Strategic Planning Partner

Role Description

Department

Strategic Planning and Performance sits at the centre of the University's strategic development, working closely with the University Executive Board and senior leaders to shape institutional priorities, monitor performance and support evidence-based decision-making. Following a recent restructure, the team is entering an exciting new phase, creating opportunities to influence the University's future direction.

Role

We are seeking talented Strategic Planning Partners to help deliver effective strategic planning across the University. Reporting to the Head of Strategic Planning, you will work closely with academic and professional services leaders to develop strategic priorities, inform decision-making and support delivery through high-quality analysis, insight and trusted advice.

You will develop a deep understanding of your assigned academic units, acting as their strategic planning partner and principal gateway to evidence across Strategic Planning & Performance, Finance, HR, Research and student data. You'll help ensure local plans are evidence-based, financially sustainable and aligned with the University's strategic ambitions.

Success in this role depends on building trusted relationships, communicating complex issues clearly, and influencing senior stakeholders through credibility, insight and sound judgement.

Role Specific Responsibilities

• Act as the strategic planning partner for a portfolio of academic units, strengthening planning, decision-making and performance.

• Support leaders to develop ambitious, evidence-based strategic plans that balance opportunity, risk and long-term sustainability.

• Analyse complex qualitative and quantitative information, testing assumptions, modelling options and presenting clear recommendations.

• Coordinate annual planning processes and support alignment between faculty priorities and University strategy.

• Bring together evidence from Finance, HR, Research, student data and other sources to provide integrated strategic insight.

• Maintain an overview of academic unit performance - trends, benchmarks, targets - to help leaders identify priority areas early.

• Support strategic reviews and institutional projects by coordinating analysis, facilitating discussions and helping translate priorities into deliverable plans.

Skills, Experience & Qualifications needed

• Experience of strategic planning, business partnering or performance management in HE or a similarly complex regulated environment.

• Ability to build effective relationships with senior academic and professional services leaders.

• Experience of curating and interpreting complex qualitative and quantitative data to inform strategic decisions.

• Knowledge of UK HE planning processes (student numbers, finance or workforce) and the sector's policy and regulatory environment.

• Level 6 qualification (please view the full list). We also welcome applicants with equivalent non-UK qualifications or equivalent professional experience.

Interview date: TBC

For informal enquiries: please contact Gary Hewitt, Head of Strategic Planning - gary.hewitt@york.ac.uk

The University strives to be diverse and inclusive  – a place where we can ALL be ourselves.

We particularly encourage applications from people who identify as Black, Asian or from a Minority Ethnic background, who are underrepresented at the University. 

We offer family friendly, flexible working arrangements, with forums and inclusive facilities to support our staff. #EqualityatYork

As a Disability Confident employer, we will ensure that a fair and proportionate number of disabled applicants that meet the minimum (essential) criteria for each position will be offered an interview.  Read more about the University of York’s commitments under the Disability Confident scheme.