Associate Dean of Academic Quality and Assurance

Scholars School System; United Kingdom; À distance; GBP 75 000 - 110 000; Plein temps

Avantages offerts par ce poste

28 days annual leave

Up to £5k annual incentives pro-rata

3% annual salary increase linked to KP

Workplace pension scheme

Reward and recognition programme

Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)

Complimentary lunch provided

Professional development opportunities

Résumé du poste

Scholars School System seeks an Associate Dean of Academic Quality and Assurance to lead the institution's quality assurance framework and governance, driving continual improvement across programmes and reporting. The role collaborates with the Academic Partnership Unit and partner institutions to monitor standards and elevate student outcomes under OfS requirements.

The post requires a Master’s or higher in a relevant field, professional certificates in compliance/audit, and proven senior

Qualifications

• Master’s degree or higher in Business Management, Quality Management, Higher Education Administration, or related field.
• Professional certificate in compliance, audit or risk management (desirable).
• Postgraduate certificate in education.
• Membership of AdvanceHE – Fellow or Senior Fellow of HEA.
• Significant experience in a higher education institution with QA/leadership roles.
• Experience developing, implementing and managing QA systems, policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of QA principles, methods and best practices in HE or related sectors.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for diverse stakeholder engagement.

Responsabilités

• Provide strategic leadership for quality assurance, aligning with UK standards and SSS priorities.
• Develop a comprehensive QA framework and strategic plan to boost student outcomes.
• Create QA policies and guidelines to ensure compliance with UKHE/OfS standards.
• Monitor changes in accreditation standards and update policies accordingly.
• Oversee assessment of programmes, student outcomes, and data-driven reporting.
• Coordinate periodic programme reviews to ensure OfS alignment.
• Lead quality improvement initiatives with faculty and staff.
• Provide leadership for staff development in teaching, assessment and curriculum.
• Train colleagues on QA principles and accreditation requirements.

Connaissances

Quality assurance leadership

Data analysis

Stakeholder engagement

Strategic planning

Formation

Master’s degree or higher in Business Management / Higher Education Administration

Professional certificate in compliance, audit or risk management

Postgraduate certificate in education

Membership: AdvanceHE Fellow or Senior Fellow of HEA

Description du poste

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

What can you expect?

• 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

We take pride in being members of professional institutions and are dedicated to working hard for the betterment of our students.