Associate Dean - Student Support

Job Description

Scholars School System is a project of the UK CURRICULUM & ACCREDITATION BODY (UKCAB, a registered charity founded in 2006) has campuses across the United Kingdom, is looking for an Associate Dean- Student Support across all campuses which includes Birmingham, Manchester, London, Bradford, Leicester based in the Birmingham campus.

Scholars School System is a national independent higher education provider, offering world-class education. Taught programs, ranging from Foundation Year through to Level 7, delivered in partnership with institutions such as Leeds Trinity University. Over 5000 (UK and EU) learners have completed their learning journey in the last five years with the current student population being over 3000.

Purpose

Scholars School System is seeking to appoint an Associate Dean- Student Support who possess leadership skills and can play a major role in supporting the mission, vision and values of the university with the use of strategy. You will be required to liaise, co-operate, collaborate and communicate effectively and improve performance to create good culture of quality enhancements. 

Responsibilities:

• Provide strategic leadership in the development and delivery of student support services, ensuring a consistent, high-quality student experience and engagement strategy across all campuses.
• Design and implement initiatives aimed at improving student well-being, promoting positive mental health, enhancing extracurricular engagement, and supporting career development and employability outcomes.
• Oversee academic and pastoral support services, including induction programmes, learning support, personal tutoring, and student guidance, ensuring students are supported from enrolment through to graduation.
• Champion equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) by creating an inclusive campus culture that respects and celebrates student diversity, while ensuring compliance with institutional EDI policies.
• Manage student concerns and issues, including formal and informal complaints, appeals, and disciplinary matters, ensuring timely, fair, and professional resolution processes are in place and effectively communicated.
• Collaborate with senior academic leaders to monitor and evaluate teaching quality, drive the sharing of best practices, and implement strategies that enhance academic outcomes and the overall student learning experience.
• Lead and develop student support teams, promoting a culture of innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement through effective performance management, professional development, and cross-campus collaboration.
• Work proactively with internal and external stakeholders, including academic departments, student representatives, and partner institutions, to deliver a cohesive and impactful student support strategy aligned with institutional objectives.
• Innovate and drive change, developing creative, data-informed solutions to enhance the student experience and support the achievement of the organisation’s strategic goals. 

Requirements

Essential

• PHD in Higher Education or related field
• Must have leadership or management level 5 qualification (CMI/ILM) / MA/ MSc
• Significant Experience in Senior Leadership Role in Higher Education
• Proven track record of evolving the regulatory landscape (OFS, DfE) and its impact on quality assurance, enhancement, and compliance with professional standards.
• Proven success in designing effective learning programmes, teaching support, assessment, student engagement, and innovative student support initiatives. 

Benefits

• Competitive salary, commensurate with experience and qualifications
• Full time (9am to 6pm on site)
• Travel and visits to other campuses required
• Holiday entitlement is 28 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• Up to £5k annual incentives pro-rata given quarterly on meeting KPIs upon successful probation period
• 3% annual increase per year on completion from your start date of service and on meeting KPIs 

The duties listed above are intended as a general guide and may be subject to change. The post holder may be required to take on additional tasks that are consistent with the nature and level of the role.

Flexibility and a cooperative attitude are essential, as the role may occasionally involve supporting other departments or working collaboratively with colleagues across the institution. 

All staff are expected to demonstrate a strong commitment to the institution’s values, particularly in promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion when engaging with students, staff, and visitors. Professional conduct, adaptability, and a team-oriented mindset are key expectation