Executive Director of Research Services

Job Purpose

Work in close partnership with the Vice Principal for Research & Knowledge Exchange on the development and implementation of the University’s research strategy and policies. Deputise for the VP R&KE, as and when necessary. Provide strategic and operational leadership and management of Research Services, fostering collegiality, service excellence and continuous improvement. Contribute to the development of Professional Services at the University in a way that supports our core academic mission to deliver outstanding research performance. Exploit synergies and work with the VP Economic Development and Innovation and relevant directorates on cross-cutting agendas relating to civic impact and engagement, relevant to our strategic research priorities. Engage with the global higher education sector and advocate on behalf of the University. As a senior leader and member of the Professional Services Group, advise on the strategic direction and investment in professional services to meet the overall objectives of the University.

Main Duties & Responsibilities

• Provide values-driven leadership that fosters a Research Services Directorate environment that supports working in collaboration and enables staff to thrive.
• Develop people, capability, skills and succession plans to ensure a sustainable and resilient provision of services whilst attracting and retaining talent.
• Provide management of the Research Services Directorate ensuring it offers high-quality services and advice that support the University’s researchers and colleagues working in research support roles.
• Ensure that the Directorate’s operations and services are effective, efficient, and responsive, meeting the evolving needs of the University whilst adapting to developments in the sector.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement of services, processes and practices to ensure the relevance of services to the Colleges and efficiency of operations whilst ensuring compliance with relevant statutory regulations.
• Lead the development and implementation of new policies and processes so that the University maintains its position as a leading national and international university and ensure compliance where necessary.
• Proactively engage with the sector and maintain current understanding of issues affecting research nationally and internationally to gather intelligence, influence outcomes, and inform institutional decision-making.
• Effectively manage the Research Services budget to maximise the performance of the Directorate while delivering a balanced budget annually.
• Work closely with the Innovation, Entrepreneurship & Engagement; the Economic Development; and Planning, Insight & Analytics Directorates; and Research Support Office, to ensure that the University’s approach across these areas is closely aligned.
• Participate as a senior member of the relevant University research-related committees such as the Research Planning & Strategy Committee, Deans of Research, Lab for Academic Culture, Research Integrity Council, REF Project board, Trusted Research Advisory group and be the sponsor of the University Research Professional Staff network.
• Work closely with the leadership of Glasgow Changing Futures, the Centre for Data Science & AI and the Centre for Sustainable Solutions, to ensure effective operation of these University-wide initiatives.
• Ensure effective support for the academic roles reporting to the Vice Principal for Research & Knowledge Exchange (currently Academic Director for Glasgow Changing Futures, Academic Lead for Good Research Practice and Academic Lead for Inclusive Research).
• Be an active member of the University Research Professional Leadership Group. This includes working together to ensure College and University Services are aligned in their research services and offerings.
• Contribute to the leadership of University Services through the Professional Services Group and other forums.

Knowledge, Qualifications Skills & Experience

Knowledge & Qualifications

• A PhD or equivalent experience.
• Executive-level knowledge and understanding of the higher education sector, the national and international research policy framework and legislation relevant to research and postgraduate research.

Skills

• Demonstrable vision and strategic leadership skills, including ability to define and develop strategy, and translate into effective operational plans and drive continuous improvement of service delivery.
• Outstanding communication and engagement skills with the ability to build meaningful relationships with academics and professional staff at all levels – including contributing to and delivering strategy in collaboration with academic and professional colleagues across the University.
• Ability to empower, coach and influence others, working collaboratively across organisational boundaries to maximise opportunities.
• Understanding of university governance and an ability to work effectively within a collegial decision-making culture.
• Creativity, flexibility and innovative approaches to problem-solving with the ability to manage change in a complex environment.
• Drive, enthusiasm and integrity, with the proven ability to deliver results to tight deadlines and to demonstrate resilience under pressure.

Experience

• Leadership - significant senior leadership experience within the higher education sector, with a demonstrable track record of successfully meeting ambitious organisational objectives.
• Service excellence - demonstrable evidence of delivering successful outcomes at an institutional level, through developing and challenging teams to succeed, taking pride in delivering professional services and solutions. This includes creating environments that demonstrate equality, respect and foster trust.
• Sector appreciation - significant experience of sector-level engagement at national and international levels, with evidence of leveraging contacts and intelligence to further the interests of the organisation. Exposure to national and international best practice and policy developments.
• Complexity & stakeholder management – demonstrable experience in effective people motivation and management with an ability to inspire confidence among professional, research and academic staff, alongside university leadership and external partners. A proven ability to foster and maintain strategic relationships with a wide range of key internal and external stakeholders to enhance research opportunities for the University and achieve institution-wide objectives and targets.
• Influence - ability to deliver outcomes in an environment where authority is derived from influence and persuasion and where ambiguity is common.
• Decision-making - ability and willingness to contribute to strategic decisions and to translate policies and strategy into practical application including budgeting, risk assessment and management, resolving complex problems, monitoring and reporting on progress.
• Strategic business planning - significant experience in managing substantial budgets/resources/funding with a strong understanding of financial management procedures.
• Improvement & technology – track record of initiating and delivering a step change in new and existing services. Enable support for researchers and partners through the use of new tools and technologies.

Terms and Conditions

Salary will be on Competitive on the Management, Professional and Administrative, Senior Administrative Group, level 10. This post is full time (35 hours per week) and open-ended (permanent). As part of Team UofG, you will be a member of a world-changing, inclusive community, which values ambition, excellence, integrity and curiosity. As a valued member of our team, you can expect: A welcoming and engaging organisational culture, where your talents are developed and nurtured, and success is celebrated and shared. An excellent employment package with generous terms and conditions including 41 days of leave for full time staff, pension, benefits and discount packages. A flexible approach to working. A commitment to support your health and wellbeing.