Weekly Working Hours: 37
Transform Your Career, Transform Lives
The Open University (OU) is the UK’s largest university and a global leader in flexible, part-time education. We are dedicated to expanding access to higher education while delivering research excellence that transforms lives through learning. Learn more about our vision and mission in this short video, which redirects to YouTube.
About the Role
This is a rare and exciting opportunity to be an integral part of shaping the future of Knowledge and Information Management (KIM) at The Open University. You will lead efforts to embed KIM as a service across the institution by developing, influencing, and implementing consistent strategies to manage information and knowledge as invaluable strategic resources.
As part of this, the role involves exploring and supporting the ethical adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools and automation to enhance practices like information discovery, classification, search, governance, and knowledge sharing. Reporting to the Associate Director, you’ll drive the operational delivery of KIM services and define long-term models, frameworks, and a supportive culture that will have a lasting impact on the University.
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Key Responsibilities
Strategic & Developmental Responsibilities
- Develop and embed the OU’s growing KIM service model, defining best practices for information governance, records management, and knowledge sharing across the University.
- Design strategies, policies, standards, and frameworks related to KIM, including for the ethical use of AI and automation in managing information.
- Be a driving force for cultural change, supporting colleagues in adopting digital, data-driven, and AI-enabled ways of working.
Operational Leadership
- Lead and manage the KIM operational team, ensuring high-quality, customer-focused service delivery.
- Provide oversight for governance enquiries and routine workflows related to information and knowledge management.
- Ensure consistent, accurate, and timely KIM-related advice is accessible across the University.
Information Governance, AI, & Compliance
- Offer expert advice regarding governance in Knowledge and Information Management, including the ethical handling of AI-assisted information.
- Carry out risk management planning, including assessments and mitigation strategies for AI-generated content and automated processes.
- Prepare governance metrics, insights, and reports for audits or institutional groups.
Knowledge Management Capability
- Support the Associate Director in implementing strategies for knowledge management, including governance and performance tracking.
- Build a network of Knowledge Management champions across the institution to enhance service delivery.
- Design advocacy initiatives to secure cross-University endorsement and adoption of Knowledge Management practices.
Systems, Tools, & Digital Improvement
- Collaborate with IT, Information Rights, and Digital Services teams to optimize the use of M365, SharePoint, Teams, and AI-driven tools like automated classification, intelligent search, and metadata enrichment.
- Promote staff adoption of new tools and educate on responsible AI practices.
Stakeholder Engagement
- Forge strong relationships across faculties, departments, and services, serving as the key point of contact for Knowledge and Information Management.
- Tailor KIM support to diverse stakeholder needs while ensuring clear and meaningful communication.
About You
Essential Criteria
- A history of delivering Knowledge and Information Management, Information Governance, or Records Management services.
- Experience in shaping and implementing KIM practices within complex organizations.
- Solid understanding of information legislation, governance principles, and managing the information lifecycle.
- Proven leadership experience, including managing teams and service delivery.
- Ability to influence, inspire, and guide cultural change across various teams.
- Excellent communication skills for working with non-specialists.
- Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities effectively.
- Awareness of digital and AI trends, risks, and compliant usage in information and knowledge management.
Desirable Criteria
- Experience working in higher education or public-sector environments.
- Knowledge of M365 information governance capabilities.
- Familiarity with contributing to policy development or supporting audits.
Support with Your Application
If you have any questions or require support or adjustments during the application process or for the role itself, please contact us at 01908 541111 or email [email protected], quoting the reference number of this advertisement.
Why Join The Open University?
At The Open University, we value and reward exceptional contributions through a comprehensive benefits package. We also offer flexible working arrangements that support work-life balance. Discover what we have to offer on our Staff Benefits page (link opens in a new window).
Flexible Working
We encourage conversations about flexible working, including job shares, part-time roles, compressed hours, or alternative arrangements. Feel free to discuss your preferences with us.
Working Location
This role is tied to our Milton Keynes Office, but a hybrid work pattern (home and office-based) is supported. Attendance at the Milton Keynes site may be required approximately one day per month (rotated) and for occasional ad hoc meetings. Full-time office-based work is also an option for candidates who prefer this arrangement. Expenses for travel to Milton Keynes are not reimbursed.
Recruitment Process
- Interviews: Dates are yet to be confirmed.
- Early Closure: Vacancies may close early once suitable applications are received. However, roles will stay open for a minimum of one week to ensure fairness. If a vacancy closes while you’re in the process of applying, please contact us for assistance.
How to Apply
To apply, please submit:
- A CV
- A Supporting Statement of up to 1,000 words, detailing your interest in the role and providing examples that showcase how your skills and experience align with the essential criteria outlined above.
Monitor your application progress through our recruitment system. For updates, please check your spam/junk email folders.
Commitment to Diversity
The Open University is dedicated to equality, diversity, and inclusion. Guided by our mission to be open to people, places, methods, and ideas, we strive to create a supportive and enriching environment where all staff and students can excel. We value different perspectives and encourage applications from underrepresented groups while providing policies and resources for an inclusive workplace