Head of Academic Services

Smiley & Co, Ltd.; West Yorkshire; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 44,000; Full time

Job description

Location: London N7

Salary: £40,000 - £44,000 per annum starting salary dependent on experience

The organisation delivers higher education undergraduate and postgraduate learning in performing arts to an industry-leading standard. Their primary goal is to guide and support their students on their journey to launching successful, sustainable careers. From application to graduation, they're committed to providing the necessary support and guidance to help them realise their full potential.

The Role

As the Head of Academic Services, you will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of the academic department, ensuring smooth operations and fostering an effective, positive learning environment. This role involves direct line management of the Academic Services and Student Services team as well as collaborating with the other departments to uphold academic and company standards. Reporting to Senior Management, you'll play a crucial role in formulating reports, monitoring performance metrics, implementing and overseeing academic policies to achieve their objectives.

This is a senior role within the organisation and the successful candidate will be a leading member of the leadership team. The role will require previous experience in a comparable management position in an academic setting, with extensive knowledge of Higher Education regulatory frameworks, policies and procedures.

The Head of Academic Services is responsible for managing, developing and strengthening the organisation's academic and student support services, quality assurance and enhancement.

The Head of Academic Services acts as the expert in academic standards, oversight, programme management, student services and academic quality & compliance for the organisation and as such undertakes a senior responsibility within the smooth operational and administrative management of the organisations day to day operations.

This role is about driving student success.

Key Responsibilities

Academic Management:

• Oversee the academic management of all academic activity, including best practice in curriculum delivery, student assessment, and adherence to academic standards.
• Monitor delivery and assessment ensuring quality teaching and compliance with established academic guidelines.
• Coordinate with relevant teams to collect course progression reports and populate regular reports on student performance.
• Populating monthly report for Director of Training where performance of the staff and students based on each cohort need to be highlighted.

Team Management:

• Lead, motivate and develop relevant staff providing clear objectives and managing performance against these to ensure staff are appropriately motivated and trained to carry out their responsibilities to the required standards.
• Resolve staff queries and concerns related to academic operations and student services fostering a collaborative working environment.

Performance Monitoring And Reporting:

• Regularly monitor performance indicators such as retention rates, progression rates and academic standards.
• Formulate monthly reports on departmental performance for presentation to the Senior Management Team, highlighting achievements and areas for improvement and development.

Skills And Qualifications:

• Degree in education, business administration, or related field. Experience of working within, and substantial knowledge of, the higher education (or related) sector.
• Proven experience in educational management, preferably in similar role.
• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate others.
• A successful track record of developing and translating strategic plans and decisions into operational practice.
• The ability to think and act strategically and to work both consultatively and at pace.
• Excellent organisational and problem-solving abilities.
• Sound knowledge of safeguarding policies and procedures.
• Effective communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Ability to remain calm and composed in high-pressure scenarios.
• Familiarity with relevant regulations and compliance standards in the higher education sector.
• Commitment to promoting positivity, equity and inclusion within the school community.
• Management experience in an academic environment.
• Communication skills, both written and verbal; understanding of data privacy standards; deep understanding of business principles and practices.
• Attention to detail.
• Organisational skills; planning skills; analytical skills; critical thinking skills.
• Problem-solving skills.
• Computer skills.
• Multi-tasking abilities.
• Integrity, honesty.
• An awareness of Higher Education learning / arts training environments.
• An understanding of Higher Education policies, procedures, data processing and reporting including OfS regulatory frameworks and guidelines.

To Apply

If you feel you are a suitable candidate and would like to work for this reputable organisation, please do not hesitate to apply.