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Appointment of the
DIRECTOR OF INFORMATION
TECHNOLOGY AND DIGITAL
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APPOINTMENT OF THE DIRECTOR OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND DIGITAL
Welcome
Dear Candidate
Thank you for your interest in joining RGU and
becoming our new Director of IT and Digital.
RGU is an exciting place to work. We are an agile
organisation with a fast moving agenda which
means that this is a role where you will be able
to see immediate results, and the successful
candidate will make a real difference every day
to the delivery of excellent teaching, learning and
research outcomes. Our IT and Digital Strategy
has underpinned the University’s transformation
during the pandemic and provided staff and
students with excellent tools and techniques with
which to collaborate and deliver results across
the University. However, we are now looking to their team, the Corporate Operations directorate
take this success to the next level by harnessing and also externally with our peers, suppliers and
the gains made to support our ambitions, and stakeholders.
to continue to deliver the high quality academic
leadership and vision which has made us a TEF The role is based in Aberdeen at our beautiful
Gold university and the Scottish University of the riverside campus. For those wishing to relocate,
Year in 2021. we offer a very generous relocation package and
the North East offers a wonderful opportunity
We are looking for an exceptional individual who for family and work-life balance from the
as well as being an experienced IT professional, cosmopolitan centre of Aberdeen with its
will also be a collegiate, collaborative and multinational footprint and café culture, to the
inclusive leader, working seamlessly with myself, mountains of the Cairngorms and the stunning
the Executive team and colleagues across the coastal and rural scenery.
University to deliver strategic benefit. For this role
you will be able to demonstrate an excellent track I very much look forward to receiving your
record in delivering IT and Digital Services in large application.
and complex organisations, and most importantly
you will have excellent people skills and the ability Kind regards
to work and mentor effectively at all levels. The Vicki Nairn
successful candidate will be an ambassador for Vice Principal Corporate Operations
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APPOINTMENT OF THE DIRECTOR OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND DIGITAL
Contents
The Opportunity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Our Heritage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
The University Today . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Our Plans for Tomorrow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
IT Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Role Profile . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . .. . . 16
Corporate Management Arrangements . . . . . 18
Aberdeen City and Shire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Summary of Contract Terms
and Conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
How to Apply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
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APPOINTMENT OF THE DIRECTOR OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND DIGITAL
The Opportunity
Robert Gordon University was recently voted
varied customer base. In recent years, digital and
Scottish University of the Year (according to
IT services have undergone a transformation
Times Good University Guide 2021) and is widely
culminating in a new strategic approach to service
recognized for its teaching excellence, student
delivery and as Director you will be leading a highly
centred approach, and as one of the UK’s top
regarded and motivated team of professional
universities for graduate employability. Achieving
experts, who deliver technology enhanced
TEF Gold and the second highest rating in
learning. Delivering further transformation of
Scotland for overall student satisfaction the
the digital environment, you’ll oversee a number
University has an impressive track record as an
of key university system projects designed to
innovative and industry engaged institution with
improve performance and efficiency. Continuing
an outstanding reputation for scholarship and
the modernisation agenda, your key role will be
impact producing highly sought-after graduates.
to combine strategic thinking with operational
Situated in a purpose built and modern parkland
excellence in a complex range of technical service
campus near to Aberdeen city centre, the
operations.
University can also boast first rate facilities for its
community of 16,000 students and 1500 staff. With
Whilst experience of higher education is not
a newly appointed Principal, this is also the start of
essential you must have a real appreciation of
a new and exciting chapter for the University as it
the technical digital challenges and opportunities
seeks to build on its recent successes.
faced by universities and a real empathy with
the desire to provide modern transformative
Delivering an effective and adaptable IT and digital
education in the real world. Alongside your
strategy will be critical for the future success of
technical expertise, you will also possess excellent
the University. The Director of IT and Digital will
interpersonal and leadership qualities and be an
be a key member of the senior management
experienced influencer at a strategic level. You
team, reporting to the Vice Principal for Corporate
should be able to demonstrate a team based,
Operations and leading a range of mission
collegiate and collaborative way of working with a
critical technology-based services to a wide and
sharp focus on results, resilience and flexibility.
