Associate Dean of Academic Quality and Assurance

Job Description & Person Specification

Purpose 

Associate Dean of Academic Quality and Assurance is responsible for driving the continuous improvement and enhancement of quality processes and procedures, and provides data analysis guidance to the Registry on all departments for the improvement of institution-wide Academic Standards. He/she will perform strategic oversight of the development and implementation of the institution's academic quality assurance strategies, policies, and procedures, and ensure consistent improvement and elevation of standards. The postholder will be accountable for the effective operation of the academic governance framework, including, but not limited to, reviewing the committee and panel systems, participating in programme validation/revalidation with partner institution(s), and oversee the completion of quarterly review reports, Collaborative Partnerships Annual Reports, and Programme Annual Reports. The role requires close collaboration with the Academic Partnership Unit/College Liaison Tutors of the partner institution (degree-awarding body) to ensure effective monitoring and evaluation of academic programmes. As the Associate Dean of Quality Assurance, he/she will pioneer and champion best practices, stay updated on changes within the higher education quality landscape, and work alongside faculties to promote consistency in applying these practices. Furthermore, he/she will lead and provide guidance on all aspects of quality assurance across the institution, and ensure the institution meets and exceeds the benchmarks set for student outcomes by the Office for Students (OfS) and the degree awarding body. 

Principal Duties and Responsibilities 

• Provide strategic leadership and direction for the institution's quality assurance efforts, aligning them with SSS goals, priorities, and UKHE and OfS accreditation standards.
• Develop a comprehensive quality assurance framework and strategic plan to enhance SSS’ operational effectiveness and student success.
• Develop quality assurance policies, procedures, and guidelines to ensure compliance with UKHE and OfS accreditation standards, regulatory requirements, and industry best practices.
• Monitor changes in UKHE and OfS accreditation standards and regulatory guidelines, and ensure timely updates to SSS policies and procedures.
• Oversee the assessment of academic programmes, student learning outcomes, and SSS’ operational effectiveness through systematic data collection, processing, analysis, and reporting.
• Coordinate periodic programme reviews to assess programme quality and alignment with OfS accreditation standards.
• Identify opportunities for quality improvement and innovation in academic programmes; student outcomes; student support; retention and engagement; and admissions
• Review administrative processes based on the assessment of data, benchmarking, and best practices.
• Lead quality improvement initiatives by working collaboratively with faculty, academic staff, administrators, and stakeholders to implement changes and monitor outcomes.
• Provide leadership for academic staff development initiatives related to teaching and learning effectiveness, good assessment practices, curriculum development, and student engagement.
• Offer training, resources, and workshops to colleagues on quality assurance principles, assessment methods, and OfS and degree awarding body accreditation requirements.
• Supervise the collection, management, and analysis of data collected from the different centres/departments related to quality assurance, and ensure they are consistent with UKHE, degree awarding body and OfS accreditation standards, and SSS effectiveness.
• Prepare reports and presentations for internal and external stakeholders on the SSS quality assurance metrics, outcomes, and trends.
• Perform other related tasks assigned by the Chief Executive Officer 

Person Specification: 

• Master’s degree or higher in Business Management, Quality Management, Higher Education Administration, or a related field.
• Professional certificate in compliance, audit or risk management or training to obtain one is desirable.
• Post graduate certificate in education.
• Membership of the AdvanceHE – Fellow or Senior Fellow of HEA
• Significant experience in a higher education institution, preferably in a quality assurance, leadership, academic affairs, or administrative role.
• Experience of developing, implementing and managing effective systems/processes, policies and procedures, including planning and monitoring outcomes.
• Knowledge of quality assurance principles, methodologies, and best practices in a higher education institution, or a related sector
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to effectively engage with diverse stakeholders, facilitate discussions, and convey complex concepts in a clear and concise manner.
• Willingness to collaborate with various departments, including Business Management, Health and Social Care, Marketing, Retention, and Student Support 

Personal/Role based benefits 

• Salary is competitive, depending on experience
• Holiday entitlement is 28 days annual leave, excluding bank holidays
• Up to £5k annual incentives pro-rata given quarterly on meeting KPIs after successful probationary period
• 3% annual increase per year on completion from your start date of service and on meeting KPIs
• Workplace pension scheme
• Reward and recognition programme
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
• Complimentary lunch provided on working days.
• A supportive academic environment committed to quality and continuous improvement
• Opportunities for professional development aligned with academic support

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