HEAD OF EVENTS PORTFOLIO & DEVELOPMENT
£49,772 – £57,674 plus excellent benefits
Keele University is a world class campus-based university committed to providing the highest
quality learning and living environment in which our students and researchers can flourish. Keele is
renowned for its exciting approach to higher education, beautiful campus, strong community spirit
and excellent student life. With a turnover in excess of £130 million, over 10,000 students and a
total staff of approximately 2,000, the University provides high quality teaching across a wide range
of academic and vocational subjects.
The University is seeking to make a key appointment to the post of Head of Events Portfolio &
Development to build on the success of Keele University as a leading academic venue. The
successful candidate will have a proven track record in developing a unique event offering with an
emphasis on professional development and lecture services. The successful candidate will have
experience of working at a senior management level with the ability to forge long term relationships
with internal and external stakeholders. They will demonstrate a strong commercial acumen with a
track record of delivering a long-term events strategy in a comparable environment.
Reporting to the Deputy Director of Estates & Development (Residential and Commercial Services),
the Head of Events Portfolio & Development will work with a number of internal stakeholders in
particular the Vice-Chancellor’s Office, the Directorate of Engagement & Partnerships and the
Directorate of Marketing and Communications to drive forward the development of a range of
additional University led events and conferencing activities, including CPD and other educational
and related activities. You will lead the strategic plan to manage the event and conferencing
programme ensuring a balance in academic and commercial activities.
This role offers a unique opportunity to work at a strategic and influential level and is integral to the
continued success of the University.
For a confidential discussion and/or a full job description, please contact our retained advisors Ben
Duffill ([email protected]) and Hayley Mintern ([email protected]) at The
Management Recruitment Group on 0207 959 2368. Applications should consist of a CV and
covering letter and should be sent to [email protected].
Closing date for applications: 16th July 2017
Interviews will be held on: w/c 4th September 2017
Post Ref:
HEAD OF EVENTS PORTFOLIO & DEVELOPMENT
Job Description
School/Ri/Directorate:
Estates and Development
Responsible to:
Deputy Director – Estates and Development (Campus Services)
Responsible for:
Keele University Events and Conferencing Team - KUECT
Grade:
Grade 9
Incremental Scale: Yes
Salary: £49,772 to £57,674
Hours:
Full Time
Role Summary:
As strategic lead for the Events and Conferencing Team this role will develop and position Keele
University’s event portfolio, strategically developing Keele as a leading academic venue through the
delivery of University led and related events balanced by external commercial event opportunity.
To proactively lead a team responsible for Events and Conferencing at Keele University. This includes
overseeing the delivery of key profile activities, from open days to graduation with the Directorate of
Marketing and Communications (MAC), and working with the Directorate of Engagement and
Partnerships (DEP) to drive forward the development of a range of additional University led events
and conferencing, including CPD and other educational activities. These activities are to be
complemented by the development of a national commercial events and conference strategy, utilising
available capacity and resource to generate a financial contribution.
Building on the strengths of the current Events and Conference team, the post holder will lead change
to deliver the University’s aspiration to develop academic, research and continuing and professional
development opportunities to benefit Academic standing and reputation.
Overseeing the team that delivers all key university activities from open days to graduation this role
will be responsible for maintaining positive working relationships and partnerships with all
Directorates, Faculties and Schools across the University.
These activities are to be complemented by the development of a national Events and Conference
strategy. These events will utilise available University space and resource to generate a financial
contribution traversing the requirements of the University.
To design and position Keele University’s Events and Conferencing offer through appropriate sales,
marketing and PR strategies to enhance the offer for all University stakeholders and income
generation from external opportunities.
Main Duties and Responsibilities:
Work Processes and results
Building on the strengths of the Events and Conferences Team, strategically lead the creation of new
academic programmes and offers to develop Keele University as a global centre for academic and
related events e.g. CPD.
● Develop and implement a Commercial Sales Strategy, including annual and 5 Year Plans, to deliver
an agreed annual contribution target which compliments University activities, including the
identification of new University and external sales opportunities.
●
● Lead and manage a programme of profile led engagement with stakeholders to ensure the effective
delivery and evaluation of University events, ceremonies and all other University activities including
Open Days, Graduation and Registration.
● Create and manage, working in conjunction with the Directorates of Marketing & Communications
(MAC) and Engagements & Partnerships (DEP), marketing and communications plans that
proactively position Keele University and its Events and Conferencing services and facilities as a
leading Event and Conference Venue and Provider within the academic and related arena.
●
● Develop appropriate processes and procedures to promote cross University engagement and to
ensure that the appropriate priority is given to the development, promotion and delivery of University
led activities, and ensuring that externally led events and conferences are complementary to the
University’s core activities and driven by value add and contribution.