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APPOINTMENT OF THE DIRECTOR OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND DIGITAL
Our Heritage
The name Robert Gordon has been synonymous a substantial university – a modern institution of
with education in Aberdeen since 1750, when learning still able to draw upon its rich heritage.
the original college was founded from the city Today we employ approximately 1,500 members
merchant’s bequest. of staff and deliver courses to 16,000 full and part-
time students from 130 countries. Over the last
With the addition of Gray’s School of Art in 1885, decade we have consistently had one of the best
the School of Pharmacy in 1898 and the Scott records of any UK university for graduate-level
Sutherland School of Architecture in 1957, the employment
original college has evolved over the years into
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APPOINTMENT OF THE DIRECTOR OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND DIGITAL
The University Today
The University comprises 11 academic Schools plus • Strong track record of workforce skills
a Graduate School for research degree provision development and its position as Scotland’s
and is supported by 17 central departments. leading provider of Graduate Apprenticeships.
• Development of one of the strongest links
The University’s current portfolio of award-bearing
with any college in Scotland through the
taught courses consists of 89 undergraduate
recognition of the North East Scotland College
courses and 79 postgraduate courses. Features
as an associate college.
of the portfolio include the high proportion
of awards which have professional, statutory • Significant track record in knowledge
or regulatory body (PSRB) approval and the exchange which assists the development and
extensive opportunities for work experience diversification of the regional economy. Moving
through provision of placements and/or work- forward the University will continue to build
based projects. Approximately 60% of the on these areas, and others. Below are some
University’s award bearing courses carry some examples of how this can be done:
form of professional, statutory or regulatory body • Growing the University’s privately funded
recognition. activities to assist in financial sustainability and
to develop sufficient surpluses to reinvest in
The University has many strengths, including its: areas of growth.
• Developing the University’s course portfolio
• Gold ranking in the Teaching Excellence and digital infrastructure to enable a larger
Framework. share of growth in off campus student
• Consistent ranking as the top University in numbers.
Scotland for graduate employability, and its • Developing the University’s short course
place amongst the top ten universities in the provision to address employers’ requirements
UK in this area. for greater digital literacy and the challenges
of the fourth industrial revolution.
• Continuing to widen access.
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APPOINTMENT OF THE DIRECTOR OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND DIGITAL
Our Plans for Tomorrow
The University’s Strategy (RGU 2018) has been The University will also focus on building on its
developed to reflect the significant strengths globally recognised impactful research and
that make RGU distinctive through the provision strengthening its work in stimulating economic
of demand-led teaching and research. The development. The University has been delivering,
overarching aims demonstrate the University’s and often pioneering, in these areas for years and
contribution to economic, social and cultural will now concentrate its efforts on rising to the
development. This includes extending the reach challenges and opportunities to achieve success
and relevance of learner opportunities and in an ever-changing higher education sector.
ensuring a high-quality student experience.
The University’s Strategy is embodied within
its Strategy Map and details the University’s
purpose to be an innovative, inclusive, impactful,
professionally-focused University.
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APPOINTMENT OF THE DIRECTOR OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND DIGITAL
IT Services
The IT Strategy 2020-2023 acknowledges the Strategic Aim 2: Providing high quality IT systems
significant progress that the University has made and services
as a ‘digitally enabled’ organisation and will build IT Services will provide an excellent user
on existing foundations to continue on a journey of environment to support the RGU community. This
successful digital development and enhancement consists of first class end user devices, accessible
within the areas of teaching and learning, research tools and applications operating within a safe and
and business processes. To deliver the mission secure infrastructure and a cost effective model.
‘Enabling success through technology’ ITS have
the following strategic aims: Strategic Aim 3: Supporting our customers across
the University
Strategic Aim 1: Continually Transforming the Excellent customer service is at the core of this
IT environment and realising the benefits to the strategy, with great value placed on understanding
wider organisation user requirements to deliver and maintain the
As a key strategic partner, IT services will inform, ongoing support of creative solutions and
enable and deliver impactful and transformative impactful outcomes.
technology developments throughout the
University, using an adaptable and flexible
approach to embrace and capitalise on emerging
opportunities as they arise.
Director of IT
and Digital
Head of strategy,
Head of Operations Development and
and service projects
Service Desk Team Procurement End User Infrastructure web, Apps, DBA Senior Project
Lead Coordinator Computing Team Team Lead Team Lead Manager
Lead
Senior Support Senior Support Senior Systems Senior Network Senior DBA/System Lead VLE Senior Web and
Engineer Developer Business Analyst
Analyst Analyst Engineer Technologist Apps Developer
Technical Officers Support and Ops
ITAV x 5 Analysts x 2 Systems Network Engineers DBA/System
Systems engineers Web and Apps
x 5 (inc 1 role Engineers x 3 x2 Developer x 2 Developer x 2
Service Desk
Cyber security)
Analysts x 4.5
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APPOINTMENT OF THE DIRECTOR OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND DIGITAL
• Ensure that significant operational IT Leadership Behaviours
risks for the University are identified and
The Role managed, with effective business continuity
arrangements documented and in place.
