Academic Quality Officer

FTE and working pattern: 1 FTE, 35hrs per week, Mon-Fri

Holiday Entitlement: 33 days annual leave plus 9 buildings closed days (and Christmas Eve when it falls on a weekday)

Purpose of Role

The Academic Quality Officer will be responsible for undertaking key quality assurance activities on behalf of the University, particularly in relation to Academic Review, Academic-Related Professional Services Review, Examination Board processes and guidelines and Annual Monitoring and Review.  The role-holder will be responsible for the drafting of new, reviewing and revising of existing, policies and procedures.  They will take responsibility for providing an integrated, coherent approach across all modes and locations to maintaining and assuring the quality and academic standards of the University’s provision. 

Summary of Key Duties and Responsibilities

1. Co-ordinate and manage activities associated with the preparation for, and completion of, Academic Review and Academic-Related Professional Services Review (HWU’s internal periodic review process) events, across the University (all campuses, online and partnerships).
2. Draft policies and procedures related to quality assurance and manage the associated processes of consultation, publication, implementation, and review/revision.
3. Provide advice and guidance for the interpretation and application of quality assurance policies and procedures.
4. Co-ordinate and manage the University’s Annual Monitoring and Review process, whilst taking responsibility for: the analysis of qualitative and quantitative data and presentation of themes for action to university-level committees; collaborating with Schools to ensure effective sub-School AMR processes.
5. Be responsible for working with relevant teams across the University for the review and revision of quality processes to shape a data informed approach to quality for enhancement purposes.
6. Co-ordinate and manage activities for supporting the University’s Examination and Assessment processes, such as: examination and assessment guidelines and procedures; approval of Chairs of Examination Board process; process for Deans’ Representatives at Examination Boards; annual briefing sessions.

Education, Qualifications & Experience

These are the criteria on which the short-listing and recruitment selection will be made:

Essential

1. Educated to at least SCQF level 6-7 or similar or equivalent practical experience in the workplace
2. Demonstrable ability to plan and prioritise workload, whilst working independently and as part of a team
3. Demonstrable ability to work under pressure, within a dynamic, changing, and pressured environment, whilst maintaining accuracy and quality
4. Demonstrable ability to use own initiative for overcoming challenges
5. Strong analytical skills
6. Well-developed interpersonal skills and demonstrable excellent customer service experience
7. Experience of identifying and implementing improvements and developments
8. Competent in the use of relevant IT packages

Desirable

1. Experience of Higher Education
2. Experience of working within an academic quality environment in a quality assurance-related role
3. Experience of preparations for internal or external periodic review
4. Experience of policy and process development and review
5. Experience of collaborating with multi-location teams
6. Report writing for both internal committees and external quality agencies
7. Experience of clerking/acting as a committee secretary

How to Apply

Applications can be submitted up to midnight (UK time) on Tuesday 03 October 2023.

Please submit your CV via the Heriot-Watt on-line recruitment.

We welcome and will consider flexible working patterns e.g.; part-time working and job share options.

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