LIS Portfolio Manager

LIS Portfolio Manager

Directorate of Student and Learning Services

Learning and Information Services

Permanent

Full time

£31,331 to £35,244 per annum, dependent on experience

Vacancy reference SLS 184/13

Closing date 13 November 2013 at 12 noon

This post is open to existing Sheffield Hallam University employees only

The University

Sheffield Hallam University is one of the UK's most progressive and innovative universities.

We pride ourselves on making a difference - to our students, our staff and to the businesses we work with. Our research and business ideas, alongside our sought after graduates, contribute to the economic and social development of both our region and to the UK as a whole.

Our teaching is first-rate and is supported by our world-class applied research. Our students are a diverse group and benefit from a tailored approach that helps them to get the most from their studies. We offer top quality teaching and learning facilities and the ability to learn flexibly in a way that best suits their needs. For example, we are one of the UK's leading universities in e-learning and offer a range of distance learning and part time courses as well as the more traditional full time courses. Our industry partners choose Sheffield Hallam because of our flexible, business led approach and our high quality research, facilities and students. Our partners include Sony, BP, NHS, Network Rail, Cisco, SAP and Microsoft.

Our facilities are state-of-the-art and we have invested heavily in new technology to ensure that our technological capability matches the cutting-edge approach of our teaching. We are recognised as a Centre of Excellence for Teaching and Learning, e-learning and employability.

Although currently in the process of review, the University's Corporate Plan for 2008-2013 outlines our priorities and is available to download at www.shu.ac.uk/university/overview/corporate/vision.html

Student and Learning Services (SLS)

The Directorate of Student and Learning Services provides learning, IT and advisory services and support to our students, from pre-entry advice through to career guidance. The Learning Centres at both City and Collegiate Campuses are also operated by SLS. The Directorate's work is split into four portfolios:

 Learning and Information Services (LIS)  Information Systems and Technology (IS&T)

 Quality Enhancement and Student Success (QESS)  Business Services

We aim to enable all learners to realise their potential so we work with our colleagues across the University and with external organisations to help give our students a positive experience.

Our staff

The SLS "People Principles" (see below) demonstrate our commitment to creating an environment in which staff feel motivated and enjoy a stimulating and rewarding experience at work. These

principles are underpinned by the SLS Attributes Framework which is used in our recruitment process - see the person specification for further details of the attributes required for the post you are

interested in.

While the majority of SLS staff are based at City Campus, some are at Collegiate Crescent and some IS&T staff are also based at Hallamshire Business Park.

Our People Principles SLS staff will:

1. Understand and engage with our students and stakeholders to continuously improve our services

2. Work collaboratively within our teams, across the Directorate and with our partners to achieve shared goals

3. Share information and develop best practice to carry out our work effectively and efficiently 4. Take up opportunities to develop our skills and knowledge to meet changing business needs

and to achieve individual potential

5. Create a working atmosphere based on mutual trust, where all contributions are valued, successes are celebrated and feedback is given and received constructively

6. Embrace diversity and promote fairness and equality for staff and students

7. Understand our roles and responsibilities and have clear expectations for achievement, retaining the flexibility to respond to new circumstances

8. Engage in meaningful consultation about future plans and goals and support each other through change

9. Seek to meet our challenges creatively, innovatively and positively

10. Recognise the importance of a healthy work/life balance and make use of the University's progressive employment framework when appropriate

Find out more about SLS and the services we offer http://www.shu.ac.uk/services/sls/ Or take a look at the latest news on our blog https://blogs.shu.ac.uk/slsnews/

We look forward to receiving your application.

Nuala Devlin, Director of Learning and Information Services

Learning and Information Services (LIS)

LIS runs the two learning centres at both campuses. These buildings have been part of a £multi-million refurbishment project over the last few years and the teams there provide extensive services and resources to support the learning needs, scholarly activity and research of students and staff. Our work is split into:

 Academic Services: we work with Faculties to develop information services and skills for students and staff

 Advisory Services: we offer face to face and virtual support to students and staff undertaking learning and research

 Information Resources: we provide access to the latest print and electronic resources  Learning Centre operations, management and development: we provide a well-designed,

effective learning environment where our students feel safe and supported.

