University of Oxford Department of Computer Science Senior Development Manager

Transcription

1 University of Oxford Department of Computer Science Senior Development Manager page 1

2 Contents 4 Background information 7 The Role 8 Key Criteria for Success 9 Key Responsibilities 11 Person Specification 13 Terms 13 Benefits 13 How to Apply 13 Selection Process page 2

3 Dear Potential Applicant I am delighted to be able to introduce our innovative and vibrant department. These are tremendously exciting times to be a computer scientist, and right now I honestly believe there is nowhere more exciting to do computer science research than Oxford. I could point to many indicators of Oxford s strength in computer science, but let me highlight just two. First, the national REF-2014 university research quality evaluation process concluded that Oxford s Department of Computer Science has not only grown, but has maintained internationally excellent quality. In terms of power, which assesses both the quality and quantity of research, Oxford is ranked 3rd for computer science. I am delighted to see Oxford confirmed as one of the three most powerful computer science research departments in the UK. I am particularly pleased that we have been able to maintain quality along with growth. Second, a range of international university rankings routinely place Oxford at or near the top for computer science research in Europe, and amongst the top-ranked computer science departments in the world. For example, the 2015 QS ranking of world universities ranked Oxford 3rd in the world for computer science, after MIT and Stanford in the USA. Our department has research across a range of themes from computational biology where, for example, we look at personalised heart modelling to ensure treatments are specific to an individual, to cyber security where risks to security are studied from social media to insider threats. Many aspects of our day to day life are underpinned by computer science research whether it be the cars we drive, the mobiles we use or the technology we utilise. Our research themes comprise security (from communication to social behaviour), Information systems (including data and search engines), machine learning and artificial intelligence, algorithms, programming languages, verification (ensuring software and hardware does what it should), Quantum computing (the next generation of computers), software engineering and computational biology and healthcare. We are also currently expanding our portfolio in terms of sensor networks and how such technology can help for example railway workers working in remote tunnels or tracking badgers for TB infections. Our current research portfolio exceeds 50m and we hold many prestigious research awards from a number of funders. I am proud to head such a diverse, vibrant, and impactful department and I am very excited at the prospect of a potential new building to ensure that we can the accommodate the research and education of the future. Our current facilities are inadequate to enable our current rate of growth and success and with this in mind we have created a vision for the future where truly interdisciplinary research and world class teaching can be performed in world class facilities and open collaborative spaces in conditions conducive to innovation; in a space we could accommodate industry showcases and in a space comparable with our worldwide competitors. We are seeking a Senior Development Manager to work with us to achieve this dream and to ensure that we can secure the investment to enable us to achieve our full potential. Professor Mike Wooldridge Head of Department page 3

4 Background information Oxford is a world-leading centre of learning, teaching and research and the oldest university in the English-speaking world. It employs over 10,000 staff and has a student population of over 22,000. A collegiate university, Oxford consists of the central University and colleges. The central University is composed of academic departments and research centres, administrative departments, libraries and museums. The 38 colleges are self-governing and financially independent institutions, which are related to the central University in a federal system. The collegiate system is at the heart of the University s success, giving students and academics the benefits of belonging both to a large, internationally renowned institution and to a small, interdisciplinary academic community. It brings together leading academics and students across subjects and year groups and from different cultures and countries, helping to foster the intense interdisciplinary approach that inspires much of the outstanding research achievement of the University and makes Oxford a leader in so many fields. The University of Oxford s funding comes from five main sources. 1. The largest source 478.3m, which accounts for 41% of total income is external research funding, from bodies such as research councils, charities, trusts, foundations, and industry. Oxford consistently has the highest external research income of any university in the UK % comes from government grants for teaching and research, through the Higher Education Funding Council for England and the National College for Teaching and Leadership. 3. Other income includes transfers from Oxford University Press, income from the commercialisation of research, and philanthropic support (21%). 4. Academic fees, from both undergraduates and postgraduates (20%). 5. Investment income (2%). For more information please visit page 4

5 Background Information (continued) Department of Computer Science Established in 1957, the Department of Computer Science is one of the longest-established and leading Computer Science Departments in the country (ranked first in a number of international rankings). At present there are 69 members of academic staff and almost 100 research staff. In December 2014, 74 members of the Department had 53% of their research activity ranked as world-leading in the Research Excellence Framework, and overall, the department was ranked as internationally excellent. Known for its inter-disciplinary activity, which attracts major funding from a number of sources, a significant majority of the Department are active in externally sponsored research. The Department currently holds over 50m in external research contracts, from both government and industrial funding. Computer Science at the University of Oxford is a world leading research department which has attracted academics and researchers from across the world. The department is a hub of exciting innovation and the research performed there is extensive and wide reaching covering almost every aspect of our everyday lives. The applied research has shown enormous impact to society; including projects such as: Ensuring Pharmaceutical companies can study the impact of new drugs on the heart ensuring timely and more cost effective means of introducing new medication. Checking and validating software which controls cars and other forms of transport ensuring reliability and safety. Research to expose security risks in our everyday lives, from the use of social media to internal threats within organisations. page 5