●
● Raise the profile of Keele University Events and Conferencing within the Meetings, Incentives,
Conventions and Exhibitions arena; seek out opportunities to sit on Focus Groups, Leadership
Groups associated to the academic venues and conferencing (e.g. VenueMasters, MIA etc.)
●
● Continually scan the Higher Education and External environment to assess new opportunities and
threats within the regional and national market place.
●
Responsible for monthly financial and statistical reporting to the leadership team and to key
individuals within the Estates & Development Directorate as required
● Accountable for the development and reporting of detailed annual budgets for Keele University Events
and Conferencing and to subsequently execute and achieve these agreed budgets; including
managing resource costs and effective allocation of the marketing budget to raise profile realising
return on investment and achieving monthly key performance indicators.
● Development of a transparent pricing and packaging structure for both University and external
business for sign off by the Leadership Team, cascading this information to all relevant parties.
● Seek and implement improvements, efficiencies and market innovation through the instigation of
regular benchmarking with the competition. Involve and inform sales, events and operational teams to
ensure they are aware of changing trends in the Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions
(MICE) and CPD sectors.
●
● Ensure the Events and Conferencing Team fully utilise the Property Management System to record all
client activity (Kinetics).
●
● Introduce appropriate software and customer relationship management systems to support the
development of CPD databases and customer information in partnership with other Directorates e.g.
MAC and DEP
● Act as an ambassador of Keele University by attending exhibitions, networks, seminars and through
the development of third party partnerships.
● Direct the Business Development Team, in consultation with DEP, in attending local, regional and
national association agencies and relevant trade bodies to generate new business partnerships.
Establish and gain support for an ambitious and focussed set of key performance indicator targets
highlighting the institutional benefits of the new CPD portfolio.
Team Work
Create, lead, train, develop and mentor the existing Events and Conference Team in the development
of the CPD and academic partnership opportunities.
In conjunction with MAC and DEP, develop all presentations, marketing collateral and promotions to
ensure consistency of brand across all Events and Conferences.
In collaboration with the Vice Chancellor’s Office (VCO), Directorate of Engagement and Partnerships
(DEP), Marketing and Communications (MAC) and Planning and Academic Administration (PAA) to
plan and agree working processes, communication plans and priorities for the University’s event
delivery.
Work with MAC to manage the Social Media and Digital Marketing plans liaising across all key social
media platforms: E.g. Linked In, Twitter, Facebook, Blogspot and third party websites.
● Work closely with the Events and Conferencing Team to develop complementary sales opportunities
and yield manage the space and facilities to increase revenue (contribution) from the external sale of
all products and services.
● Work as required with all Estates and Development departments contributing to the development of a
customer service and value add culture throughout the Directorate.
Build relationships with key stakeholders in relation to University led events and support all academic
activities especially the development of the Institute of Liberal Arts and Science ILAS, Engagements
and Partnerships, the Science Park, Keele Management School, CPD Opportunities and the Keele
University External Relations teams to maximise opportunities for cross functional activity and
networking.
●
Strategically lead the Business Development Team and the Sales and Events Team in creating and
delivering opportunities to engage with internal departments, academics and student associations
encouraging them to bring their events to Keele.
Actively participate as a member of the E&D Senior Management Team to deliver operational and
strategic benefit for the wider Directorate.
Communication/Documentation
● Proactively communicate with Faculties, Directorates and key individuals within Keele University in
relation to the development of new CPD initiatives and the broader event services offered by Keele
University Events and Conferencing Team.
● Maintain an up to date knowledge and application of all relevant legislation and industry practices
updating procedures as necessary.
●
Initiate and implement robust communication channels to support the Events and Conferencing
Teams in communicating information from client requirements to operational and wider University
colleagues.
● Input to departmental policies and procedures monitoring regularly to ensure compliance.
● Responsibility for Health and Safety compliance and risk management within the Sales and Events
office and on sales visits.
● Communicate effectively across a wide range of audiences including all University Directorates,
Faculties, Schools and external clients.
Supervision / Staffing.
Strategically lead and develop the Keele University Events and Conferencing Team to deliver against
team and individual Key Performance Indicators.
● Recruit, induct and manage the Keele University Events and Conferencing Team and on an on-going
basis carry out regular 1:1 meetings and annual SPRE appraisals to provide feedback to team
members and to identify training needs.
● Motivate and Manage staff within the team to ensure that they provide excellent service to all internal
and external customers.
●
Personal Development/Performance
Demonstrate a commitment to continuing Personal/Professional Development.
● Ability to observe and define priorities and timetables in the achievement of strategic and operational
objectives.
● Adhere to the University's environmental policy and procedures and seek to promote environmental
sustainability within area of responsibility.
●
Equality, Diversity, Health and Safety and Strategy
A strong commitment to the principles and practice of equality and diversity.
● Thorough understanding and application of the Dignity and Respect Framework.
