Professional Services

Graduate Programme

Professional
Services
Graduate Trainee

Role Profile

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 Role Profile
Job title Professional Services Graduate Trainee
Reports to (Position Title) Placement Manager

Role Overview
In one or two short paragraph(s), provide factual, quantitative information that summarises the scope of the role, and its relationship
to the overall aims/ goals of the team/ Department or School (specific tasks and activities are covered in the Main duties and
responsibilities).
The role holder is a graduate trainee on the University’s Professional Services Graduate Programme. The programme
is 2 years in duration, encompassing 4 x six month placements across the University. The aim of the programme is to
give graduate trainees an insight into how the challenging business of a university operates and to develop the
appropriate skills necessary for a leadership career within Higher Education.

Whilst on placement, the role holder will have responsibility for the successful delivery of set projects that have clear
objectives with achievable and recognisable outcomes. These will also incorporate some day-to-day operational work
allowing the trainee to contribute to the on-going work of the team in which they are based.

The placements will develop the trainee’s skills, knowledge and experience, whilst delivering tangible outcomes to
the host institutions and the University.

Role purpose
In one or two short paragraph(s) outline the main purpose of the role. It is useful to define What is being done (e.g. managing) to
Whom or What (e.g. the xx team) to achieve what Outcome. (E.g. to ensure that agreed response times are met).
To gain experience in Higher Education administration and management, and develop knowledge and skills necessary
for a leadership career in the HE sector. This will cover training in key methods and processes as well as undertaking
project based and operational work which will contribute to the work of the host institutions in which they are based.

Main duties and responsibilities

Describe the key areas of work need to be undertaken by the role holder in order to meet the purpose of the role as stated above. It
is anticipated that no duty should exceed 3 or 4 lines. Please list the tasks in order of importance.
Lead and contribute to projects and initiatives:
 Take on operational responsibility for completing projects and developmental work within University
Institutions, ensuring successful delivery in line with agreed timescales and budgets and to the required
quality standard.
1  Provide overall day-to-day coordination of the project, act as the main point of contact for the project,
ensure the placement manager is kept informed of project progress and advise the placement manager of
any emerging risks.
 Organise project events and carry out duties related to project publicity.

Research and analysis

 Carry out data analysis on aspects of the project. Gather, analyse and present data, compile reports, set
up databases as required, carry out preliminary research, prepare/draft presentations, prepare briefing
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notes and correspondence.

Administration:
3  Produce detailed project outlines and plans, manage project documentation, create and update
documents.

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  Develop an understanding of HE administration, and the impact of University’s structure and governance.
 Support administrative tasks and processes within a range of institutions, ensuring that HE cycles, drivers
and pressures are understood.
 Complete operational work that contributes to the ongoing work of the team in relevant institution.

Contribute to policy and strategy:

 Write assigned sections of papers and provide update reports for University committees and steering
4 groups
 Contribute to policy development in areas related to relevant projects

Communication and liaison:

 Support and implement project communications with key stakeholders.
 Coordinate the delivery of project communications.
 Establish and maintain effective and productive working relationships with key stakeholders across the
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University. Promote the University positively within and outside the University to build networks.
 Liaise with staff at all levels across the University and other HEI’s as appropriate to identify and share best
practice.

Professional development:
 Take personal responsibility for continuous personal and professional development and actively
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participate in the Professional Services Graduate Programme.

Working Conditions
Which statement best describes the environment in which the role will primarily be based?
Office based. Some travel to similar sites may be required. Normal health and safety requirements will be followed.

Physical Requirements
Which statement best describes the physical demands of the role?
Requires normal physical effort associated with an office environment (or equivalent)

Sensory Requirements
Which statement best describes the sensory demands of the role?
Uses normal office equipment and/ or standard tools

This role profile outlines the duties required at the current time to indicate the level of responsibility. It
is not intended to be a comprehensive or exhaustive list and may be varied by University
management to include other reasonable requests which are up to the same skill level, and of the
same type, already undertaken and which do not change the general character of the job or the
overall level of responsibility.

The University expects that you will:

• Treat all members of the University community (including all staff, partners,
students and visitors) with respect, courtesy and consideration at all times.
• Behave professionally to, and expect professional behaviour from others in the
University community (including all staff, partners, students and visitors).
• Take care of their own health and safety, not compromise the health and safety of
others, and comply with University and departmental safety requirements.

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 Person Specification
Key Skills and Experience
This form lists the essential (experience and attributes without which the job could not be done) and desirable experience and
attributes that enable the role holder to perform the role well.

Criteria Description Essential or

Desirable

Experience Knowledge of the UK higher education environment and current D

List the key experiences that an issues therein
individual would need to be able Experience of developing and writing reports E
to do the role. Be careful not to Experience of using relevant IT packages to produce professional
quantify this in ‘years’.
E
documents, reports and presentations
e.g. Experience working with
finance IT systems.
Experience of effective liaison with peers and colleagues to achieve E
results

Skills Excellent oral and written communication skills E

List the key skills that an Strong research, analysis and report writing skills E
individual would need to be able Strong interpersonal and team working skills E
to do the role. Be careful not to Excellent planning, prioritising and organisational skills E
quantify this in ‘years’. E
Ability to apply skills and knowledge in new environments and
E.g. Advanced Excel.
contexts

Qualifications At least a 2:1 degree in any subject, achieved within 5 years prior to E
List the key qualifications that an application, from the University of Cambridge
individual would need to be able
to do the role. Be careful not to
overstate the level required.

Additional requirements
List any additional requirements
that may be relevant to the role
(on-call, weekend working etc.)