Director of Academic Excellence

Reporting into: Senior Director of Academic Services

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This role operates on a hybrid working arrangement that will require regular travel into our UK locations listed below when required. Travel each week will fluctuate in line with business requirements. Our working model arrangements are a non-contractual benefit so please note that an Arden work location is added to our employment contracts.

Travel will be required into the following locations:

• Coventry Head Office
• Birmingham Campus
• Leeds Campus
• Manchester Campus
• Newcastle Campus
• Nottingham Campus
• London area (Ealing, Holborn and Stratford)

About the Opportunity:

We are seeking an exceptional and forward-thinking Director of Academic Excellence to lead and shape the future of teaching, learning and academic practice across Arden University. This is a high-profile leadership role with responsibility for defining what excellent academic practice looks like and ensuring our academic community has the frameworks, capability and support needed to deliver outstanding student experiences across all modes of study.

Working closely with senior academic leaders, Deans and specialist Directors, you will use evidence and insight to identify opportunities for enhancement and drive institution-wide improvements in teaching quality, academic development and educational innovation. You will lead the Academic Excellence function, creating scalable approaches that strengthen academic capability, promote inclusive and engaging learning experiences, and deliver measurable impact for students.

This role offers the opportunity to influence academic strategy at the highest level while translating vision into practical, evidence-led interventions that improve teaching practice, student outcomes and academic performance. You will also play a key role in embedding innovation, including the effective use of AI in education, supporting curriculum and assessment enhancement, and fostering a culture where excellent teaching is recognised, shared and continuously developed.

About You:

You will be an experienced academic leader with a strong track record of improving teaching quality, learning and academic practice within a higher education environment. You will bring significant expertise in educational enhancement and the ability to influence and collaborate effectively with senior stakeholders across a complex organisation.

You will have a deep understanding of contemporary pedagogy, curriculum design, assessment, academic development and the UK higher education sector. Equally important is your ability to use data, insight and evidence to identify priorities, develop targeted interventions and demonstrate meaningful impact.

To succeed in this role, you will combine strategic thinking with a practical, delivery-focused approach. You will be comfortable challenging established practices, leading change and building high-performing teams, while maintaining strong relationships with colleagues across faculties, campuses and professional services.

A doctorate or equivalent professional standing is essential, alongside substantial senior leadership experience in higher education. Experience of leading large-scale teaching and learning initiatives, academic development programmes or educational enhancement frameworks will be key, while knowledge of digital pedagogy, AI-enabled learning or technology-enhanced education would be advantageous.

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