● Take reasonable care of the Health and Safety of yourself and that of any other person who may be
affected by your acts or omissions at work.
● Cooperate with Keele University in ensuring as far as is necessary, that Statutory Requirements,
Codes of Practice, University Policies and School/Departmental health and safety arrangements are
complied with.
This is not intended as an exhaustive list of duties or a restrictive definition of the post but rather should be
read as a guide to the main priorities and typical areas of activity of the post-holder These activities are
subject to amendment over time as priorities and requirements evolve and as such it may be amended at any
time by the line manager following discussion with the post holder.
This post is unlikely to meet the relevant criteria to allow the University to issue a Certificate of Sponsorship.
Applications from candidates who require a Certificate of Sponsorship to work in the UK will be considered
against the requirements stated in the recruitment documentation. Recruitment decisions will be made in
accordance with the UK Visas and Immigration guidance.
References
You are asked to provide details of two referees (three if you are applying for an academic or research post),
including your current or most recent employer, on your application form. Referees should be able to
comment on your work and/or educational background and may be approached before interview. In
providing these details you are giving the University permission to request personal information about you
from your referees, which may include confirmation of your previous salary, disciplinary and work history.
Disability Confident
Keele University is committed to taking positive steps to employ, keep and
develop the abilities of disabled staff and has been awarded the disability symbol.
We undertake to offer all applicants with a disability and who meet the minimum
essential criteria an interview. If you wish to be considered under this scheme,
please indicate this by selecting ‘Yes’ in the Guaranteed Interview Scheme Section of your application. You
can also provide specific information of any requirements/adjustments you may require to assist you during
the recruitment process within this section.
The information you provide on your application will be forwarded to the recruiting area so that they may
consider whether they can facilitate your requested adjustments. Please note that if you do not state that
you wish to be considered under the Two Ticks Scheme in your supporting statement, you will not be
considered under this Scheme.
Evidence Key
A = Application
I =Interview
R =References
T =Test
P =Presentation
POST REF
(or a combination)
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Head of Events Portfolio and Development
Criteria Headings
Essential
Education/Training
Relevant degree or equivalent
experience
Experience
Evidence
by:
A
Professional qualification
and/or membership of
relevant industrial body, or
equivalent experience.
A
Evidence of continuous
professional development
relevant to the role over a
sustained period
Substantial experience of
business development and
strategic positioning
A
Experience of working with
Academic (or other similar
professionals) in the
development of academic
based CPD and other
educational events
Direct involvement in creating
a Sales and Events and
business development
strategy
Desirable
Professional postgraduate
qualification in a relevant
discipline
Evidenced
by:
A
A, I, R
Academic
Venue/Conference Centre
Experience
A,I
A,I, R
Experience in managing a
PR partnership
A, I
A, I, P
Proven success at leading
and driving a sales, events,
CPD or conferencing team
A, I, R
Substantial knowledge of
Marketing/Promotion within a
A, I
Experience in working
with Design Companies,
Web Developers and
managing Print
Substantial Sales or
promotional experience at
a senior management
level with a track record of
delivering financial targets
against a long-term
strategy
HE or similar Experience
I
A, I, R
A
similar environment
Skills/Aptitudes/
Competencies
Significant hands on
experience of leading and
working within a proactive
event promotion and
commercial sales and
events team environment
A,I,R
Evidenced results in
achieving individual and team
targets and KPI’s
A, I, R, P
Experience of dealing with
customers and providing
excellent customer care
A, I, R, P
Experience of volume
conference/event/branded
in a HE or hotel
environment
A,I
Entrepreneurial ability to
identify opportunities for
growth and diversification
A, I, P
Working knowledge of
Kinetics Property
Management System (or
similar)
A, I
Sound business acumen
including analysis of sales
and forecasts
A, I, P
Experience in engaging
with internal stake holders
A, I
Excellent core skills including
negotiation, objection
handling, closing sales skills
in the pursuit of sales
conversation
A, I, P, R
Knowledge of sales/events
systems
A, I
Exceptional networking,
communication and
influencing skills
I, P
Highly organised and adept at
prioritising own workload
I, P
Ability to lead by example and
to motivate and develop
individuals
A, P
A team player who works
cooperatively and flexibly with
both colleagues and clients
A, I, P, R
Excellent interpersonal skills,
demonstrating client focus
and understanding
A, I, P, R
Analytical and Problem
Solving ability
A, I, P, R
A strategic, imaginative and
entrepreneurial thinker able to
translate ideas into realisable
plans
I
An understanding of
I
Understanding of Yield
Management in a
Hospitality environment
A, I
Other
academic motivations and
culture
Able to meet travel
requirements of the role
including meetings throughout
the local area and some
national travel
A, I
Ability to meet the needs of
the business including
evening, weekend and
overnight stays
A, I
Commitment to ongoing
learning and personal
development
A, I, R