Interim Academic Director (Study Abroad & International Education)

Full-Time (1.0 FTE) | Fixed-Term Contract (6 Months)

Location: London, UK (Hybrid Working: 4 days office-based, 1 day remote)

Reports to: Director, BU London Programmes 

Lead Academic Excellence in a Global Study Abroad Environment

Boston University Study Abroad is seeking an exceptional Interim Academic Director to provide strategic academic leadership for its London programmes during a six-month fixed-term appointment.

This is a senior leadership opportunity for an accomplished higher education professional with expertise in academic leadership, curriculum development, academic quality assurance, faculty management, international education, and study abroad programmes.

As Academic Director, you will have overall responsibility for the academic provision across Boston University London programmes, ensuring the delivery of high-quality, student-centred and globally focused learning experiences. You will work closely with the Director of BU London Programmes, academic colleagues in London and Boston, faculty members, and partner institutions to maintain academic excellence, drive innovation, and support student success.

The role provides strategic oversight of academic governance, curriculum development, quality enhancement, academic operations, faculty recruitment and management, and partnership development within a dynamic international higher education environment. 

About Boston University Study Abroad

Boston University Study Abroad offers world-class international education opportunities to students from Boston University and more than 100 partner universities worldwide.

With more than 170 programmes across 30+ cities and 20+ countries, Boston University has been a leader in study abroad education for decades, delivering transformative global learning experiences that prepare students for success in an interconnected world.

The London centre is one of the University's flagship international locations, offering innovative programmes across a wide range of disciplines and combining rigorous academics with experiential learning opportunities. 

The Role

The Interim Academic Director will provide strategic and operational leadership for all aspects of academic delivery and academic affairs within the London centre.

You will lead a multidisciplinary academic team, oversee academic governance and quality assurance processes, support curriculum innovation, and ensure an outstanding student experience for undergraduate study abroad students.

You will also play a key role in strengthening relationships with Boston-based academic departments, university partners, faculty members, and external stakeholders. 

Key Responsibilities

Academic Leadership & Strategy

• Provide overall academic leadership for Boston University London programmes.
• Ensure the delivery of high-quality academic provision across all programmes.
• Drive continuous improvement, innovation, and curriculum enhancement initiatives.
• Develop academically rigorous and engaging programmes that meet the evolving needs of study abroad students.
• Support the continued growth and strategic development of the London academic portfolio.

Academic Governance & Quality Assurance

• Lead academic governance activities and quality assurance processes.
• Ensure compliance with institutional policies, academic regulations, and relevant UK higher education requirements.
• Monitor programme performance, student outcomes, and academic standards.
• Chair academic committees and faculty meetings.
• Lead programme reviews, curriculum approvals, and academic enhancement initiatives.

Curriculum Development

• Oversee curriculum review and development across all London programmes.
• Lead the design and implementation of new courses and academic initiatives.
• Support innovative teaching practices and technology-enhanced learning.
• Ensure programmes remain academically competitive and attractive within the international study abroad market.

Faculty Leadership & Management

• Provide leadership for approximately 50 part-time faculty members and the Academic Affairs team.
• Lead faculty recruitment, induction, performance management, development, and evaluation processes.
• Support line managers to create a positive, high-performing academic culture.
• Promote teaching excellence and student-centred learning across all programmes.

Student Academic Success

• Monitor student achievement, progression, and academic outcomes.
• Work closely with Academic Affairs colleagues to support student success.
• Oversee the effective management of academic performance issues, grading concerns, course-related challenges, and internship-related academic matters.
• Ensure students are fully supported throughout their London study experience.

Partnership Development & Stakeholder Engagement

• Serve as the senior academic representative for Boston University London.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with academic leaders across Boston University.
• Develop productive partnerships with UK and US universities and external organisations.
• Support business development and academic growth opportunities.
• Contribute academic expertise to marketing and programme development initiatives.

Leadership & Institutional Contribution

• Actively contribute as a member of the Director's Executive Group and London Leadership Team.
• Support strategic planning and institutional decision-making.
• Participate in senior leadership forums and meetings.
• Contribute to emergency response, risk management, and operational decision-making when required.
• Participate in the Director-on-call rota alongside senior colleagues. 

About You

Essential Criteria

You will possess:

• A doctoral qualification or equivalent academic standing.
• Significant senior leadership experience within Higher Education.
• Extensive experience in academic administration, governance, and quality assurance.
• Demonstrable expertise in curriculum development and academic programme management.
• Experience leading and managing multidisciplinary academic teams.
• Proven ability to lead organisational change and strategic initiatives.
• Strong understanding of UK and US Higher Education systems.
• Experience working within international education, global programmes, or study abroad environments.
• Excellent stakeholder management and partnership development skills.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and influencing abilities.
• Experience of academic policy implementation and regulatory compliance.
• Excellent organisational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• A strong commitment to academic excellence and student success.

Desirable Criteria

• Experience working within US university study abroad programmes.
• Knowledge of UKVI sponsorship and student visa compliance requirements.
• Experience managing academic partnerships and transnational education initiatives.
• Understanding of technology-enhanced learning and Virtual Learning Environments, including Blackboard.
• Experience overseeing crisis management, student welfare, or emergency response procedures within Higher Education settings. 

Why Join Us?

This is an exceptional opportunity to lead academic provision within one of the world's most respected international study abroad programmes.

You will join a collaborative and globally focused leadership team, shaping the academic experience of students from across the world while contributing to the continued success and growth of Boston University's London operation.

If you are a strategic academic leader with a passion for international education, curriculum innovation and student success, we would welcome your application.

Benefits

• Private Medical Insurance
• Critical Illness Cover
• Life Assurance
• Cashplan Scheme
• Pension Scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme 

How to Apply

Please submit:

• A current CV
• A covering letter outlining your suitability for the role, including relevant teaching experience and professional expertise

Applications should be emailed via the 'Apply' button above (E: recruitment@bu-london.co.uk).

Closing date: Friday 30^th October, 9:00am

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. We encourage early applications, as interviews may be arranged before the closing date and the vacancy may close once a suitable candidate has been identified.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

Boston University is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive academic community. Applications from individuals from underrepresented groups are particularly welcome.