6 Background Information (continued) The Department is housed across multiple sites within the University s South Parks Road Science area. To facilitate even stronger collaborative links with research groups and institutes in closely allied areas (including the Oxford Internet Institute and the Oxford e-research Centre) and create a centre for innovation, the Department is looking in the future to a new building which will bring together academic and research staff across the division, to ensure that Oxford s Department of Computer Science is able to continue to grow and maintain their reputation for excellence. Development Office The role of the University s Development Office is to help secure philanthropic support for the University. The Development Office works in partnership with academic and development colleagues throughout the collegiate University to build enduring relationships with external constituencies including alumni, non-alumni, corporate and foundation donors and to increase financial support for agreed academic priorities. In 2008, the University launched Oxford Thinking, the Campaign for the University of Oxford, aimed at raising a minimum of 1.25 billion to transform the collegiate University for many generations to come. This goal was increased to 3bn in 2012, and gifts totaling more than 2bn have now been received. In addition to fundraising staff, the Development Office has a number of teams that cover particular support functions. These include the Research Team (which gathers information on potential and existing donors); the Development and Alumni Relations Support Centre (responsible for the Development and Alumni Relations database); and the Campaign Relations and Campaign Communications teams (which ensure that donors are appropriately targeted, thanked and stewarded through strategic events and communications, including bespoke proposals and project information). It also works closely with the Gift Registry, part of the Finance Division, which records and processes donations received by the University and on behalf of colleges. There are also three overseas offices covering North America and Asia whose remit includes development: New York, Hong Kong and Tokyo. For further information please visit: page 6

7 The Role Job Title Senior Development Manager Computer Science Location Oxford Reports to Head of Department, Computer Science Key relationships Head of Development - Mathematical, Physical and Life Sciences, Head of Department and other academic, research and key departmental contacts including the Department Administrator & Research Facilitator, Communication & Schools Liaison Manager, and Software Engineering Group Programme Manager; Alumni and supporters of the Computer Science Department; External volunteers and members of advisory committees; Members of the Development and Alumni Relations teams across the collegiate University. Purpose The Department of Computer Science is ambitious and fast growing, with a recently launched alumni network and a growing base of external support. With the appointment of a new Head of Department in 2014, the Department has significantly increased its fundraising activities, and seeks to appoint a Senior Development Manager to lead its activity in this area. The role of the Senior Development Manager is to identify and cultivate major donors and, working closely with senior colleagues, to secure substantial donations in support of the Department. He or she will have experience and expertise in managing philanthropic relationships with high net worth individuals, charitable organisations, and companies. This is a proactive and reactive role, requiring tact, sensitivity, initiative and determination. The post-holder will be highly motivated and enthusiastic about the Department and its ambitions. The Senior Development Manager will play a key part in implementing the Department s campaign strategy to support its ambitious fundraising goals (including endowment, capital and current-use).. This is a senior position within the Department, requiring an outstanding fundraising professional with the commitment and ability to meet growing targets in support of the Department s strategic objectives. The appointee will work closely with the Head of Development - Mathematical, Physical and Life Sciences. He or she will work closely with the Department Administrator, the Academic Administration team (for alumni relations) and the Publicity and Schools Liaison team. page 7

8 Key Criteria for Success After 12 months in post, the successful candidate will have: Swiftly established credibility and strong working relationships with key internal and external stakeholders. Reviewed and taken action on an effective major gifts strategy. Identified and developed a robust pipeline of qualified prospects. Cultivated existing prospect leads and secured some donations at the 50,000 level. Be on course to secure significant individual gifts towards the campaign, articulating the strong case for support. page 8

