Head of Academic Services

Job Purpose 

To lead, direct and oversee the Academic Unit of Bath Spa University London (Canary Wharf) (BSUL CW), working closely with senior colleagues in Bath Spa University in Bath, and appropriate partners. To ensure that BSUL CW provides an excellent student experience where students are at the centre of an environment in which both they and staff are challenged and thrive. 

About the Role

• To be accountable to the Interim Associate Pro-Vice Chancellor (Educational Partnerships) to provide leadership and oversee the day-to-day operational management of the Academic Unit & general academic oversight of BSUL CW 
• To be part of the Senior Management Team (SMT) for BSUL CW.
• The postholder will manage the Academic Manager and the City Academic Manager at BSUL CW & other staff based in BSUL CW, where appropriate. 
• To lead and develop a positive, high performing academic community that embeds the University values, delivers University key priorities, working closely with colleagues in Bath and BSUL where appropriate. 
• To engage with external stakeholders and partners, working in close collaboration with our partners & the Associate PVCs to deliver agreed objectives. 
• To ensure that learning, teaching & the student experience at BSUL (CW) is outstanding, adopting best pedagogical practices and championing the student voice, working closely with the Associate PVCs.
• To take responsibility for academic quality, enhancement and the overall student performance of our BSUL (CW) provision, acting quickly to drive improvements & performance where necessary (ensuring alignment with Office for Students (OfS) requirements regarding student outcomes, including progression, completion, & graduate employability) and ensuring understanding and compliance with academic policies and procedures, reporting through relevant academic Schools in Bath. 
• Provide regular insights and strategic recommendations to senior leadership to support continuous improvement in student outcomes. This will include working with Professional Services at CW & Bath, based on data, to identify strategies & implement timely interventions for at risk students, e.g. at submission points and resubmissions.
• To develop a flexible & dynamic academic portfolio that is relevant, vocational & sustainable, working closely with the relevant colleagues from Bath, including Heads of School and the Head of Academic Delivery (Partnerships).
• To be responsible for workforce, contingency and succession planning, managing space, overseeing timetabling & other resources effectively, within budget to achieve agreed targets and aligned to the strategic priorities of the University. 
• To ensure compliance with Bath Spa University policies, procedures & standards including policies relating to health & safety, data protection and immigration compliance. 
• To ensure that BSUL CW staff work closely with professional services colleagues in CW and in Bath including Library and Learning Services, the TED team, Human Resources, Admissions & Student and Registry services. 

Person Specification

Qualifications and Experience 

Essential 

• Significant recent experience of using effective leadership & management competencies to create high performing and highly motivated academic teams 
• Experience of successfully translating organisational strategy into outcomes 
• Experience of supporting non-traditional learners to succeed 
• A higher degree in an appropriate discipline 

Skills and Knowledge: 

Essential

• Extensive understanding of the HE and FE sectors, current issues, academic quality assurance and enhancement policies and procedures 
• Proven ability to resolve conflicts, with a proactive, approach to solving problems
• Understanding of health and safety, security and compliance 

Personal Qualities 

Essential 

• Positive, adaptable and resilient, with excellent interpersonal & influencing skills 
• Evidence of commitment to collaboration, sharing resources, & active, collegiate contribution to the University’s committees & groups 
• Demonstrable commitment to continual professional development of self & others 

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