SETTING DIRECTION
• A demonstrable record of establishing
• Represent the University as appropriate by and maintaining a strong and effective,
Director Of Information area, this post will have a significant partnership
and leadership role, to ensure that the IT
chairing or serving on internal and external innovative performance culture to meet
Technology And Digital contribution is effectively planned and delivered
meetings, committees, working and advisory
groups including as required;
corporate objectives and deliver services
that are responsive and customer-focused
as an integral part in each of these priority
Role Purpose and Focus developments. • Lead the development of strategic and • Excellent leadership skills that encourage
collaborative technology partnerships commitment from others and promote
The Director of IT and Digital is responsible for
Key Deliverables externally where these provide value for a positive and motivated organisational
money and/or reduce risk and/or enhance culture
providing leadership, drive and vision for the
service quality and pace of implementation.
IT department, planning, development and • Foster a culture of positive customer
• Experience of leading the formulation and
implementation of the IT and Digital strategy focused service delivery, values based team
within the context of the RGU overall strategy. ethos and attitude among all IT staff. Candidate Profile delivery of corporate objectives, IT policies
and strategies
The role holder provides thought, strategic and
operational leadership and management to the • Lead the continued development and Essential
ENGAGING PEOPLE
Information Technology function, including IT implementation of the IT & Digital support
talent development. for the University to enable the delivery of • Degree in IT related discipline and/or
• An excellent track record of building internal
the University’s strategy ensuring that the IT significant equivalent experience in a senior
and external relationships which deliver
Key priorities for the University in the next 2-3 strategy will deliver IT services across, and IT leadership post (i.e. Head of IT service in
effective working across organisational
years which will involve significant IT input will beyond the University’s campuses in order an SME or Deputy/Head of IT service) in a
boundaries
include to drive and secure delivery of the University large and complex organisation
academic, student engagement/experience,
• Effective communication and influencing
• Development and leadership of the IT team commercial, research and administrative • Consistent achievement at IT senior
skills, with an ability to inspire and
by providing empowering, motivating, plans and aspirations. In so doing determine management level (i.e. Head of IT service
encourage engagement on strategic issues
inspiring values based leadership. the most appropriate technology models in an SME or Deputy/Head of IT service)
with all stakeholders
and team structure to support achievement demonstrating substantial leadership and
• The technology enhancement of teaching, of strategic IT objectives. senior management experience
• Proven experience of leading, motivating,
learning, and research strategy which will
developing and coaching a professional IT
include digital solutions to support open • Development of investment plans for IT • Proven experience in leading a 24/7 IT
team
access, research contract management and systems and infrastructure required to service within a large and complex customer
research data management; deliver the IT Strategy and contribute focused organisation.
• Proven people management skills able
effectively to the broader financial planning
to coach, motivate and develop a multi-
• Digital transformation and the use of of strategic initiatives involving the use of IT. • Proven track record of successfully delivery
disciplinary team
digital environments to support student of complex IT and digital development
recruitment and marketing across all the • Ensure that IT support for approved projects projects, which involve significant
University’s activities and move to a digital is managed and reported on effectively with organisational impact, budgetary, human
MANAGING CHANGE
campus approach; the required resource in place. resource and timescale considerations
• Significant experience of IT Change
• Continued transformation of the Key • Ensure that the University’s portfolio of IT • Experience of working in a high pressure,
management, driving a culture of
university systems and projects, and the operational services is delivered with the rapidly changing political environment
engagement, collaboration and innovation
delivery of a university wide approach to IT required level of performance and capacity
and, in the case of critical services, that Desirable
project and programme planning.
