Project Manager Data Autonomy (0.8 FTE)

There is a growing concern of higher education’s dependency on ‘Big Tech’: these companies use the data of universities for commercial goals, which means that the universities have no full control over their data (‘data autonomy’).

The University of Groningen wants to become more data-autonomous and is starting a program which consists of three phases: drawing up a roadmap, initiating a pilot project and finally implementing the entire roadmap. For the first phase a project will be initiated to establish a roadmap towards data autonomy for the UG in a structured, broad-based, and viable manner. This roadmap will be developed in collaboration with all stakeholders within the UG, but also in collaboration with external partners, both national and international.

Project towards data autonomy
The CIT (Center for Information Technology) is looking for an experienced project manager to lead the project of creating and delivering the roadmap towards more data autonomy of the UG. In order to create a roadmap, the project will encompass all relevant stakeholders and partners of the UG to agree on a single definition of data autonomy and on what degree of data autonomy should be pursued. Some other key elements of creating a roadmap are:

- a stakeholder analysis to identify the stakeholders within the UG
- a stakeholder analysis to identify the potential partners for the UG (given the complexity of international data dependency it is unlikely the UG will be able to become data autonomous by itself)
- an analysis/photo of the current level of data autonomy of the UG (point of departure)
- establishment of a user platform that represents the user's perspective in the drafting of the roadmap
- recommendations for follow-up steps in subsequent phases.

Responsibilities of the project manager:

- manage the project towards data autonomy
- identify, manage and facilitate dialogue with diverse groups of stakeholders inside the UG, but also on a national and international level
- translate customer needs
- ensuring proper reporting on the project for various groups: Steering Committee, Executive Board, grantors, faculty administrators, Executive Board, etc.
- budgeting of projects (drawing up and monitoring)
- preparing and initiating proper decision-making by the steering committee of the project.

- previous work in higher education or other at public institutions as a project manager (minimum of 5 years experience)
- curiosity for the subject of data autonomy, public values and privacy Motivation to invest time and energy to learn about the subject. Familiarity and experience with the subject is a plus
- MA/HBO education level
- academic thinking level, ability to create high level concepts as well as outline their practical consequences
- ability to switch between stakeholders at various levels, facilitating dialogue and stimulating participation
- ability to translate well customer demands into achievable goals and results
- ability to quickly adapt to a large and complex environment
- leadership qualities and skills
- organizational skills
- good communication skills in Dutch and English (verbal and written fluency).

We offer in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities:

- a salary of a maximum of € 6,181 gross per month (salary scale 12) for a full-time position, depending on qualifications and experience
- a holiday allowance of 8%
- an end-of-year bonus of 8.33% of your gross annual income
- a temporary employment contract for the duration of one year with the possibility of an indefinite contract
- attractive fringe benefits such as the Employee Benefits Choice Model and a good pension and leave plan.

A Certificate of Good Conduct (VOG: Verklaring Omtrent Gedrag) may be requested for this position.

The Center for Information Technology (CIT) of the University of Groningen is the leading university center in the Netherlands in the field of information and communication technology. With over 270 employees, CIT manages the necessary IT facilities and support processes for approximately 36,000 students and 7,500 employees. The University of Groningen (UG) is among the top 100 universities worldwide.

CIT supports and facilitates scientific research and university education with innovative data and IT solutions, consultancy and training. Our mission is 'Education and research: supported by innovative and reliable IT'.

In order to make a maximum contribution to the strategic objectives of the UG every day, CIT works in a customer-oriented way with 22 self-organizing teams in five domains: Education, Research, Organizational Systems, Basic Workplace and Infrastructure.

Our core values are: Respect, Collegiality, Together, Fun, Openness and Commitment