Dean – Teaching and Learning

Purpose

Scholars School System (SSS) is seeking to appoint a Dean of Teaching and Learning to play a key role in supporting the Chief Executive Officer and Senior Management in setting the direction of the institution, providing vision, inspiring strategic leadership and championing the enhancement of education across all campuses. 

The Dean of Teaching and Learning will support the Executive Team and Department Heads to provide strategic and operational leadership to the institution’s teaching and learning agenda, with a strong emphasis on driving innovation, communicating best practice and promoting a vibrant culture to support the student academic experience within the institution.

The designated person will work with the senior executive team to design and implement SSS’ teaching and learning strategy and meeting its key objectives and targets. He/she will act as a role model in disseminating the institution’s values and expected code of behaviour among academic staff; promote a culture of tolerance and compassion; and promote a learning environment that is diverse, inclusive and respectful.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

The Dean of Teaching and Learning will have a major input into the overall direction of teaching and learning across the institution.  As a member of the senior executive team.  He/she will be required to develop, lead and drive the institution’s teaching and learning strategy; improve students’ academic experience; and foster relationship with external agencies and institutions to support learning and teaching consistent with institutional goals. His/her role will include but not limited to the following:

• Has a significant role in the development and implementation of collaborative provision with external partners.
• Administer above Department-level warnings to undergraduate and taught postgraduate students for Academic Engagement and Fitness to Study and/or Practice and refer such cases as appropriate
• Approve suspensions, extensions and exceptional admissions arrangements for undergraduate and taught postgraduate students
• Chair relevant Progression and Awarding Board and Special Cases Meetings, and participate in relevant Sub-Committee, Panel, Corporate and Academic Board meetings to share expert knowledge to help shape the quality of teaching and learning across the institution
• Advise, read and comment on Department Teaching and Learning Plans.
• Lead on the annual planning and enhancement of Learning and Teaching processes.
• Participate for panels for new programmes and in the revalidation of programmes of degree awarding bodies, including building collaborative relationship with them
• Focuses on improving student outcomes consistent with the Office for Students benchmarks, including continuation, completion and progression
• Collaborate with the Associate Deans and Heads of Departments, Line Managers and Students to achieve set teaching and learning goals
• Ensures compliance with the OfS regulations and degree awarding body’s accreditation standards by participating in Quarterly Review meetings and completing relevant documents
• Ensures compliance with the OfS regulations and degree awarding body’s accreditation standards by participating in Quarterly Review meetings and completing relevant documents

Essential Criteria and Requirements

Qualifications

• A significant record of achievement in Teaching and Learning, including a PhD
• Other higher education teaching qualification such as PGCert or SFHEA
• Relevant and current professional registration

Experience

• Significant experience at a senior leadership level, with a clear vision for education and the ability to engage others in that vision
• Proven experience in managing OfS B conditions, standards, procedures and regulations in higher education
• Significant experience working with OfS and QAA
• Experience of teaching at undergraduate and postgraduate level
• Experience of chairing departmental panels/committees and/or working groups
• Experience in developing and implementing strategy, demonstrating strategic thinking, planning, prioritisation, and delivery of change
• Awareness of changes in government and OfS/UKHE/IHE/CUC regulations, with an understanding of how to operate effectively within these frameworks
• Ability to assess opportunities for income generation through scholarship, CPD, consultancy, or professional practice
• Proven experience developing, implementing and managing effective systems, processes, policies and procedures, including planning and monitoring outcomes
• Good understanding of the institution’s strategic aims and how they might be realised
• Excellent understanding of quality assurance and enhancement, particularly in relation to teaching and learning
• Good awareness and understanding of key issues affecting HEIs

Terms of Appointment:

Remuneration & Conditions

• The salary for this role ranges from £80,000 to £95,000, depending on the candidate’s level of experience.
• 3% annual increase per year on completion from your start date of service and on meeting KPIs
• Holiday entitlement is 28 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• This is a full-time, permanent position based on-site, with standard working hours of 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Monday to Friday (40 hours per week).
• Complimentary lunch provided as part of the staff benefits
• Trips away from the office are often required to other campuses, all travel expenses reimbursed.

The job description may be altered at any time in the future, in line with the level of the post, to meet changing institutional requirements and the growing dynamic environment of higher education. Any changes will be made in full consultation with the post holder.

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