Find out more about LIS at: http://www.shu.ac.uk/services/sls/learning/

via Twitter https://twitter.com/shu_library or our blogs:

http://shulibhacks.wordpress.com/ https://blogs.shu.ac.uk/clcrefurb/

https://blogs.shu.ac.uk/artinlearningcentres/ https://blogs.shu.ac.uk/haveyoursay/

Our LIS Vision is

"Empowering learners to thrive in an information-rich environment"

Our LIS Aims support our Vision by

 Working in partnership with students, faculties and departments to develop and deliver an outstanding student learning experience.

 Developing the curriculum with academic staff

 Offering accessible and seamless services that are driven from the student perspective and are responsive to changing student expectations.

 Making a significant contribution to raising the University’s research profile and establishing a robust research environment by providing focused information resources, staff support and associated research skills.

 Supporting the University's regional, national and international agendas by developing flexible methods of support and access to relevant resources  Promoting services and resources to optimise use and awareness with the community in a

dialogue to inform future development.

 Using an evidence-based approach to inform all areas of activity and the setting of clearly defined service standards.

 Developing physical spaces that convey the excitement of learning and discovery and continue

 Supporting University learning, teaching and research by developing collections of print, media and electronic resources that have

relevant and appropriate content complemented by clear, effective and equitable access arrangements.

 Maintaining a clear focus on enhancing the student learning experience through adopting quality frameworks and professional standards within which to develop staff and services.

 Ensuring maximum value for institutional investment in the purchase, production and management of information resources and licences.

 Developing the expertise of LIS staff to contribute fully to curriculum development and learner support strategies that anticipate and respond to the diversity of the student population.  Contributing to the University’s employability agenda by providing a diverse range of study

skills and resources that enhance student’s ability to compete in the employment market or progress to further study

Our LIS values are:

 to have customer focus at the heart of everything we do  to be supportive and inspirational

 to value and respect each other  to work effectively in teams

 to take responsibility for our actions  to strive for continuous improvement

 to share our knowledge, skills and expertise  to embrace change

LIS Portfolio Office team

The LIS Portfolio Office team is a new team. It is designed to support all the teams in LIS and in particular the Director of LIS and the Leadership team.

The team, led by the LIS Portfolio Manager, is responsible for the smooth operation of the Leadership Team diaries and associated meetings. Providing high quality administrative support, the Portfolio Office will liaise with the SLS Directorate Office, other Directorates and Faculties as appropriate to ensure the efficient and effective operation of the portfolio in line with University policies. This would, for example, include working with the Finance Directorate on ordering and paying for support

expenses and materials and/or liaising the Facilities Directorate to support LIS/FD projects.

Working across LIS, the office will support work related to communications, planning and quality and the development of a policy schedule. This will entail involvement in and leading projects across LIS.

Location

This post is based at our City Campus which is situated next to Sheffield’s train and coach stations and has easy access to the M1. It is in the heart of the city centre, next to shopping areas, art galleries, theatres, cinemas bars and cafés and the recently developed Winter Gardens. There is plenty to do and see in your lunch break or after work.

Collegiate Crescent Campus

This post is based at our Collegiate Crescent Campus which is a leafy oasis set in Victorian

landscaped gardens. The Campus is close to Ecclesall Road, which is bustling with shops, bars and cafés.

Discussion and selection event

For informal enquiries regarding this post please contact Nuala Devlin, Director of Learning & Information Services on:

Telephone 0114 225 2105

Email [email protected]

Proposed selection event

The selection event for this post will comprise of an interview and presentation*

*You will be expected to prepare a 10 minute presentation, the title being:

“Considering the role of LIS Portfolio Manager, what would be your 3 key priorities in helping LIS to deliver our Vision and Aims (Please see above for vision and aims)?”

Job description

Job Title LIS Portfolio Manager

Faculty/Dept Learning & Information Services

Grade Grade 7

Reports to Director of Learning & Information Services Direct reports LIS Administrators (2FTE)

Role Purpose To take responsibility for the delivery of administrative services to support the development and delivery of LIS business objectives. This will include achievement against key objectives, as outlined in the University's Corporate Plan and LIS Strategic Development and Annual Operating Plans.

Working with the SLS Comms team manage effective

communication with internal and external stakeholders for LIS across the University and with the wider community.

Working with members of LIS Leadership team, proactively set the standards for and identify creative solutions to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the service, and support the implementation of University policies, working collaboratively with faculties and other directorates.

