• Welcome
• About the College
  • College redevelopment
  • The Board of Management
  • Student enrolments
  • College review 2009
  • Annual accounts
  • Strategic development plan
• Living in the region
• The role
  • Job description
  • Person specification
  • Terms and conditions
• How to apply

Person specification

It is essential that in your application you give evidence or examples of your proven experience in each of the appointment criteria under ‘Qualifications’, ‘Experience’ and ‘Knowledge’. For those candidates selected for interview, these responses will be further developed and discussed together with those criteria listed under ‘Skills’ and ‘Qualities’.

Qualifications

1. Degree or equivalent level of qualification
2. *Masters level of qualification
3. Evidence of continuous professional development
4. *Qualification in leadership / management
5. Principal’s Leadership Programme or a willingness to participate in Scotland’s Colleges’ Principals’ Leading and Learning CPD Palette

Experience

1. Substantial experience and a record of achievement in management and leadership at a senior level
2. Experience of:
   • Leading and motivating staff
   • Managing significant budgets preferably in an educational setting
   • Developing and maintaining successful strategic partnerships (including Government relations)
   • Leading successful organisational change

Knowledge and Understanding

1. *Understanding and knowledge of the statutory and regulatory framework within which Scottish FE colleges operate
2. Understanding of the learning and teaching process
3. *Understanding of Government initiatives, priorities and FE funding processes and how they can impact on the College
4. Understanding of equality of opportunity, its impact on students and staff and its significance in building a successful organisation
5. Understanding of Management Information and its importance in performance management
6. *Understanding of issues arising from significant estates development including pedagogic, curriculum and partnership issues

Skills

1. Strong leadership skills with the ability to inspire and motivate staff at all levels to achieve the highest levels of performance
2. Demonstrable budget control skills with the ability to manage change with financial acumen
3. Excellent networking skills
4. Ability to influence and command respect and confidence within the College and in a range of external organisations and relationships
5. Ability to work effectively with a range of partner organisations
6. Ability to think and act strategically
7. Ability to plan and effect major organisational change, engendering collaborative commitment to change
8. Ability to manage people sensitively through organisational change
9. Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
10. Excellent presentational and public speaking skills
11. Excellent listening skills
12. Excellent analytical and decision making skills
13. A discriminating eye for opportunity and innovation. The ability to develop ideas to successful outcome and to foster similar skills in others

Personal and Behavioural Qualities

Organised, clear-thinking, results-focused, innovative, self-motivated, collaborative, personable, inspiring and trustworthy with stamina, determination, confidence and a sense of humour.

• Commitment to the role of further education in improving people’s lives
• Commitment to economic and social development of NE Scotland
• Commitment to continuous quality improvement
• Commitment to high professional and personal standards of work and of conduct

* Desirable