Vice-Principal Regional Engagement & Regional Recovery

VICE -PRINCIPAL REGIONAL ENGAGEMENT & REGIONAL RECOVERY

APPOINTMENT BRIEF Closing date: noon on 30 June 2021

Reference number: WVBZB

WELCOME FROM THE VICE-CHANCELLOR AND PRINCIPAL

Dear Candidate,

The pandemic has brought into sharp focus the need for the University of Aberdeen to play a strategic role in the north-east of Scotland's recovery and development. This role in regional recovery is a contemporary expression of the University’s 1495 foundational purpose of being open to all and dedicated to the pursuit of truth in the service of others.

An ambitious leader with a clear vision and strong interpersonal skills is required to drive this area of the University's work. The position of Vice-Principal (Regional Engagement & Regional Recovery) is an important role in our Senior Management Team. The successful candidate will work alongside the other members of the senior team to implement our Aberdeen 2040 strategy.

The Vice-Principal (Regional Engagement & Regional Recovery) will be responsible for leading the development and implementation of a strategy for the University to make a comprehensive and effective contribution to economic, social, and cultural recovery and development in the north-east of Scotland. This will support the identification of new regional development opportunities and collaborations, expanding our links with external partners to ensure responsiveness to regional priorities as well as enhancing our work on entrepreneurship, start-ups, consultancy, and commercialisation. The Vice-Principal will also have oversight of our commitments as a Civic University and our engagement with community planning.

This is a dynamic and progressive time for our University as we work to achieve the commitments made in our strategic vision for the future, Aberdeen 2040, which was launched last year to mark the 525th anniversary of our foundation in 1495.

I am hugely enthusiastic about this key position and the benefits it will bring to our world-leading institution and the north-east of Scotland in the years ahead. I hope that you will share this vision and wish to join us in this critical leadership role at the University of Aberdeen.

Professor George Boyne Principal and Vice Chancellor

UNIVERSITY OF ABERDEEN

Open to all and dedicated to the pursuit of truth in the service of others

Aberdeen is a broad-based, research intensive University, which puts students at the centre of everything it does. Outstanding in a wide range of discipline areas, Aberdeen has also been credited for its international reach and its commercialisation of research ideas into spin out companies. The University has over 16,000 matriculated students and 3,600 staff representing 130 nationalities. We encourage bold thinking, creativity and innovation, and we nurture ambition with many opportunities for professional and personal development in an inclusive learning environment which challenges and inspires.

CURRENT CONTEXT The University will build on our significant achievements in 2021 and beyond. Underpinning our high performance and significant growth is a £100m investment in Aberdeen’s estate which will include the completion of a new Science Teaching Hub, the regeneration of the historic King’s Quarter, and a new Business School building. The University has also recently invested in 50 new academic posts, and 2020 saw the launch of 5 Interdisciplinary, cross-institution Research Centres that will catalyse world-leading research in our areas of research strength. The 5 Interdisciplinary Challenges are: Energy Transition; Social Inclusion and Cultural Diversity; Environment and Biodiversity; Data and Artificial Intelligence; and Health, Nutrition and Wellbeing.

The University of Aberdeen is a recent recipient of The Queen’s Anniversary Prize, awarded to recognise world- class excellence in innovation and practical benefit to people and society. The University was given this award for health service research leading to improvements in academic and clinical practice and delivery of health care.

INTERNATIONAL Aberdeen is also increasing its international presence, positioning the University as a global organisation, and growing its collaborations overseas, such as its partnership in Qatar. We are proud to be the first UK University to operate on a dedicated campus in Qatar. Phase 1 of this partnership with AFG College has successfully recruited over 700 students. Phase 2 will see the creation of a substantially larger campus, with capacity for at least 5,000 students and research activity. For further information on our Qatar campus, visit https://www.abdn.ac.uk/qatar/.

FINANCIAL OVERVIEW In 2019/20 the University achieved an income of £233.8M which is an increase of £5.3M on the previous year despite the pandemic, resulting in an underlying surplus of £6.5M. This reflects the steady progress over recent years in the University’s financial position and the steps that have been taken to overcome the challenges resulting from Covid-19 over the past year.

Further information on the University’s financial position is available in our Annual Report and Financial Statements: https://www.abdn.ac.uk/staffnet/working-here/annual-report-accounts--7872.php

ABERDEEN 2040

On our 525th anniversary as a University we launched Aberdeen 2040, our strategic vision for the next 20 years. Our strategic vision is underpinned by the University’s 1495 foundational purpose, which bears ongoing relevance today: “Open to all and dedicated to the pursuit of truth in the service of others”.

Our strategy sets out two core activities: Education and Research and four strategic themes which will shape our learning and discovery, underlined by 20 commitments we have made against each theme. For further details on the Aberdeen 2040 strategy, please visit www.abdn.ac.uk/2040.

