Head of Department of Initial Teacher Development and Early Childhood Education

FTE: 1 FTE (working 37 hours per week)

Salary: AM1 £68,118 pa to £75,245 pa by annual increments on achieving designated skills and experience

Annual Leave: 30 days plus standard public holidays and an additional 4 days including the closure of our office between Christmas and New Year

Location: De Havilland Campus, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield 

Main duties and responsibilities

The Schools of Law and Education are seeking to appoint a Head of Department of Initial Teacher Development and Early Childhood Education. The role holder will be an enthusiastic leader, capable of moving at pace, with demonstrable knowledge, expertise and skills who can drive the department towards achieving the highest standards in teaching, learning, and innovation.   

Ensuring academic excellence is a fundamental aspect of this role, which involves maintaining the quality and efficiency of subject modules and programmes. The Head of Department will be responsible for coordinating teaching staff and ensuring curriculum coherence to maintain high standards of academic delivery. Strategic development is crucial, as the role requires working with colleagues to align departmental goals with the University's strategy. This includes focusing on portfolio innovation, student recruitment, resource management, and income generation.

Skill and experience required

The ideal candidate will have extensive experience managing Programmes of Study within the Department, along with proven line management and leadership skills. Essential experience includes leading and managing Ofsted inspection activity, and working successfully with teams and external professional bodies. The candidate should demonstrate the ability to build successful working relationships internally and externally. Strong organisation, planning, and project management skills are essential. Proven experience in data analysis, developing recommendations, and motivating and managing people is crucial. The candidate should exhibit credibility in the education sector, excellent interpersonal skills, initiative, flexibility, and proficiency in English, while exemplifying the University's values. Additionally, the candidate should have knowledge of student management systems and processes. Knowledge of financial and HR systems and processes is desirable.

Qualifications required

The ideal candidate will possess a first degree and a Master’s degree in a relevant subject and must have UK Qualified Teacher Status.

Please view the job description and person specification for a full list of the duties and essential criteria.

An appointment to this role may require an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate.

Contact Details/Informal Enquiries:

Deputy Dean, Liz Kirkbride, Schools of Law and Education, E.Kirkbride@herts.ac.uk or;

Associate Dean, Vicky Pateman, V.Pateman2@herts.ac.uk

Disclosure and Barring Service

Our commitment to the University’s Safeguarding Policy requires that the recruitment of staff in this area, will require the minimum of a Basic DBS Check. In the course of our work and University-led activities, there may be external contractual obligations where a further Enhanced Check is required. DBS checks may require renewal in line with policy.

Overseas applicants and UK applicants who have lived abroad

Successful applicants who have lived outside the UK, for 12 months or more (whether continuously or in total), in the last 10 years, will be required to produce a ‘Certificate of Good Character/Conduct’ from each of those countries.

Closing Date: 16 June 2025

Interview Date: TBC

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