RIG Strategy Manager

Job Purpose

This job is to support the continued success and growth of the University of Glasgow's outstanding XR technology operations under the Realities and Immersion Glasgow (RIG) centre. The post-holder will work closely with the centre's Business Development Manager and under the direction of the University's RIG centre to identify and develop new opportunities that leverage and drive utilisation of UofG's extraordinary XR facilities – ARC-XR and the XR teaching lab at Partick Burgh Halls. The post-holder will have strategic ownership of new projects and initiatives across research and teaching. This role will require building excellent relationships across both the research and learning & teaching functions of the University, and engaging with internal and external stakeholders in order to build a thriving and sustainable portfolio of XR services and projects. The post holder will have line management responsibilities over the XR Lab Manager who handles the daily operations of XR facilities at the University.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

To contribute to the development and implementation of University & IS strategy through implementation of effective strategic plans, as well as financial and operational policies relating to the expansion of the University's Extended Reality (XR) function (incorporating Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR) and 3D technologies more generally).

To provide specialist expertise, support and advice to the University L&T community to ensure effective and efficient use of resources, planning and strategic development and implementation of XR or 3D technology in teaching and learning.

To manage the resources, setting team priorities and objectives in line with wider IS strategy and the RIG centre's research program.

To develop and maintain effective communication and relationships with all internal and external partners and other stakeholders as part of a cohesive and integrated management and support process.

Working with relevant colleagues in Information Services, University Services and the Colleges, determine the future roadmap for XR facility needs and utilisation. Identify gaps in the skills and resources across institution and advise RIG governance board on requirements for new service development.

To effectively manage a multi-year program budget in line with key priority areas, liaising with RIG centre directors over allocations for individual workstreams.

To seek research opportunities via UK Research and Innovation (including Research Councils), International funders (e.g. Horizon Europe; European Research Council) as well as industry and third sector funders in support of the expansion in the University's work in the XR domain, drawing on a strong up-to-date understanding of the funding landscape to author, co-develop and support research funding proposals that rely on and/or expand capacity and capability within the XR domain.

To define, own and report on the centre's key performance indicators, spanning resource utilisation, user satisfaction and funding application success.

To work alongside others in Information Services & Academic and Digital Development to provide direct, specialist support to staff who require help in using XR technology to enhance learning and teaching. This support will include pedagogical advice, guidance, and support on the appropriate use of technology to team members, academic staff and other stakeholders involved in the development and delivery of blended and online courses.

To explore emerging technologies and software offerings and assess suitable XR platforms which meet the University's L&T & research strategic ambitions within a supportable and cohesive technology infrastructure.

To take responsibility for areas of activity and/or short projects to be agreed with RIG governance board to support the continued development of eLearning provision within the University.

To undertake support and administrative tasks as appropriate to support the activities of the RIG governance board, in particular to take a lead in developing a sustainable XR strategy across research and teaching functions.

To line manage the XR Lab Manager, providing clear direction and support, managing performance and development, and ensuring individual objectives align with the team's strategic priorities.

To work closely with the Research Computing as a Service (RCaaS) team to identify opportunities for complementary service development, and to nurture relationships with existing and prospective users of RCaaS and wider research services.

To work alongside Business Development Manager to advance research, teaching and commercialisation ambitions of the RIG centre.

Knowledge, Qualifications, Skills and Experience

Essential Knowledge/Qualifications:
A1 Ability to demonstrate the competencies required to undertake the duties associated with this level of post having acquired the necessary professional knowledge and management skills in a similar or number of different specialist roles. Or: Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework level 9, 10 or 11 (Ordinary/Honours Degree, Post Graduate Qualification), or equivalent, including being professionally qualified in relevant discipline, with a broad range of professional experience in a management role(s).
A2 Detailed and authoritative knowledge and understanding of issues related to technology-enhanced learning and teaching, including current good practices in relation to teaching and accessibility issues OR Significant up-to-date knowledge and understanding of the UK funding landscape including a track record in supporting successful grant acquisition.
A3 Excellent knowledge of the functionalities and effective use of XR or 3D technologies and a strong understanding of associated technical standards.

Desirable Knowledge/Qualifications:
B1 Relevant professional qualification in learning technology.

Essential Skills:
C1 Excellent planning, organisation, time and workload management skills with proven ability to prioritise demands and meet deadlines.
C2 Demonstrable grant application development skills, including identifying research opportunities, writing persuasive cases for support, budget planning, and coordinating multi-partner submissions to meet funder deadlines.
C3 Ability to work proactively and flexibly, adapting to changing priorities or requirements.
C4 Creative approach to problem solving, using initiative and collaborating with others to resolve issues.
C5 Excellent interpersonal and communication (written and oral) skills with the ability to liaise and communicate at all levels across the organisation and deal with issues using tact, diplomacy and discretion.
C6 Self-motivation and proven ability to work autonomously.
C7 Excellent ability to negotiate with colleagues at all levels.
C8 Excellent project management skills.
C9 Effective numeracy skills and the ability to interrogate financial information.
C10 Ability to identify and target support at relevant levels of expertise.
C11 Excellent IT skills and in-depth knowledge of XR technology and/or 3D technology.
C12 Ability to apply technology to the enhancement of learning and teaching.

Desirable Skills:
D1 Data analysis or visualisation skills (e.g. Power BI, Python) to support KPI reporting and evidence-based decision making.
D2 Course design and development skills.

Essential Experience:
E1 Proven and significant experience of operational management within a busy multi-functional research environment, including line management experience.
E2 Experience of organising and supporting XR activities or activities that leverage 3D technology.
E3 Experience of strategic planning, organising and setting priorities, applying initiative and independent judgement to achieve objectives.
E4 Experience of providing specialist advice and information relating to technology-enabled learning or research to a wide range of audiences with different levels of technological knowledge.
E5 Experience of managing conflicting interests.
E6 Experience of programme or project management.

Desirable Experience:
F1 Experience of providing specialist advice and information relating to technology-enabled learning or research to a wide range of audiences with different levels of technological knowledge, including colleagues at senior levels.
F2 Proven ability to mobilise a team to produce high-quality teaching and learning resources OR high-quality research proposals.

Terms and Conditions

This post is full time and open ended.

Benefits include: a warm welcoming and engaging organisational culture where talents are developed and nurtured; an excellent employment package with generous terms and conditions including 41 days of leave for full time staff, pension, benefits and discount packages; a flexible approach to working; a commitment to support health and wellbeing, including a free 6-month UofG Sport membership for all new staff.

The University endorses the principles of Athena Swan and holds bronze, silver and gold awards across the University. Applications are particularly welcome from the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) community and other protected characteristics who are under-represented within the University.