OUR EDUCATION: Recognised as the Scottish OUR RESEARCH: Researchers at the University of University of the Year in the Times and Sunday Aberdeen have been at the forefront of innovation Times Good University Guide 2019, we remain true and excellence throughout the centuries, to our roots as an ancient Scottish university, generating insights in medicine, science, combining breadth and depth in our degree engineering, law, social sciences, arts and programmes and drawing strength from the quality humanities. This research has contributed to five of our research. Our flexible curriculum encourages Nobel prizes as well as other awards such as the students to grow as independent learners and Queen’s Anniversary prize. Our research is therefore to thrive as graduates in the diverse intellectually rigorous, working within our workplaces of the future and become change- established areas of excellence as well as new makers across the globe. Our education is open to methods of enquiry. We will continue to generate all and we are setting ambitious targets to further new knowledge addressing economic and societal widen access. issues with ambition and imagination, ensuring that

it is globally excellent and locally relevant. INCLUSIVE: We welcome students, staff and partners from all backgrounds, organisations and INTERNATIONAL: We connect with others and communities. We value diversity. extend our networks and partnerships around the world. We think across borders. INTERDISCIPLINARY: We innovate in education and research by generating, sharing and applying new SUSTAINABLE: We understand and nurture our kinds of knowledge. We learn together. environment, and take care of our resources, including our people and our finances. We work responsibly.

Our pursuit of truth is grounded in the service of others. Working together, we will address five interdisciplinary challenges of our time as indicated below.

MANAGEMENT STRUCTURE

THE UNIVERSITY AND THE REGION

OUR ROLE IN THE COMMUNITY The University of Aberdeen encourages our staff and students to work and live sustainably, and to lead by example for the good of the local community here in the north east of Scotland and in the wider world. We excelled in the 2021 THE Impact Rankings, which recognise universities for their social and economic impact, placed 57th in the world in terms of our positive impact on society

As one of the oldest institutions in Aberdeen, we have historically been at the centre of the life and success of the city and region, and we continue to play a leading role in supporting the economic, social and cultural life of local communities and organisations. The University works in partnership with local authorities, industry, the third sector, political representatives and local communities, including being a key partner within the Aberdeen City Region Deal and Opportunity North-East, to support economic recovery in north east Scotland and beyond. Through this work, the University is committed to supporting the placemaking agenda of the north east of Scotland, supporting it to be recognised as an excellent place to live, to work, to study and to visit.

For example, many online courses have been made available to help people gain new skills that contribute to our region, in addition to the regional discount scheme which has been created to support local people and business to either retain and/or upskill in light of the impact of Covid-19 on the local economy. The University is also committed to being a Civic University, and work is underway to progress our Civic University Agreement, which is a commitment to make significant impact on the success of the areas in which we are located and bring real benefits to the local community. Our large-scale and high profile public events programme includes highlights such as the annual May Festival and International Women’s Day Conference, amongst other year- round events and an annual programme of services and commemoration events in the historic King’s College chapel.

ABERDEEN AND ABERDEENSHIRE

With a population of approximately 230,000, the city stands between the Rivers Dee and Don. This historic city has many architectural splendours and the use of its sparkling local granite has earned Aberdeen the name of the Silver City. Recognised as the energy capital of Europe, Aberdeen nevertheless retains its old-fashioned charm and character making it an attractive place in which to live, study and work.

Aberdeen enjoys excellent communication services with other European cities - e.g. flying time to London is just over one hour with regular daily flights. There are direct air links to London (City, Heathrow, and Luton), Manchester, Birmingham, Leeds, Southampton, Belfast and East Midlands within the U.K. There are also flights to international hub airports: Amsterdam (Schiphol), and Paris (Charles De-Gaulle as well as flights to other European destinations (http://www.aberdeenairport.com). Road and rail links are also well developed.

The city and the surrounding countryside provide a variety of urban, sea-side and country pursuits. Aberdeen has first class amenities including His Majesty's Theatre, Music Hall, Art Gallery, the P&J Arena, Museums, and Beach Leisure centre. Within a short time, beach pursuits, equine activities, salmon, trout and sea fishing, hill- walking, mountaineering, golf, sailing, surfing and windsurfing can be reached. The city and the surrounding countryside are repeatedly given high ratings for quality of life in surveys.

