The Role
What you’ll do
Who you are – Qualifications, Experience, Knowledge and Skills required
How to apply
Benefits
The Role
Reporting directly to the Faculty Pro Vice-Chancellor, in this role, you will provide strategic direction for the Faculty’s Welsh language provision, and work with colleagues in the Faculty to support the University’s bilingual culture and support relevant external cultural events.
This role, working closely with the other members of the Faculty’s senior management team and the University senior leadership, is an exciting opportunity to develop further Welsh-language culture and priorities, and to be at the forefront of the evolving developments across the Faculty and the University. You will need to show clear leadership skills, guiding and advising the Faculty across all aspects of Welsh medium provision and engagement, and ensuring the Welsh language is embedded across the University in accordance with the University Strategy and supporting plans, as appropriate. You will also be an ambassador for the University, particularly within Wales and Welsh-medium communities, and as such should have good presentational and diplomatic skills.
As an Assistant Pro Vice-Chancellor (Welsh) you will collaborate with your counterpart in the Faculty of Humanities, with Faculty academic units, and colleagues in the Centre for Welsh Language Services. Where appropriate you will also collaborate with the Communications and External Relations team. You will encourage collaborative working across disciplines, particularly within the context of Welsh-medium provision, ensuring that academic and student-related activities are aligned to Faculty and University priorities. You will work with the Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol’s (the Coleg) Branch in Aberystwyth University, and other key stakeholders, to deliver on the Coleg’s national priorities and be proactive in supporting constructive relationships with other relevant Welsh national bodies.
To make an informal enquiry, please contact Dr Gwawr Taylor at gwt4@aber.ac.uk.
Appointments are normally made within 4 - 8 weeks of the closing date.
What you’ll do
Key areas of activity & responsibility including the line management and budget responsibilities
The Assistant Pro Vice-Chancellor (Welsh) will provide support to, and ensure operational delivery of, the University’s Welsh Language plan and activities within the faculty, ensuring cohesiveness, relevance, quality, and alignment with the University Strategy and the strategic priorities of the Faculty.
Job purpose/summary
Working within the framework of the Faculty’s priorities, policies and procedures, the post holder will foster individual and collective contribution to the promotion, advancement and provision of the Welsh Language, with a particular focus on academic activities and the student experience in Welsh; relevant elements of Welsh language compliance with the Welsh Language Standards; and work relating to civic mission and engagement with communities in and across Wales.
Responsibilities/Requirements
* Under the over-arching leadership of the Pro Vice-Chancellor with responsibility for the development of Welsh language academic provision, work closely with all parts of the Faculty, at all levels, to plan, promote, and advance its Welsh-medium academic provision;
* In close collaboration with the other Assistant Pro Vice-Chancellors, lead the development of Welsh-medium scholarship, teaching and research within the Faculty, in alignment with University and Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol targets;
* Work with the Pro Vice-Chancellor Education and Student Experience to deliver on all aspects of the Education and Student Experience Plan that are relevant to student learning, student satisfaction, and progression (including employability) from a Welsh language perspective; work as a bridge between the Coleg Branch, the Coleg, and the University on initiatives relating to Welsh language provision and activities;
* Actively promote Welsh language awareness and opportunities for development across the Faculty to both staff and the wider student body;
* Support the implementation of the Welsh language plan and lead relevant initiatives within the faculty to enhance the bilingual culture of the faculty and, subsequently, the University.
* Be a high-profile champion for the academic and wider needs of Welsh-speaking students and staff;
* Contribute to specific and relevant areas of the planning process with regard to Welsh-medium recruitment and other resources;
* Represent the interests of the Faculty on internal and external committees/working groups as appropriate;
* Attend Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol branch committees to represent the Faculty, and be responsible for cascading information and activities within the faculty, and beyond, as required;
* Keep abreast of sector developments and bring new ideas to the University;
* Develop programmes and partnerships that support the University strategy’s aim to strengthen Wales;
* To undertake health and safety duties and responsibilities appropriate to the post;
* To be committed to the University’s Equal Opportunities and Diversity Policy, together with an understanding of how it operates within the responsibilities of the post;
* To be committed to your own development and that of your staff through the effective use of the University’s Effective Contribution Scheme;
* Any other duties reasonably requested.
Who you are – Qualifications, Experience, Knowledge and Skills required
Essential
1. An advanced degree (PhD or equivalent) in an appropriate discipline
2. A strong academic track record in a related discipline in the Faculty
3. Demonstrable evidence of leadership and management within higher education
4. Experience in leading successful collaborations
5. Effective and persuasive communication skills with the ability to build strong relationships with staff at all levels
6. Ability to act decisively and with good judgement
7. Ability to operate at a strategic level, whilst demonstrating a pragmatic approach to operational needs and priorities
8. Oral (spoken) and Written Welsh Level C2.*
*More information on Welsh Language Levels can be found at:
https://www.aber.ac.uk/en/hr/policy-and-procedure/welsh-standards/
How to apply
To promote a flexible workforce, the University will consider applications from individuals seeking full time, part time, job share, or term time only working arrangements.
Applications for this role must be made through jobs.aber.ac.uk. You are welcome to apply for any vacancy in Welsh or English and any application submitted will be treated equally.
Benefits
* Flexible working policy
* 36.5 – hour week for full-time roles
* Generous leave entitlements – 27 days annual leave plus bank holidays and university closed days
* Commitment to Professional Development
* Enhanced contribution to our workplace pension schemes
* Staff recognition and reward schemes
* Opportunity to learn the Welsh language for free
* Staff relocation bursary
* Maternity, Paternity, Parental and Adoption Leave
* Staff discount for gym facilities, hospitality, and retail on campus.
Please keep reading
We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and communities and, those that are currently underrepresented in our workforce. This includes but is not limited to Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic candidates, candidates with disabilities, and female candidates.
We are a Bilingual Institution which complies with the Welsh Language Standards and is committed to Equal Opportunities. Welsh language skills are considered an asset to the institution, and we encourage and support staff to learn, develop and use their Welsh language skills in the workplace. You are welcome to apply for any vacancy in Welsh or English and any application submitted will be treated equally.
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