9 Key Responsibilities Strategy & Fundraising Review and shape the existing major donor strategy to maximise forthcoming fundraising opportunities. Build and manage an extensive portfolio of major gifts prospects and donors, drawn from individuals (both alumni and non alumni), the corporate sector, trusts and foundations, and other bodies from whom funding may be obtained, ascertaining their giving capacity, motivation and influencers. Develop robust relationships with prospects and donors to the benefit of the Department, and independently undertake meetings to cultivate and solicit major gifts. Encourage prospective donors to consider making a gift to the University and either solicit a specific sum of money (typically between 100,000 and 2m) or support Departmental colleagues or volunteers in this process. Implement stewardship strategies for all donors for whom the post holder is primary relationship manager. Plan and execute (with support from colleagues within the Department) cultivation opportunities to further engage current major donors and successfully prepare prospects for solicitation. Communication & Collaboration Understand academically complex projects and explain them to non-specialist potential donors. This will involve articulating and publicising priority projects in close collaboration with the Head of Department and senior fundraising personnel in the collegiate University. Liaise regularly with colleagues working on alumni and industry relations to maximise potential sources of funding. page 9

10 Key Responsibilities (continued) Develop effective communications from the Department to potential donors through publications, online media, working closely with the Publicity Officer and PR Assistant. Identify, recruit and work with high-level volunteers who can assist with prospect identification and solicitation, and provide guidance and mentoring to outward facing departmental staff as required. Optimise philanthropic support for the Collegiate University and adhere to best practice in prospect cultivation, solicitation and stewardship. This will involve collaboration with College-based and other development staff in line with agreed principles and protocols. Ensure that a current and accurate record of all development strategy and activity is maintained on DARS, the collegiate University s database, and provide regular reports to the Department s Development Committee in line with own Development targets. Carry out other such functions as from time to time the line manager might require. Attend relevant events out of office hours and travel nationally (on average twice per week, often to London), as required. page 10

11 Person Specification Essential Experience and knowledge Excellent general level of education to degree level or equivalent. Experience of a creative and strategic approach to the cultivation process of successful high level relationships. Demonstrated ability to establish credibility, confidence and robust relationships with existing and prospective donors, and key stakeholders. Track record of working with senior volunteers and stakeholders in the cultivation of high level relationships. Significant and demonstrable experience of raising major funds from a range of high net-worth individuals, trusts and foundations, and/or corporations. Knowledge and understanding of the principles and methods of major gift fundraising. Strong track record of working in a target driven role. Experience of working with a fundraising database such as the University s database DARS, Raiser s Edge, or a comparable system. Experience of taking responsibility for own actions and exercising good judgement. Desirable Significant involvement in a higher education development campaign. Understanding of and familiarity with Oxford and the collegiate system. page 11

12 Person Specification (continued) Skills and Abilities Highly motivated and independent. Excellent interpersonal skills: diplomacy, discretion, tact and persuasiveness. Sophisticated communication skills and the ability to converse effectively and convincingly with a range of people, including major donors, academics and senior officers, and to represent the University at the highest levels. Ability to inspire and enthuse others in the discipline of computer science. Capacity to assimilate and convey complex information accurately and rapidly. Ability to thrive and work well under pressure whilst remaining aware of detail. Ability to think strategically and tactically, to listen closely, and to translate ideas into action. Attitudes An interest in Computer Science. An interest in higher education and in particular an understanding of the University of Oxford, and its goals in teaching and research. An entrepreneurial thinker who is energised by learning new things and finding innovative approaches to their work. Resilient and persistent. Demonstrable understanding of and belief in the importance of philanthropic support for higher education. Demonstrable ability to show highly nuanced sensitivity and good judgement when working with key internal and external stakeholders. Prepared to be flexible, to work out of regular hours and travel. page 12

13 Terms Salary To discuss salary parameters, please contact Sonja Dunphy, Senior Consultant at Richmond Associates, on Benefits Selection Process The applicants with the most relevant experience will be invited to have initial exploratory discussions with Richmond Associates in the week commencing 14th December. First round interviews will take place at the University of Oxford on 7th & 8th January, with final panel interviews taking place on 14th & 15th January, For further information about working at Oxford, please see: professionalandmanagement/ These include membership of the University Superannuation Scheme (USS) and an annual leave entitlement of 38 days per year (inclusive of all public holidays and university closed periods). How to Apply CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS IS 9AM ON THURSDAY 10TH DECEMBER 2015 Applications should include: 1. A comprehensive curriculum vitae giving details of relevant achievements in recent posts as well as your education and professional qualifications. 2. A covering letter that summarises your interest in this post, providing evidence of your ability to match the criteria outlined in the Person Specification. 3. Details of your latest salary, notice period and names of 2 referees, together with a brief statement of the capacity in which they have known you and an indication of when in the process they can be contacted (please note we will not contact your referees without your express permission). 4. Telephone contact numbers (preferably daytime and evening/mobile) which will be used with discretion. Please send your application to Emma Sheard, Junior Consultant: By By post: esheard@richmond-associates.com Richmond Associates UK Limited 7, Henrietta Street, Covent Garden, London WC2E 8PS Tel: +44 (0) page 13