Aberdeenshire is one of Scotland’s most appealing regions. Royal Deeside and the Cairngorms National Park are within easy access of the city, and there are a variety of towns and villages scattered along the coastline. Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire cater for a wide range of tastes in sporting and cultural activities. To find out more about Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire go to www.visitabdn.com

ROLE DESCRIPTION

OVERALL PURPOSE

The Vice Principal (Regional Engagement & Regional Recovery) is one of four Vice-Principals who will form part of the Senior Management Team. The Senior Management Team comprises: Principal, Senior Vice-Principal, Vice-Principal (Education), Vice-Principal (Regional Recovery), Vice-Principal (Research), Vice-Principal (Student Recruitment), University Secretary & Chief Operating Officer, Director of Finance, Director of People, Director of External Relations and Executive Director of Advancement. Whilst each individual has a distinct portfolio with a primary focus, a strong team approach is required to ensure the effective delivery of the University’s strategic priorities.

The Vice-Principal (Regional Recovery) will be accountable through the Principal to the University Court for leading all aspects of institutional strategy and policy in relation to the University’s contribution to regional recovery from the economic, social and cultural consequences of the pandemic. Along with the other members of the Senior Management Team, the Vice-Principal (Regional Recovery) will assist the Principal in achieving the University’s Aberdeen 2040 strategic commitments across the four themes of Inclusive, Interdisciplinary, International and Sustainable.

The Vice-Principal (Regional Recovery) will work closely with the Vice-Principal (Global Student Recruitment), Vice-Principal (Education) and Vice-Principal (Research) to ensure that new ventures, regional initiatives and developments are in line with the wider institutional strategy. The effective delivery of the Vice-Principal (Regional Recovery) portfolio will also rely heavily on close working relationships with Heads of Schools and Directors of Professional Services.

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Primary Responsibilities

• Leading the development and implementation of a strategy for the University to make a comprehensive and effective contribution to regional recovery;

• Ensuring that the University deploys the full range of its expertise in education and research to support economic, social and cultural recovery;

• Identifying new regional development opportunities and collaborations, including with FE/HE providers;

• Enhancing the University’s work with partners in the public and private sector on entrepreneurship, upskilling, start-ups, consultancy and commercialisation;

• Expanding the University’s strategic links with business partners to increase responsiveness to regional economic priorities;

• Leading the development of the University’s Civic University Agreement;

• Leading the University’s involvement in Community Planning Aberdeen;

• Overseeing the University’s engagement in the Aberdeen City Region Deal;

• Identifying and leading the University’s participation in civic and regional associations and networks;

• Alongside other members of the Senior Management Team, supporting the Principal in driving forward fundraising and development activity;

• Undertaking any other such duties as reasonably determined by the Principal;

• Chairing the Regional Engagement Group

PERSON SPECIFICATION

The successful candidates will bring some or all of the following skills and experience:

• Experience of developing strategy in respect to local or regional development;

• Comprehensive experience of leveraging education and research for external impact;

• Demonstrable experience of delivering successful collaborations and partnerships with external stakeholders;

• Ability to operate across the public and private sectors in respect to entrepreneurship, spin out and start up activity;

• Strong ability to represent the institution externally alongside a capacity to take staff with them in delivering regional impact;

• Strategic and operational leadership within academia at an appropriate level (head of department, director, dean etc);

• Evidence of cross-institutional working and/or leadership experience from within a large and complex academic faculty or college;

• Demonstrable ability to develop strong working relationships with a broad range of colleagues and stakeholders;

• Excellent communication skills, including clarity of thought and ability to listen;

• Well-developed leadership and management skills, with a proven track record in leading and motivating individuals and teams;

• Ability to demonstrate an awareness and understanding of key issues and challenges facing the HE sector.

EQUALITY & DIVERSITY

The University values a diverse working environment and recognises the benefits this can bring. The University is keen to receive applications from individuals from across all of the equality protected characteristics (age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation).

The University supports opportunities for flexible working for a range of reasons and has policies in place to facilitate this. The policies can be found here: https://www.abdn.ac.uk/staffnet/working-here/flexible- working--5607.php

The University’s commitment to gender equality has been recognised through the achievement of an Athena SWAN Bronze award at institutional level and across all its subject areas.

The University has signed up to Advance HE’s Race Equality Charter, affirming the University's commitment to the charter's aim of improving the representation, progression and success of minority ethnic staff and students within higher education.

Candidates who are British Sign Language (BSL) user can contact us directly by using contact SCOTLAND-BSL

The University is delighted to be accredited as a Disability Confident employer and strives to ensure that disabled staff and students have the opportunity to work and study in an inclusive, accessible and supportive environment. https://www.abdn.ac.uk/staffnet/governance/equality-and-diversity-277.php

HOW TO APPLY

Saxton Bampfylde Ltd is acting as an employment agency advisor to the University of Aberdeen on this appointment.

Candidates should apply for this role through our website at www.saxbam.com/appointments using code WVBZB

Click on the ‘apply’ button and follow the instructions to upload a CV and cover letter. Please complete the online equal opportunities monitoring form *

* The equal opportunities monitoring online form will not be shared with anyone involved in assessing your application. Please complete as part of the application process.

The closing date for applications is noon on 30 June 2021.