Head of School - Foundation Degrees (FdA and FdSC)

Hybrid – remote with some travel to UK campuses.

About Arden University:

We are an aspirational and multi-award-winning university, delivering rapid growth with ambitious plans to disrupt the HE sector through our passion for innovation and digital education. Our vision is to become the first-choice university for career-focused lifelong learners worldwide, ensuring that everyone, everywhere can access higher education.

There has never been a more exciting time to join Arden University, as we expand into new disciplines, forge worldwide partnerships, and expand our locations.

About our School:

The new School of Foundation Degrees is located in the Centre for Academic Persistence, a newly formed centre in 2024 which plays a pivotal role in guiding students through their journey. The Centre delivers a suite of strategic initiatives including Foundation Year programmes, CertHE support, ‘On Track’ progression and resit support, and leads the university-wide orientation events for all new Blended Learning and Distance Learning students. Arden is passionate about helping students realise their potential, and this new offering reflects its commitment to inclusive education, student success, and social mobility.

About the Opportunity:

The Head of the School of Foundation Degrees is responsible for the three Foundation Degrees we have in the university. The Head of School will be required to help drive student outcomes across the multiple versions of the Foundation Degree (in FdA Business & Innovation, FdSc Health and Care Management and FdSc Computing & Digital Futures) and deliver impact in key areas that support the strategic development of the Centre.

The Head of School will provide academic leadership within the school and line manage the relevant Head of Departments(s) and potentially other members of the academic team. They will be accountable for recruitment of outstanding academic staff to the various departments.

About You

Key skills / experience:

• Masters’ level and/or Professional qualification relevant to the School.
• Recognised HE teaching qualification and/or Fellowship (e.g.: PG Cert HE, SFHEA, PFHEA QTLS/QTS Secondary).
• A successful track record of leading academic portfolios at different levels/modes of study, ensuring relevant portfolios deliver high levels of Student Experience and Student Outcomes (TEF metrics), as well as Student Satisfaction (internal and external surveys)
• Track record in leadership and people management skills, encompassing managing high-performance professionals, team building, direction setting and change management.
• Experience of successful budget and resource management including P&L responsibilities.
• Proven experience of building strong relationships and engaging productively with a diverse range of stakeholders in the public, private, corporate, and voluntary sectors.
• Credibility in a relevant academic discipline. Track record of scholarly work, consultancy and/or relevant professional experience at an appropriate level
• Experience of working outside the HE sector in a corporate, SME or entrepreneurial environment, in an area relevant to the School.
• An understanding of the way big data and digital technologies are impacting upon the sectors and industries relevant to the School.

Why Arden:

• A generous Aviva pension plan, company contributions starting from 7%
• SimplyHealth plan option
• Private Medical Insurance coverage (applies to certain job roles)
• Access to Perkbox benefits
• Study any Arden course for free, with a discount for all family and friends
• Our ‘Golden Ticket’ which allows you to gift anyone in your life a free Arden education

Travel will be required into the following locations: Coventry head office, Birmingham campus, Leeds campus, Nottingham campus, Manchester campus, London area (Stratford, Holborn & Ealing), Newcastle campus

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