Generic responsibilities

 Actively promote and support the new ways of working to deliver services in an efficient and effective manner.

 Contribute to the continuing development and improvement of LIS services and the user's experience.

 Work effectively and collaboratively as a member of the team.

 Work collaboratively with other members of LIS and colleagues in faculties and directorates to ensure the effective delivery of services.

 Work to ensure documentation are created and maintained to enhance and facilitate information sharing across the shared service.

 Continually develop and maintain the skills relevant to your role.

 Take a customer focused approach to the delivery and development of all LIS services.

 Work across LIS to achieve a common understanding of LIS and University objectives and Work collaboratively to ensure an integrated approach to the planning, development, delivery and management of services.

 Participate in cross-University groups and projects and undertake inter functional area work to support the development of management information and corporate initiatives.

 Take ownership of issues and make decisions that are appropriate to the role to ensure the delivery of the service.

Role specific responsibilities

 Develop and deliver communications plans for individual LIS projects and attend and advise associated project team meetings

 Initiate, lead and manage effective LIS project related communications with all stakeholders, including SLS Comms team, to generate ideas to improve and enhance communications, including the LIS wide over view and management of student feedback.

 Working with LIS colleagues promote and manage our two communication processes with key stakeholders eg Have Your Say

 Provide operational support for LIS' Leadership and Management teams; such as writing reports and conducting analysis to support the development of new services.

 Source and provide management information, advice, and intelligence to support strategic and operational decision making. Where appropriate working closely with colleagues within Strategic Planning and Intelligence (SPI), faculties and other directorates to support the establishment of common approaches and methodologies.

 In conjunction with service team leaders, manage the LIS policy schedule to include drafting of new policies, ensuring adherence to review and revision timescales and withdrawal of outdated policies

 Motivate, lead and manage the small team of direct reports and other staff where required, allocating responsibilities, work planning and managing performance. Provide general guidance, coaching and support, developing their skills, knowledge and understanding. Carry out regular appraisals, setting objectives, giving feedback and ensuring that targets are met.  Develop knowledge of the external environment and work with key stakeholders to identify

opportunities for business engagement, and enhance and develop positive working relationships.

 Manage activities to develop stakeholder and customer relationships and raise the directorate profile.

 Support directorate planning processes, such as horizon scanning and customer satisfaction surveys working closely with the LIS Leadership team SPI and other key stakeholders.

General responsibilities

 The above list is not exhaustive and, as such, it is expected that you will be responsible for related issues commensurate to the level of the role.

Attributes

 Customer Focus Managerial

 Team Working Managerial

 Relating to others Managerial

 Influencing & engagement Managerial

 Building capability Managerial

 Planning & organisation Managerial

Person Specification

Job Title LIS Portfolio Manager

Faculty / Directorate LIS

(* Essential or Desirable) Details E* D* Evidence**

Attainment

Evidenced achievements e.g. relevant qualifications (or equivalents), training, membership of professional bodies

Educated to degree standard (or equivalent experience)

E AF + QC

Experience

Type of experience and specific knowledge required for this job

Balancing a range of priorities for self and others whilst still delivering work to deadlines

Experience of working with external partners to develop and/or manage contracts/service agreements

Identifying opportunities to improve processes and/or systems contributing to the

implementation and improvements

Analysing complex information and producing reports and recommendations that enable senior managers to make key decisions

Working collaboratively with stakeholders from across the organisation and at a range of levels Negotiating successfully with and influencing stakeholders and customers

Understanding of the Higher Education sector and external environment

Managing and leading teams, coaching and supporting team members

E E E E E D D D AF + I AF AF AF AF + P AF AF + P AF Competencies

Skills and abilities required for effective performance e.g. numeracy, attention to detail, oral and written communication, planning and organising, leadership skills, ability to cope with conflicting

demands/deadlines

Good oral and written communication skills Good presentation skills

Good planning and organising own area of responsibility taking into account impact across LIS teams

Proficient in the use of IT systems including Microsoft Office packages, databases and spreadsheets E E E E AF + P P AF + I AF

**Evidence/Method of Assessment:

AF = Application form G = Group Exercise I = Interview

In-tray = In-tray Exercise IT = IT Test OT = Occupational Test

P = Presentation PT = Psychometric Testing Q/C = Qualifications/Certificates

Attributes

Please see relevant attribute framework

Customer Focus - Managerial Team Working - Managerial Relating to others - Managerial

Influencing & engagement - Managerial Building capability - Managerial

Planning & organisation - Managerial Drive for results - Managerial

E E E E E E E I I I I I I I Other relevant information

e.g. shift work or weekend working, travel in UK or abroad (state approximate frequency i.e. travel abroad twice a year)

How to apply

Complete the Sheffield Hallam University application form and email it to [email protected]. Call us on 0114 225 3950 if you have any questions about completing the form or the recruitment process. You will be informed as soon as possible after the closing date if you have been short listed.