they are robust with high availability and
delivered in line with recognized service • Expertise of working within recognised IT
Although these priorities will be led as University
standards. service and project standards such as ITIL,
initiatives by those with responsibilities in each
PRINCE 2 etc
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APPOINTMENT OF THE DIRECTOR OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND DIGITAL
Corporate Management
Arrangements MANAGEMENT STRUCTURE Board of Governors
MARCH 2021
Principal and Vice-Chancellor
The Board of Governors School Committees and course panels. As a result
a large proportion of the University community Deputy Principal,
Associate Vice-Principal Assistant Chief Academic Officer
Vice-Principal for Research Vice-Principal for Academic Development Vice-Principal for Corporate Operations Director of Planning and Policy
Business and Economic Development and Secretary to the Board
are involved in its activities. The Principal reports
and Student Experience
The University’s governing body is the Board to the Board of Governors on the work of the Energy Transition Institute Business and Economic Development School of Applied Social Studies School of Pharmacy and Life Sciences Human Resources Strategy, Planning and Policy Academic Administration
of Governors which is appointed to exercise Academic Council regularly.
the functions of management and control. Entrepreneurship and Innovation Group School of Engineering School of Health Sciences Occupational Health
and Environmental Safety
Communications Governance and Academic Quality
At an operational level, the responsibility and
authority for the leadership, administration and
The Role of the Principal School of Computing
School of Nursing, Midwifery
and Paramedic Practice IT Services Marketing
Legal
management of the University are delegated to Scott Sutherland School of Architecture
and Buil Environment
School of Creative and Cultural Business Financial Services Student Recruitment and Admissions
the Principal. The Board of Governors has delegated to the
Principal the responsibility and authority for the Aberdeen Business School The Law School Estates and Property Services Access
The Academic Council leadership, administration and management of
the University.
Graduate School Gray’s School of Art The Gatehouse
Design and Print Consultancy
Research Strategy and Policy Department of Enhancement RGU Foundation
The Board are required to delegate to the
The Executive
of Teaching, Learning and Assessment
(DELTA)
Academic Council those functions relating to National SubSea Centre Employability and Alumni
The Executive form the university’s senior
the planning, co-ordination, development and KEY
leadership team. They support the Principal in
supervision of the academic work of the University. Executive
Library Services
the development and delivery of the university’s
Academic Council is chaired by the Principal Schools
strategic plans, objectives and priorities. Student Life
and Vice Chancellor. Much of the work of the Departments
For more information, visit:
Academic Council is delivered through standing Associated Organisations RGU Sport Student Association
https://www.rgu.ac.uk/about/our-leadership
committees, subcommittees, Faculty Boards, Board of Governors
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18APPOINTMENT OF THE DIRECTOR OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND DIGITAL
Aberdeen City and Shire
Set between the rivers Don and Dee in the North- time from Aberdeen international airport while
East of Scotland, Aberdeen is the best Scottish city access to European hubs such as Amsterdam and
to live and work, according to The Good Growth Paris takes less than two hours.
for Cities Index 2019 run by PwC.
Our coastline is amazing – with rugged cliffs
With a population of approximately 228,000, and beautiful sandy beaches which stretch for
Scotland’s third most populous city is prosperous miles both north and south of Aberdeen. Nature
and cosmopolitan, outperforming other major lovers will be delighted with the range of bird and
cities in the UK in terms of jobs, skills, income and mammal life inhabiting the landscape. Charming
environment. fishing villages and world class golf courses are
joined by magnificent castles overlooking the
Aberdeen also has the honour of being named the North Sea.
2nd safest city in the entire United Kingdom in The
Alternative UK University City League Table 2017 With more than 300 castles, stately homes
and the second most affordable city for students and ruins dotting its landscape, Aberdeenshire
in the UK by Natwest in 2017. Aberdeen is one of is unsurprisingly known as ‘Scotland’s Castle
the best places to be a student according to top Country’. There are more castles per acre here
student website Accommodation for Students. than anywhere else in the UK, and you can
discover 19 of the most famous and dramatic
Aberdeen is often referred to by its friendly locals castles in Aberdeenshire on Scotland’s Castle Trail.
as ‘The Granite City’, and ‘The Silver City with the
Golden Sands’ because almost all of its buildings With the Grampian Mountains and Cairngorms
are made of the local grey stone, granite, and National Park right on our doorstep, there are
the city has spectacular sandy coastlines to the plentiful opportunities for mountain biking,
east (not to mention some of the UK’s highest mountain climbing, skiing, snowboarding and
mountains to the west). white water rafting within easy reach of the city.
