Director of Higher Education

About us:

Gower College Swansea is one of the largest colleges in Wales with a strong reputation for high quality teaching and learning. We have six campuses across the city with over 4,500 full time learners and 10,000 part time learners.  We currently have a turnover of over £50 million making us a major employer in the region with approximately 1,000 staff.

At Gower College Swansea we are passionate about investing in our staff and looking after their wellbeing to ensure they feel supported in work and also at home.

The role:

Gower College Swansea is seeking an outstanding leader to drive the next exciting phase of our Higher Education journey. With ambitious plans for growth and a clear pathway towards Foundation Degree Awarding Powers, we are positioning ourselves as a leading provider of high-quality, vocational and technical HE in Wales.

This is a unique opportunity to shape transformational change - building capacity, raising participation, and strengthening our reputation as an innovative, industry-focused and inclusive HE provider. The successful candidate will combine strategic vision with operational credibility, ensuring our HE offer is ambitious, sustainable and aligned with learner, employer and regional priorities.

We are looking for a proven leader with the skills to deliver growth, manage change, and represent the College with authority at national level. You will inspire staff, forge strong partnerships with universities, employers and regulators, and ensure our learners enjoy excellent outcomes and real-world opportunities.

• Full time (37 hours per week)
• Permanent
• £65,123 per annum
• Swansea

Key priorities will include:

• Leading the implementation of the College’s Higher Education Strategy and securing Foundation Degree Awarding Powers.
• Driving significant growth in HE provision at Level 4 and above, with a strong focus on widening participation and flexible delivery models.
• Ensuring compliance with QAA, Medr, CMA and other external regulators, maintaining excellence in academic standards and the student experience.
• Building strategic partnerships with universities, awarding bodies, employers and government to support innovation and graduate employability.
• Championing the development of staff and resources to embed a strong HE identity and culture across the College.

This is an exceptional opportunity to lead transformational change and position Gower College Swansea at the forefront of College-based Higher Education in Wales.

Benefits for you:

• 37 days annual leave, plus bank holidays, and the college is closed for two weeks over the Christmas period
• A Teacher’s Pension Scheme with an average employer contribution of 28.68% (2024)
• 2 staff well-being days
• Discounted Sport Centre gym membership for £60 per year
• Free parking
• Free hot drinks when you use a reusable cup
• View more benefits here: https://www.gcs.ac.uk/recruitment/staff-benefits-wellbeing

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