The University of Glasgow has been changing the world for more than 572 years. Today, we are one of the world's top 100 universities and ranked 13th in the world in the Times Higher Education (THE) World Impact Rankings 2023, demonstrating that we are not only one of the best universities in the United Kingdom, but one of the best universities for the world. Our people have always been at the forefront of innovation, and our past achievements inspire our current world changers.
The John Smith Centre promotes politics as a force for positive change through thought-leadership and action. The John Smith Centre is embedded within the College of Social Sciences at the University of Glasgow and has built a strong reputation for student opportunities and outstanding events. We seek to extend our activities at the University and beyond, encouraging young people to participate in politics.
The Centre is at an exciting stage in our development. As our second Director since inception, the postholder will lead the next phase of our development, building on the strong foundation fostered by the current Director and the University.
In this role, the Director will provide strategic leadership to all the activities of the John Smith Centre. They will shape the strategic direction of the Centre, direct the thought leadership of the organisation; craft and direct activities; and lead the engagement with both the University community and the wider UK.
We are launching the UK’s first Youth Poll this year, a multi-year tracker poll assessing the attitudes of young people towards politics. Key to the poll’s success and unique appeal is that students are involved in every part of it. The new Director will have the opportunity to curate actions and events from the data it generates.
We will also present a series of high-profile campus-based events to celebrate our 10th birthday in 2024: our ‘John Smith Centre at 10’ series. We have commitments to participate from outstanding UK and international contributors and the new Director will continue to shape this series as the year goes on.
We have ambitious plans to grow our internship and development programmes. We run the only paid internship at the Scottish Parliament, and are now able to offer Westminster internships. We will offer our first internships with the mayor offices in England in 2024 and hope to develop opportunities in local government.
This post is full time (35 hours per week) and offered on an open ended basis. Relocation assistance will be provided where appropriate.
Apply online at: my.corehr.com/pls/uogrecruit/erq_jobspec_version_4.jobspec?p_id=139148
Closing date: 5 March 2024
Interviews will take place on 25 March 2024. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to meet with members of the John Smith Centre Board (online) before formal (in-person) interviews.
It is the University of Glasgow’s mission to foster an inclusive climate, which ensures equality in our working, learning, research and teaching environment.
We strongly endorse the principles of Athena SWAN, including a supportive and flexible working environment, with commitment from all levels of the organisation in promoting gender equity.
The University of Glasgow, charity number SC004401.