Bangor University Students' Union Chief Executive Officer

Job Number

BU04068

School/Department

Students' Union

Grade

9

Contract Duration

Permanent

Responsible to

Board of Trustees and Chair of the Board & University Pro Vice-Chancellor for Education and Student Experience in line with the Students’ Union and University Relationship Agreement.

Overview

Responsible to

• Bangor Students' Union Board of Trustees and Bangor University in accordance with the Students' Union–University Relationship Agreement.
• The role operates within a dual accountability framework, recognising the Students' Union as an independent charity and Bangor University as the statutory employer.

Responsible for

• Senior Management Team.
• Supporting and enabling the elected Officer team.
• Executive Assistant.

Purpose of the Role

• The Chief Executive Officer is responsible for the strategic leadership, operational management and long-term sustainability of Bangor Students' Union.

The postholder will:

• Lead the delivery of the Union's strategy, charitable objectives and organisational performance.
• Support elected Officers to deliver their priorities and democratic responsibilities.
• Advise and support the Board of Trustees in fulfilling its governance responsibilities.
• Ensure the Union operates effectively, sustainably and in compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.
• Lead and develop staff, services and resources to maximise positive impact for students.
• Build effective relationships with Bangor University and external stakeholders.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Lead the development, implementation and review of the Union's strategic plan.
• Ensure strategic priorities are translated into effective operational delivery and clear measurable outcomes.
• Promote a positive, inclusive and values-led organisational culture.
• Identify opportunities for innovation, growth and continuous improvement.
• Ensure the Union remains responsive to the needs of its members and the changing higher education environment.
• Promote Welsh language and culture across the Union's work in partnership with UMCB and relevant stakeholders.

Governance and Compliance

• Act as principal adviser to the Board of Trustees on governance, risk and strategic matters.
• Ensure compliance with charity law, education legislation, the Union's constitution and relevant policies.
• Ensure the Union's democratic and representative structures remain effective, accessible, and responsive to students' needs and priorities.
• Maintain effective risk management, health and safety and organisational assurance arrangements.
• Ensure compliance with the Students' Union and University Relationship Agreement.

Officer and People Leadership

• Support, coach and develop elected Officers in delivering their objectives.
• Lead and develop the Union's management and staff teams.
• Foster effective working relationships between Officers, staff, trustees and University colleagues.
• Promote a culture of accountability, wellbeing, professional development and continuous improvement.

Finance and Resources

• Lead the financial planning and management of the Union.
• Ensure effective stewardship of financial, physical and human resources.
• Support funding discussions with Bangor University on behalf of the Board.
• Oversee statutory reporting, annual accounts and audit requirements.
• Identify and secure opportunities for additional income and organisational sustainability.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Develop and maintain effective relationships with senior University leaders, external partners and other key stakeholders to advance the Union's strategic objectives. Represent the Union within the student movement, higher education and charity sectors.
• Promote the value and impact of the Union internally and externally.

Student Experience

• Ensure the Union's work is informed by student needs and evidence.
• Support the development of services, representation and activities that enhance the student experience.
• Monitor organisational impact and member engagement to drive improvement.

General

• Uphold and promote the values and objectives of Bangor Students' Union.
• Undertake such other duties as may reasonably be required by the role.

Other Duties and Responsibilities

• The post holder will be expected to participate in performance review and developmental activities.
• The post holder will be expected to comply with the University’s equality policies and statements, Dignity at Work and Study Policy and the University’s Welsh Language Scheme.
• Ensure continued development of personal knowledge and skills to ensure that teaching reflects current best practice.
• The post holder has a general and legal duty of care in relation to health, safety and wellbeing and must take all reasonable steps to ensure a safe and healthy working environment themselves self and for other members of staff, students and visitors affected by their actions or inactions. The post holder is also required to comply with all applicable health and safety policies, procedures and risk assessments.
• The post holder must comply with relevant legal and financial policies and procedures and be aware of their responsibilities in terms of the legal requirements of their post.

Person Specification

Qualifications and Experience

Essential

• Extensive senior leadership experience.
• Experience of developing and delivering organisational strategy and operational plans.
• Experience of leading and developing teams and managing organisational performance.

Desirable

• Relevant professional qualification and/or evidence of continuing professional development.
• Experience within a Students' Union, higher education, charity or membership organisation.
• Experience of working within a democratic or representative environment.

Knowledge and Skills

Essential

• Understanding of governance within a charity, membership, public sector or regulated environment.
• Strong financial and resource management skills.
• Excellent communication, influencing and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to work effectively with trustees, elected representatives and senior stakeholders.

Desirable

• Knowledge of the higher education sector and issues affecting students.
• Knowledge of charity governance and education legislation.

Values and Attributes

• Commitment to enhancing the student experience, representation and equality, diversity and inclusion.
• Commitment to the Welsh language and culture, with the ability to communicate in Welsh or willingness to develop Welsh language skills to an agreed level within two years.

General

We are a member of Advance HE's Athena SWAN Gender Equality charter and hold a Silver award in recognition of our commitment to and progress towards gender equality within the University's policies, practices, and culture.

The University has recently achieved a Race Equality Charter Bronze award reflecting our commitment to building an inclusive and equitable society for black, Asian and minoritised ethnic staff.

We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer.

All members of staff have a duty to ensure their actions are in line with the overall environmental aims of the University and minimise their environmental impact.

All offers are made subject to proof of eligibility to work in the UK and receipt of satisfactory references.