Academic Dean - Higher Education

Academic Dean – Higher Education – Permanent – Central London

Role: Academic Dean – Foundation Levels

Department: Academic

Reporting to: Vice Principal(s)

Direct reports: Associate Deans

Location: Central London

Salary: Competitive – up to £80k per annum - DOE

Our Higher Education University is a contemporary institution, offering a range of programmes. Our students embark on a journey which is designed to meet their academic and personal demands. At the very heart of our vision is a student-centred learning and teaching methodology which is progressive, forward-thinking, modern, and designed to meet our learners’ needs.

Our academic team consists of modern, progressive, professionals who have what it takes to motivate students from a variety of backgrounds, to inspire belief in students who are striving for professional and personal recognition and to drive students towards successful lives.

You will have a distinct skill set; a ‘can-do’ attitude - and should demonstrate the consistent ability to put the core elements of our learning and teaching philosophy into practice, both in the strategic implementation of experiential teaching activities and in the management of high-class teaching delivery.

The underpinning philosophy of the university is as follows:

Through experiential teaching we aim to provide students with a ‘real-life’ skill set which is transferable out of the classroom and into the world of work.

Through ‘chunked learning’ we aim to ensure students are thoroughly engaged and motivated by their teachers.

Through ‘deliberate reflection’ we aim to get students thinking about their role in the learning experience and to embed their knowledge for future use.

Through regular and precise feedback, we aim to offer students ways to improve their skills and knowledge on a daily basis.

As Dean, you will:

• Be a motivated individual who understands the value of good communications, management, quality assurance and the development of best practice in learning and teaching

• Have relevant experience of developing and managing programmes at undergraduate and postgraduate levels with the ability to lead a range of academic staff

• Oversee the quality of the teaching on all programmes within the department and will work with teams to build best practice and to support high rates of student achievement, engagement and satisfaction

• Seek to involve internal and external stakeholders in supporting and enhancing curriculum development and delivery, and work collaboratively with partner institutions to develop and enhance the curriculum

• Be aware of the latest developments in pedagogic theory, education practice and UK HE policy; and being able to share and implement these insights is vital

• Have a relevant profile, professional achievements and proven expertise in the practical aspects of the subjects along with excellent industry connections

• Take responsibility for the management, academic direction and performance of the academic portfolio within designated programmes

• Be expected to be a visionary leader who thinks innovatively and creatively, whilst commanding the support and respect of both academic and professional

On a day-to-day level you will:

• Show leadership, direct operations, develop colleagues and grow the department.

• Be target driven, familiar with the implementation and analysis of Key Performance Indicators and demonstrate academic integrity

The post holder will contribute to the overarching aim of creating better opportunities with and for students, enabling more to achieve their goals.

The role focuses specifically on removing inequalities that exist for students from underrepresented and disadvantaged backgrounds, through institutional change programmes and bespoke student support initiatives The Dean will be forward-looking, with the ability to horizon-scan and plan ahead.

They will identify dependencies, anticipate potential risks, issues, challenges and opportunities, and will take appropriate action as required.

The post holder will lead the development, delivery, evaluation, monitoring, reporting of university’s Access, Participation and Success Strategy, working with colleagues to ensure effective delivery.

The post holder will provide effective leadership and management of teaching excellence and student success to enable the achievement of the relevant College targets and key performance indicators (KPIs) with oversight of the area of Quality Assurance for all programmes of study.

Qualifications/Education

Educated to degree level (minimum. Ideally holding a Doctorate in relevant field such as creative, business, social sciences, graphic design, fashion)

Teaching qualification or demonstrable professional experience.

Evidence of relevant continuing professional development.

Higher Degree/Professional Qualification in Management or Education is desirable

Knowledge & Skills

In depth understanding of teaching and learning and how excellence may be attained.

Understanding and knowledge of innovative approaches to teaching and their appropriateness to different student groups.

Knowledge of teaching qualifications and staff development appropriate to academic staff at the College.

Outstanding communication skills with a particular ability to deliver concise and meaningful messages, to embed learning and to prompt action within recipients. You will have expertise in facilitating groups to drive engaging behaviours and deliver results

Knowledge of the QAA Framework for Higher Education Qualifications, Codes of Practice and relevant Subject and Qualification Benchmarks.

Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.

The ability to respond creatively and empathetically to the specific teaching and learning needs of the College’s diverse community.

Desire to achieve high standards for self and others.

Work flexibly to fulfil the requirements of the role

Experience

A strong commitment to excellence working with a diverse student population.

Significant relevant experience of strategic leadership of teaching and learning, working within a senior management team.

A keen interest in and understanding of the UK Higher Education landscape including familiarity with relevant policies, especially those with specific reference to access, participation and success.

Experience of leading and managing change within a complex environment with a proven track record of delivering complex projects on time and on budget.

Proven success in driving quality improvement in teaching and student success in a widening participation environment.

Substantial experience of successful senior line management at head of School or equivalent level.

Experience in leading the planning and development of the curriculum and new course provision.

Experience of learning technologies and platforms and their application.

Experience of effective performance management of academic provision and staff.

Successfully promoting and embedding student engagement and the learner voice.

Experience of building successful relationships with university partners, regulators, and awarding bodies (QAA, Pearson etc.).

Experience of online learning systems.

APPLY TODAY – please submit your full CV. If shortlisted, we will be in contact with you within 24 hours. We are looking to interview successful candidates immediately, so please don’t delay in applying!

We are dedicated to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expect all staff to share this commitment. You will have a safeguarding responsibility if appointed.

Please note we do not offer sponsorship, and you must have the Right to Work in the UK. You must also have or be willing to obtain a Child Workforce Enhanced DBS Certificate and ensure this is registered on the update service.

The successful candidate will be subject to enhanced clearance through the Disclosure and Barring Service and employment will be subject to references.

This post is not exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.

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Academic Dean – Higher Education – Permanent – Central London