Aberdeen has its very own snow-sports centre
It is far milder here than one might expect for our where you can ski and snowboard all year round
northern location. The East coast is actually the and The Deeside Way also offers the chance to
sunniest area in Scotland, where sunshine hours run, walk or cycle from the centre of Aberdeen to
average around 1,500 per year, ideal for the Ballater in the Cairngorms National Park.
outdoor and active lifestyle which attracts huge
numbers of people to the area throughout the year. Within an hour of the City there are plenty of
opportunities to get out and enjoy the stunning
The city is also the perfect place from which to countryside. Where it’s hiking, riding, kayaking,
expand your horizons across Scotland, the UK and surfing, fishing, kiteboarding … the list goes on. If
Europe. Edinburgh is easily accessible by road or that isn’t enough, activities such as gorge walking,
rail, London is only one hour and a quarter flight zip wires and off-road driving and more are also in
abundance if you need an adventure top up.
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20APPOINTMENT OF THE DIRECTOR OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND DIGITAL
Summary of Contract
Terms & Conditions
Salary Pension Conflict of Interest, Other Benefits
Confidentiality &
Your offer will be to a fixed point on the
senior manager pay band. (Pay increases are
We operate under the Scottish Teachers and Local Intellectual Property Rights You will have access to a range of voluntary
Government Pension Schemes. Contributions and salary sacrifice benefits, including personal
considered annually and based on personal are made by employer and employee and they healthcare, dental plans, health cash plans,
performance). Should you receive a pay increase We will expect that all other paid or unpaid
are both defined benefit schemes incorporating childcare vouchers and cycle to work schemes,
your level of performance must be sustained for appointments or employments are declared as a
ill health and death/ dependants benefits. The as well as an onsite sports centre and nursery.
three years in order for the increase to become part of the appointment process. We encourage
schemes are widely recognised as excellent We are keen to ensure that your career move
permanent. £69285 – 95266 appropriate external activity within the higher
schemes. If you have a personal pension we is appropriately rewarded and if circumstances
education community and beyond as this can
will discuss with you the most appropriate dictate, we will discuss the terms of the overall
Employee Performance arrangements.
enhance the University’s influence and reputation.
package with the successful candidate. We do not
However this can also lead to conflicts of interest
Review and it is in the best interests of all stakeholders
offer car, car loan or leasing arrangements.
Form of Contract if other activities are declared, reviewed and
You will be required to maintain your expertise & Notice Period properly approved. An annual declaration is Medical
and professional membership (where relevant), to also required by the Principal, Executive Group
undertake programmes of personal development, and most other senior managers. Our contracts A pre-employment medical will be required of the
The contract offered is expected to be a normal
and to participate in objective setting during twice include appropriate clauses that preserve for successful candidate.
substantive contract. The notice period is
yearly performance reviews. the University the right to confidentiality of its
negotiable but we would expect it to be not less
than 6 months. However, there may be candidates legitimate commercial interests and other rights Disclosure Scotland
Annual Leave for whom other forms of contractual arrangement over material property in its ownership.
would be beneficial and, at this stage, we are open A satisfactory outcome from Disclosure Scotland
You will be entitled to 33 days annual leave minded as to the final outcome. Relocation will be required of the successful candidate.
with pay per annum in addition to 10 Public
and Statutory Holidays, fixed or variable at the Sick Pay We will agree with the successful candidate
University’s sole discretion. relocation assistance appropriate to his/her
particular circumstances (subject to Inland
Sick Pay entitlement is generous (up to six
Revenue conditions) but normally 12% of basic
months full pay and six months half pay) as
salary at appointment. You will be required to
would be expected under public service scheme
reside in Aberdeen or within 30 minutes travel to
arrangements, however, in the event of long
work distance of it.
term ill-health, we reserve the right to seek early
medical evaluation.
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22APPOINTMENT OF THE DIRECTOR OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND DIGITAL
How to Apply
To find out more about this exceptional • a letter of application setting out your interest
opportunity with one of the country’s leading in the role and details of how you match the
modern and innovative universities based in criteria (no more than two pages of A4)
Aberdeen, please contact our recruitment
consultant Alan Walter, Dixon Walter on 07876 • a comprehensive curriculum vitae (CV)
766972, email alan@dixonwalter.co.uk or visit
https://www.dixonwalter.co.uk/opportunities/rgu • details of your current remuneration and
contact details for three referees, one from
Closing date for applications is Friday 30th April your current employer(referees will not be
with final interviews scheduled for 25th May contacted without your permission)
Applications should be made via email to • a completed Equal Opportunities form.
alan@dixonwalter.co.uk
by midnight Friday 30th April and must include on
separate documents:
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24APPOINTMENT OF THE DIRECTOR OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND DIGITAL
Appointment of the
DIRECTOR OF
INFORMATION
TECHNOLOGY
AND DIGITAL
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