAL ACCOUNTABILITIES
B1.
Act in a professional manner at all times, displaying the highest standards of loyalty and
confidentiality
B3.
Develop the activities of the centre within agreed targets and promote the vision and mission of TQG
B4.
Maintain an appropriate awareness of and work effectively within the policies and procedures of
TQG and GU participating in appropriate processes, e.g. Individual Staff Development Reviews
(ISDR), Continuing Professional Development, etc
B4.
Act in support of the GU’s Health, Safety and Environment Policy by working safely and following the
procedures and codes of practice derived to protect all staff. The post holder will be required to
undertake First Aid training
C.
MANAGEMENT ACCOUNTABILITIES
C1.
Manage staff in a professional and supportive manner
C2.
Manage an appropriate quality assurance process to ensure that high standards are achieved and
maintained
C3.
Establish effective procedures for administrative and financial accountability
C4.
Ensure the staff responsible to the post of Director maintain an appropriate awareness and work
effectively within the policies and procedures of the GU participating in appropriate processes, e.g.
ISDR, Continuing Professional Development, etc
C5.
Ensure the staff responsible to the post of Director operate safely within the workplace and maintain
a high standard of housekeeping
C6.
Ensure that staff responsible to the post of Director are supported in dealing with external
organisations when acting on behalf of or representing the business
This job description is subject to review and amendment in the light of changing needs of TQG/ Glyndŵr
University and to provide appropriate development opportunities.
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CONTACTS
Internal
Executive Director, Glyndŵr University
Glyndŵr University Academic staff
Glyndŵr University Operational staff
North Wales Science Council members and
Trustees
External
Welsh Assembly Government
National Science Academy
STEM and Public Understanding of Science
organisations
Techniquest Cardiff
LEAs and schools
Commercial, business and industrial organisations
National Funding Bodies and key strategic partners
Public and voluntary organisations
University and Further Education academic
departments
EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS
The successful applicant will have:

A degree and sound background in a science related subject or business

Experience of business/commercial/industrial environment

Experience of marketing to educational and public audiences

Experience of financial/budgetary management including match funding

Experience of working for a visitor/leisure attraction, SDC or museum background

Excellent communication and negotiating skills

Senior level of leadership and management experience

Knowledge of national curriculum requirements and current educational initiatives

Experience of working with other stakeholders including business, private and public sector
PERSON SPECIFICATION

Excellent organisational and administrative skills

Self-motivation and ability to work with a high degree of independence

Excellent understanding of the school’s curriculum in Wales and England

A track record of management and of motivating others

Excellent communication skills, relating to both children and adults

Computer literacy and awareness of new media as an administrative and communications tool

Demonstrable appreciation of good customer relations

Capability of representing the centre at external meetings and within the education, commercial
and industrial sector
Dr. H.James/September 2010
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