Matariki Network Secretariat Manager

The Matariki Network of Universities (MNU) is an international alliance of similar institutions focussed on research-led teaching, sharing best practice and the development of joint research- and education initiatives in order to achieve internationalisation objectives and increase individual- and collective international profile. Current members of the Network are: Queen's University, Canada; Durham University, UK; Uppsala University, Sweden; University of Tübingen, Germany; University of Otago, New Zealand; and University of the Western Cape, South Africa.

The Matariki Secretariat Manager position is a shared role; financially supported by all six partner universities but located at and contracted by Durham University. The Secretariat Manager line manages the other member of the Secretariat, the Matariki Network Assistant Officer, and is line managed by the Head of International Partnerships and Global Opportunities at Durham University.

Working closely with the MNU Executive Board, International Leads Group, and nominated contacts at each partner institution, the post-holder manages all strategic activities undertaken across the Network. These include: maintaining central records of all Network activity; the development of streamlined communications and publicity; forward planning and co-ordination of major meetings and events; management of a central budget; support for the development of the MNU strategy; horizon-scanning for opportunities for innovative MNU projects; all general administration required to deliver an effective international Secretariat.

Service Delivery/Development:
- Contribute to equality, diversity and inclusion and the University's values.
- Manage the delivery of Matariki project activities to a high standard and ensure that they are delivered effectively and to agreed timelines.
- Provide specialist expertise and support to the MNU Chair and Executive Board, as well as professional and academic colleagues at Network partners.
- Provide the best possible service by continually reviewing what is required from Network members and other stakeholders and contribute to ideas and service improvements.
- Network and engage with MNU stakeholders (external and internal) to gather feedback and identify future service needs, and to ensure excellence in service provision.
- Contribute to the design and delivery of activities that meet Network objectives.
- Maintain a broad awareness of current policy and business goals across the Network, such as widening participation and access.
- Working closely with the MNU Chair and leadership groups (Executive Board and International Leads), contribute to the development and delivery of the MNU Strategy.
- Horizon-scan for opportunities to develop innovative schemes for MNU within a changing HE environment and support the start-up phase of agreed new research- and education activities; identifying key contacts and leaders at each institution, and co-ordinating input from across the Network.

Planning and Organisation:
- Manage the delivery of operational activities carried out by the Network.
- Continually seek to enhance the services provided to stakeholders, planning and implementing any required improvements by seeking feedback from Network members and other stakeholders.
- Manage and monitor service performance and provide metrics and reports to the Executive Board and International Leads, making recommendations as appropriate.
- Co-ordinate benchmarking activity within the Network on agreed issues such as student experience, researcher development, sustainability policies, etc., working with third party organisations as appropriate.
- Produce and analyse statistical metrics to identify successful delivery and areas for future improvement, and produce an MNU Annual Report.
- Responsible for managing the MNU budget for consumables and some capital items, keeping records for the Executive Board and processing invoices for the annual membership levy.

Team Development:
- Ensure that the Matariki Secretariat can deliver the required services by devolving and delegating responsibilities to the Matariki Network Assistant Officer, as appropriate.
- Carry out regular performance reviews to provide feedback on Secretariat and individual objectives and expectations and to identify any development needs.
- Ensure that the Secretariat continues to develop by coaching and mentoring team members and responding to any training or development needs, as appropriate.
- Support the welfare and wellbeing of the other Secretariat team member referring more complex issues to specialist services.

Communication/Liaison:
- Use operational expertise to participate in business meetings, working groups and sub-committees, including the administration of and attendance at annual Executive Board meetings and videoconferences and other agreed meetings of key stakeholder groups.
- Maintain regular contact with the MNU Co-ordinators at each member institution to facilitate, distribute and process key Network information to all stakeholders.
- Support and monitor communities of practice and partnership working across the Network.
- Through the development of internal/external communication strategies, communicate with internal and external stakeholders using appropriate media and methods to include social media and publicity materials, ongoing maintenance and development of the MNU website and the MNU brand.
- Record and promote all current Network-wide activities in Research, Education and Benchmarking, ensuring that key contacts at all member institutions are kept informed of new developments.
- Internal and external relationship development and partnership working, networking and participation to engage and influence future participation in the Network and boost its reputation.
- Represent the MNU at education conferences and other meetings, as appropriate.

Essential Criteria:
1. Educated to degree level (or equivalent experience).
2. Professional practitioner with knowledge and expertise in the delivery and development of events, initiatives and activities.
3. Experience of implementing policies and procedures and supporting change and service improvements.
4. Experience of providing specialist advice and guidance to a range of colleagues and stakeholders, including more senior colleagues at institutions across the Network.
5. Experience of being able to network effectively and develop strong and productive working relationships, to influence perceptions of the Network, including experience of working with staff at a senior level (Vice-Chancellors, Rectors).
6. Extensive experience of successful project management, including data analysis and report writing.
7. Experience of managing and developing a team or teams and/or a line management qualification.
8. High level strategic planning skills and confidence when working with financial data.
9. Experience of website design/development and use of social media, including running market campaigns.
10. Excellent spoken and written communication skills including the ability to develop effective working relationships, both internally and externally, and act with tact and cultural sensitivity.
11. Strong digital competence across a range of digital devices and apps including digital communication tools, Microsoft 365 applications, business systems.
12. Committed to continuing professional development to maintain professional recognition.
13. Knowledge and experience of ensuring compliance with regulatory and organisational policy and guidelines.
14. Demonstrable self-motivation, creativity and initiative.
15. Ability to solve problems and decide on and plan appropriate solutions.
16. Ability to contribute to planning at an operational level.
17. Flexible approach to working patterns which will include commitment to working outside office hours when necessary, and the ability to travel in the UK and overseas as required.

Desirable Criteria:
18. Experience of budgetary management, in particular working across currencies.
19. Proficiency in at least one foreign language.

Benefits include: 30 days annual leave plus 8 public holidays and 4 customary days (42 days total); generous USS pension scheme; parking, cycle to work scheme, bus/train discounts, Tusker Car Benefit Scheme; comprehensive professional development opportunities; health and wellbeing support including discounted gym membership; 24-7 Employee Assistance Programme; outstanding on-site nursery and holiday camps; generous family-friendly policies; volunteering opportunities; exclusive discounts via benefits portal; salary sacrifice schemes; relocation support and visa cost coverage.

This post is fixed term to cover the substantive post holder's maternity leave and is not anticipated to be extended. The post may be offered on an internal secondment basis subject to the agreement of the current line manager.