Student Success Manager

The Royal Agricultural University (RAU) has been at the forefront of agricultural education and a key contributor to the land-based sector for more than 175 years. We pride ourselves in combining knowledge and industry connections with an innovative and forward-thinking approach.

The Role

Responsible for supporting the development, implementation and successful delivery of teaching, learning and assessment strategies, policies and objectives that contribute to the RAU Strategy.  By working with the academic team this role will focus on our global reputation for excellence and leadership within our teaching activities within UK and internationally.

The post holder will develop robust and agile business processes which support staff and students, working in partnership with colleagues across the University in the delivery of key student learning and teaching streams and contributing to the development of service excellence. They will apply expert knowledge, skills and experience to develop strategy and policy on student retention, success and progression and educational gain through the application of sector best practice and innovation.

Key Responsibilities

• In collaboration with senior managers, contribute to the strategic development and operational delivery of the student success, attainment and experience agenda, ensuring the University meets its student success and experience related objectives.
• Monitor and review the performance of the University in relation to publicly available performance indicators and metrics (including OfS key indicators and league tables) to identify strengths and weaknesses and implement changes to enhance performance and improve outcomes.
• Proactively develop processes, solutions and associated systems or interventions that will result in improved outcomes, working in partnership with students and with academic and professional services staff. This will include designing and delivering events for all students and staff, setting objectives and targets and monitoring performance using relevant University policies and procedures. 
• Co-ordinate programme committees and monitor agreed actions. Provide expert advice and guidance on relevant University policies, procedures and regulations, particularly those related to annual monitoring and evaluation, student academic support, and student engagement.
• Lead the development and delivery of professional development on key aspects of the quality management and enhancement agenda for staff across the University, and partners where appropriate. Facilitate sharing of best practice between academics, co-ordinate induction of new academics and organise relevant CPD events for promoting innovation in teaching, learning and assessment.
• Research good practice in quality management and enhancement associated with student outcomes and in learning, teaching and assessment. Establish appropriate guidance materials and resources (including web-based and digital resources) to support professional development. 
• Support the maintenance of academic standards, including the analysis of student assessment outcomes, and policy and practice related to the management of assessment and assessment outcomes. Develop, implement and collate key University teaching related performance data including information on peer observation.
• Work with Academic Quality on the embedding of quality principles in the teaching, learning and assessment processes, and contribute to programme validations and reviews.
• Manage the Academic Support Tutor process, in collaboration with the academic team, including reviewing & updating relevant guidance and training.
• Contribute to change management processes including introduction of curriculum management software.

Skills and Qualifications

• Educated to degree level or equivalent professional qualification
• Successful completion of a relevant teaching qualification in HE
• Previous experience in a teaching / professional / managerial role, ideally within a Higher Education or similarly complex environment.
• Understanding of Higher Education environment and knowledge of the OfS ongoing conditions of registration, relevant systems, policies, legislation and quality standards.
• Experience on the use of digital technologies and office software (e.g. spreadsheets, database management, programme management) for the process enhancement and service delivery.
• Ability to work collaboratively to achieve strategic aims of the University using creative approaches to problem solving, and data analysis, with an appreciation of longer-term implications of actions taken.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to use tact and diplomacy when dealing with a diverse group of people, the ability to negotiate and the self-confidence to be able to influence and challenge at all levels
• Experience of leading, reviewing, managing, and motivating a team to achieve high quality service delivery.

To Apply

If you feel you are a suitable candidate and would like to work for us, please click the 'Apply' button, above, to be redirected to our website to complete your application.

Closing date: Monday 26^th August 2024 with Interviews on: Thursday 12^th September 2024

The RAU is an equal opportunities employer and we particularly welcome applications from black and minority ethnic candidates as they are underrepresented within the RAU at this level.