At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead provider engagement and manage high-profile events in higher education.
- Company: Join the OfS, the independent regulator of higher education in England.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, health benefits, and a strong pension scheme.
- Other info: Flexible working options available to support your lifestyle.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on students' experiences in higher education.
- Qualifications: Project management skills and experience in higher education are essential.
About us
We are the independent regulator of higher education in England. We aim to ensure that every student, whatever their background, has a fulfilling experience of higher education that enriches their lives and careers. We’re proud of our people, our culture and the benefits we offer. We care about supporting and developing our staff. At the OfS we want to create a welcoming and engaging working environment which is free from discrimination. We’re looking for skilled, committed people who care about students and their experience of higher education. Join us and you’ll be part of an energetic, forward-looking organisation with high ambitions and big opportunities for our people.
About the role
We are seeking a Provider Relations Manager to lead and drive forward our communications and engagement with providers we regulate. You will lead the OfS’s programme of provider engagement – managing our hugely important visits programme as well as delivering high-profile events and webinars aimed directly at senior leaders in universities and colleges – and oversee our annual stakeholder survey, which will form how we communicate with our diverse range of regulated providers. You will help develop processes to gather intelligence on the sector, programme strategic engagement activity direct to providers, and ensure that the insights gathered from providers are acted on and shared effectively across the organisation. Sitting within the Strategy, Delivery and Communications (SDC) Directorate, the communications team drives the OfS’s external and internal communications, including public affairs, media relations, digital publishing, stakeholder engagement, events and public information. Communications is essential for the organisation to drive progress towards our strategic goals. This is an exciting opportunity for someone with strong project management and communications skills who wants to work at the heart of higher education regulation.
What you’ll do
- Lead the OfS’s provider visits programme, ensuring visits run smoothly and to a high standard, including managing briefings, matching visitors and shaping future phases of the programme.
- Develop and oversee the chair and chief executive visit programme, acting as liaison with board and committee members.
- Manage how feedback from provider visits is used internally, shared back with providers and used to improve ways of working.
- Lead the operational delivery of the OfS’s annual stakeholder survey, analyse findings and develop strategic improvements to provider engagement.
- Lead programming for OfS accountable officer and chair events, including quarterly webinars, new accountable officer and chair induction events and mailings, which involved developing content, agendas, speeches and briefing notes.
- Develop and implement a provider engagement strategy, identifying key audiences and creating proactive engagement opportunities such as policy roundtables and regional meetings.
- Write briefing papers and discussion points for the chair and members of the OfS’s Provider Panel.
- Advise on and implement provider engagement activity for strategic communications plans and launches.
- Activity manage the Stakeholder Engagement Officer, Events and Communications Co-ordinator, and Administrative Resource Unit colleagues who support visit delivery.
What you’ll need
These are the skills and experience you’ll already have:
- Demonstrable project management skills, including the ability to plan, manage and deliver complex projects to time, coordinating resources and tracking progress.
- A track record of successfully working across teams and organisational levels, collaborating with a wide range of colleagues and stakeholders to achieve shared goals.
- Outstanding written communication skills, including the ability to present complex policy and technical information in a clear, accessible way tailored to specific audiences – from briefings and speeches to event content.
- Excellent organisational skills, strong attention to detail and the ability to work proactively and autonomously without close supervision.
- The ability to make sound judgements and give strategic advice.
- Experience of working in or with the higher education sector.
Benefits
Our Total Reward Framework offers a range of benefits to suit your way of life. These include:
- Comprehensive learning and development – we’re invested in your future.
- Annual leave starting at 25 days per year, plus public holidays.
- Access to the highly regarded Civil Service defined benefit pension scheme.
- A variety of health-related benefits.
Working for us
The OfS regulates the higher education sector on behalf of all students. We value diversity and the wealth of perspectives, experience and ideas that it brings to our work, and we strive to embed equality of opportunity in everything we do. We recruit based on fair and open competition and welcome applications from candidates regardless of age, disability, race and ethnicity, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation. Flexibility is important to the OfS, as we recognise that it can enable people to work more effectively. A set of organisation-wide principles shape our approach to flexible and hybrid working, which our teams then use as guidance on how they deliver their business goals. This would usually mean working from the office for two days in a typical week. To attract the widest possible field of qualified applicants, flexible working – for example job share and part-time working – apply to this role. We are committed to ensuring our recruitment process is accessible to everyone. If you require any reasonable adjustments to support you through the application stage, please contact us and we will be happy to help.
Closing date for applications: Noon, Monday 8 June
Provider Relations Manager in Eastville employer: Office for Students
The Office for Students (OfS) is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment that prioritises employee development and well-being. With comprehensive benefits including generous annual leave, a robust pension scheme, and a commitment to flexible working arrangements, the OfS empowers its staff to thrive while making a meaningful impact in the higher education sector. Join us in a dynamic role where your contributions will shape the future of higher education regulation in England.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Provider Relations Manager in Eastville
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the organisation inside out! Research the OfS, its values, and its mission. This will help you tailor your conversations and show that you're genuinely interested in contributing to their goals.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for standing out during the interview process.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to project management and stakeholder engagement. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and highlight your skills.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in leaving a positive impression. Plus, it shows your enthusiasm for the role and the organisation.
We think you need these skills to ace Provider Relations Manager in Eastville
Some tips for your application 🫡
Get Your CV Spot On:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Provider Relations Manager role. Highlight your project management skills and any experience in higher education. We want to see how you can bring value to our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about higher education and how your skills align with our mission. Keep it engaging and personal – we love a good story!
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since this role involves a lot of communication, make sure your written application reflects your outstanding communication skills. Use clear and concise language, and don’t forget to proofread for any typos!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure it gets to us quickly and securely. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need right there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Office for Students
✨Know Your Audience
Before the interview, research the OfS and its role in higher education regulation. Understand their mission and values, and think about how your skills as a Provider Relations Manager can align with their goals. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in the organisation.
✨Showcase Your Project Management Skills
Be prepared to discuss specific examples of complex projects you've managed in the past. Highlight your ability to coordinate resources, track progress, and deliver results on time. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and make them impactful.
✨Communicate Clearly and Effectively
Since outstanding written communication is key for this role, practice articulating complex ideas in a clear and concise manner. You might be asked to explain a technical concept or present a policy issue, so think about how you would break it down for different audiences.
✨Prepare Questions for Them
Interviews are a two-way street, so come armed with thoughtful questions about the OfS's provider engagement strategy and how they measure success. This not only shows your interest but also gives you insight into whether the role is the right fit for you.
