Job Description Strategy, Policy and Planning • Work closely with the Deputy Pro-Vice- Chancellor (Sustainability) to agree priorities for the University’s sustainability work that will make a positive impact, and to identify actions and resources to deliver these priorities. • Work collaboratively with colleagues in Colleges and Professional Services to lead and coordinate the University’s sustainability activities, including in research, education, estates and campus operations. • Work collaboratively to lead the development and implementation of University plans relating to sustainability (for example, the Net Zero Carbon Plan), and how these integrate with the University’s key strategies (for example, student recruitment, Estates and Campus Strategy; Digital Strategy etc). • Manage the work of the Sustainability Oversight Board and the Sustainability Steering Group, ensuring agendas, papers, and minutes are produced on time, and decisions implemented. • Provide expert advice and guidance on sustainability on aspects such as carbon accounting, pathways to net zero, regulation, environmental legislation, procurement, and encouraging sustainable behaviours amongst staff and students. • Engage with students to understand their requirements in relation to sustainability, working with colleagues across the University to convert these into actions. • Keep abreast of current thinking and developments in sustainability and higher education, forming networks with, for example, sustainability leads in similar UK and global universities, and working in partnership with key organisations in our city and region. • Identify external and internal resources to support the University’s sustainability work, including writing business cases, and making applications for funding. • Advise the University Executive Board on the adoption of voluntary accreditation schemes, standards, management systems related to sustainability and the impact of
Person Specification • A good undergraduate degree or equivalent. • A relevant postgraduate qualification, or demonstrably equivalent experience. • A passion for enhancing sustainability backed by a broad knowledge and expertise of the challenges and requirements in tackling global sustainability, including the particular implications for a large research- intensive university. • Demonstrable experience of the leadership attributes required to deliver this agenda in a large, complex organisation. This will include one or more of: experience of sustainability management and leadership within a large, complex organisation; leading significant operational and cultural change; working collaboratively and influentially with a wide range of senior colleagues; effective engagement with a large and diverse community to enable change; proven ability to develop and implement new policies. • An excellent understanding of UK and global HE and the challenges it faces. • An excellent understanding of higher education and empathy for the academic endeavour of the University, and how sustainability priorities are integrated in this context. • Well networked with the credibility to act as an ambassador for sustainability internally and externally. • Strong analytical skills with the ability to handle and analyse large data sets effectively and accurately to produce meaningful information and insight. • The ability to write clear and persuasive Board papers and business plans. • A commitment to promote and adhere to the agreed values of the University and the Executive Support Division.
their adoption. • Actively consider the equality and diversity implications of the University’s sustainability work, and adapt plans accordingly. Data and Monitoring • Develop and monitor the University’s social and environmental sustainability targets, including the Strategic Framework Measures of Success and balanced scorecard targets. • Develop internal processes and systems to ensure appropriate monitoring and evaluation of performance against the agreed measures of success, including scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions. • Oversee external sustainability reporting, for example engaging with relevant league tables, provision of annual reports, and management of website content. • Provide regular internal reporting on progress towards achieving our strategic ambitions, including to University Executive Board and Council. Communications and engagement • Work with colleagues in Communications to develop a strategy to engage staff, students and external stakeholders in the University’s sustainability agenda. • Co-ordinate and lead University-wide engagement activities related to sustainability, including organising events and other activities, and supporting a network of sustainability champions. • Raise the profile of sustainability at the University and the progress it is making in contributing to the UN Sustainable Development Goals. • Identify and promote the incorporation of sustainability considerations into the day- to-day business of the University, including coordinating audits of sustainability activity. • The post holder is required to be flexible in developing their role and will from time to time be required to undertake any other duties commensurate with the grading of the post.
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