Associate Dean - Faculty of Foundation Studies

London weighting: £4,000 per annum (if applicable)

Hours per week: 37

Reporting into: Dean of Faculty of Foundation Studies

Faculty: Foundation Studies

Read the full job description and explore our excellent benefits.

This role operates on a hybrid working arrangement, combining remote working with attendance at one of our UK campuses. Arrangements may fluctuate with business requirements. Hybrid working is a non-contractual benefit, and an Arden work location will be included in your employment contract.

Travel will be required into the following locations:

• Birmingham
• Leeds
• London
• Manchester
• Newcastle

About Arden University

We are an aspirational, multi-award-winning university with ambitious plans to disrupt higher education through innovation and digital education. Our vision is to make higher education accessible to everyone, everywhere, while thoughtfully integrating AI into teaching and learning and equipping students to thrive in an AI-enabled world.

It’s an exciting time to join us as we expand into new disciplines, develop global partnerships and grow our locations.

About our Faculty

The Faculty of Foundation Studies is Arden University’s gateway into higher education, bringing together Foundation Year, Foundation Degree, new-student induction and academic admissions activity. We provide accessible pathways for students from diverse backgrounds, supporting them from admission through to achievement and progression.

Our teaching is applied, inclusive and career-focused, developing students’ academic, digital and professional skills, confidence and sense of belonging. We are a growing academic community committed to excellent teaching, evidence-informed support and inclusive curriculum design, with exciting plans to expand our programmes and embed employability, enterprise and responsible AI across the student experience.

About the Opportunity

As Associate Dean (Academic Programmes and Student Success), you’ll work closely with the Dean to shape the Faculty’s future and translate strategic priorities into action. You’ll drive excellence in student experience, academic outcomes and faculty performance, champion innovation and use data to deliver continuous improvement.

You’ll also build strong partnerships across the University and beyond, leading key areas such as academic programmes, student success, research and enterprise, or external engagement.

About You

You’ll be an experienced academic leader with a strong commitment to academic excellence, student success and innovation. You’ll bring strategic vision, a track record of leading complex change and the ability to develop teams and improve outcomes across higher education.

Essential Skills & Experience

• Master’s degree or equivalent in a relevant discipline, with a strong record of research, scholarly activity or pedagogic practice.
• Recognised higher education teaching qualification and/or professional recognition (e.g. PG Cert HE, FHEA, SFHEA, PFHEA, QTS or QTLS).
• Significant senior academic leadership and management experience in higher education, including quality assurance and accreditation.
• Experience leading Faculty-wide initiatives to improve student experience, outcomes and academic quality.
• Strong understanding of higher education policy, sector challenges, teaching, assessment and digital learning technologies.
• Experience developing diverse teams, managing complex change and supporting staff recruitment and development.
• Ability to use data, performance metrics and student feedback to inform strategy and drive improvement.
• A strong record of achievement in education, research, professional practice or knowledge exchange.
• Excellent strategic planning, analytical, communication and stakeholder engagement skills.

Desirable Skills & Experience

• PhD or other Level 7 qualification.
• Professor status in a relevant discipline.
• Management qualification or training demonstrating leadership capability.
• Experience playing a key role in developing and delivering high-quality academic programmes.

Why Arden?

Our people are passionate about removing barriers to learning and making education accessible. We recognise their contribution through benefits including:

• 30 days’ annual leave, bank holidays and Christmas closure.
• Aviva pension, with employer contributions starting at 7%.
• BUPA Cash Plan and private medical insurance (for eligible roles).
• Perkbox benefits.
• Free study on any Arden course, with discounts for family and friends.
• Our ‘Golden Ticket’, offering someone in your life a free Arden education.
• Plus, excellent additional benefits.

Closing date: 12th November