JISC Executive Secretary (CEO)

Attractive Package
9 - 18 months fixed term contract or secondment
London or Bristol based

Internal applicants should obtain approval from their Manager prior to applying

We seek an outstanding and experienced individual to lead the Joint Information Systems Committee (JISC) through a crucial period of considerable change as the organisation moves to a new structure in an evolving funding environment. The post holder will work with JISC’s staff, the Board, the funders and the wide range of stakeholders to lead the implementation of recommendations from an independent review into the strategy, activities and effectiveness of JISC http://www.hefce.ac.uk/pubs/hefce/2011/11_04/. This will include the move to JISC becoming a separate legal entity and following through on outcomes of work being undertaken by external consultants in response to this report. The post becomes available on the retirement of Dr Malcolm Read OBE.

Employed by the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE), the postholder will lead the JISC, which is jointly funded by HEFCE and the other UK post-16 and higher education funding bodies, through this period of change while continuing with its normal business of supporting the post-16 sectors in their use of information and communications technology (ICT). For further information about the JISC, please visit our website at: www.jisc.ac.uk.

You will have proven leadership skills and an excellent understanding of the policy and funding issues facing the HE and FE sectors, combined with a comprehensive knowledge of ICT, its uses and applications in an educational context. You will have experience of managing change, strategic development, oversight of a large budget, and being able to argue logically and persuasively in high pressure environments. The qualities to develop professional and effective working relationships with people at all levels across JISC, its services, the HE and FE sectors, funding bodies, research councils and international partners will be crucial. The ability to communicate often technical information to non technical audiences is also essential. If you have these qualities, and would enjoy leading an organisation with a reputation for excellence, then we would like to hear from you. The role involves a significant amount of travelling and staying away overnight. This could be an ideal secondment opportunity for an individual within the HE or FE sectors.

If you would like an informal discussion about the role before applying please contact either Tracey Vardy (tel: 0117 931 7344; email: t.vardy@hefce.ac.uk) or Kate Page (0117 931 7455; email: k.page@hefce.ac.uk).

Benefits include 25 days’ annual leave (pro rata), a comprehensive staff development programme, and the opportunity to join the Civil Service Pension scheme. For further information and to apply (CVs will not be accepted) please visit our website at www.careers.hefce.ac.uk.

Closing date for completed applications: 10am on Monday 3 October

Interviews will be held during the morning of Thursday 27 or Friday 28 October 2011, in London

The Council is working towards equal opportunities in employment.