If you have not received notification from us within four weeks of the closing date, please assume you have not been successful on this occasion.

Non-EU nationals

We have a legal responsibility to ensure that all employees are entitled to live and work in the UK. If a job requires highly specialist skills and qualifications we may be able to provide a Certificate of

Sponsorship to help you gain entry clearance or leave to remain in the UK from the UK Border Agency.

Further guidance on the UK Border Agency Points Based System can be found at

www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk. You can also email the Human Resources Directorate at

[email protected].

Equality and diversity drive our success

Equality and diversity are essential to our academic and business strengths. We believe that excellence comes through recognising the value of each individual.

We aim to create an environment that respects the value of each individual and the diversity of staff and students in the University's community. This will enable them to contribute fully, and to derive the maximum benefit and enjoyment from their involvement in University life.

Positive about disability

We use the symbol on the right, along with other like-minded employers, to show our commitment to good practice in employing people with a disability. It also enables people with a disability to know which employers will be positive about their abilities.

All applicants who meet the minimum criteria (based on the person specification) for a job vacancy and have declared their disability are guaranteed an interview and considered on their abilities.

Stonewall Diversity Champions programme

We are members of the Stonewall Diversity Champions programme, reinforcing both our commitment to improving the workplace culture for lesbian, gay and bisexual employees and our recognition that people perform better when they can be themselves. Stonewall recognises Sheffield Hallam as a forward thinking 21st century employer which aims to recruit, recognise, and support the very best people regardless of background.

Trade unions

We are committed to working in partnership with staff representatives. You are welcome to join a trade union, professional association or staff organisation and participate in its activities. We recognise the following unions for the purposes of collective bargaining UNISON, GMB, T&GWU, UNITE, UCU.

Benefits of working for us

We offer generous holiday entitlements - annual leave entitlement is a minimum of 25 days (pro rata if you work part-time) and rises depending on staff group and grade. In addition to the eight standard UK bank holidays, six extra statutory days are provided for extended University closure around some UK public/holidays.

We understand the need for a good work-life balance. That's why we support and operate a number of flexible working schemes including job-share and flexible working hours where applicable. We operate an incremental grade structure. This means that you will be eligible to receive an annual pay increase (subject to satisfactory performance) until your salary reaches the maximum salary for your grade.

Our defined benefit pension schemes are a real asset to your peace of mind. Depending on the job you're appointed to, you will be entered into either the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS), Teachers’ Pension Scheme (TPS), or remain in the Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS) if you are a current member.

We also offer many other benefits including Travel discounts, Family Friendly Schemes, Health and Wellbeing and Training and Development opportunities for staff. For more information about the benefits available to you, visit www.shu.ac.uk/jobs/vacancies/documents/benefits.html

Living and working in Sheffield

Sheffield is the greenest city in England. We have over 200 parks and woodlands and a third of the city is in the Peak District National Park. We have excellent rail links to all major cities and the city centre is in walking distance of both our campuses.

For more information, visit www.shu.ac.uk/jobs/vacancies/documents/lawisheff.html

Other important information

All appointments are made subject to confirmation of eligibility to work in the UK and satisfactory declaration of health from the occupational health consultant to make sure you are medically able to carry out the type of work involved in the post. Appointments are also subject to receipt of satisfactory references and any other checks that may be required for the role.

We comply fully with requirements of the Data Protection Act 1998. This requires us to tell you we will:  hold details of your name, address and the post applied for on computer to assist the

 recruitment process

 hold the information on your equal opportunities monitoring form, to monitor effectiveness of our policies

 retain records for unsuccessful applicants for one year, after which time the records are destroyed

For overseas applicants we normally reimburse travel expenses from the port of entry into the UK only.