Head of Assessment

Guardian Jobs; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational organization in London seeks a Head of Assessment for a fixed-term position. This pivotal role requires strategic leadership in delivering a major education mobility scheme. Applicants should have significant project management experience, preferably in the education sector, and a strong commitment to inclusion and diversity. This position offers a supportive environment with comprehensive benefits, including generous leave and professional development opportunities.

Benefits

27 days annual leave

Generous pension scheme

Enhanced parental leave

Investment in professional development

Health and wellbeing programmes

Cycle to work scheme

Qualifications

• Significant project management experience in an educational setting.
• Experience managing multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Proven skills in budget development and financial reporting.

Responsibilities

• Lead delivery of an education mobility scheme.
• Provide strategic leadership and contract management.
• Monitor progress and manage dependencies.

Skills

Project management

Financial skills

Team leadership

Education sector insight

Multitasking under pressure

Education

Degree level education

Post-graduate qualifications

Job description

Job type : Fixed term post for 7 months, commencing in January 2026

This post will commence in January 2026 for the duration of a 7 month fixed-term contract subject to grant agreement signature

Hours : 21

Location : London WC1H - hybrid, flexible working - 20% of your time per month office based.

Join the Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU) as Head of Assessment and use your extensive experience in assessment quality, education sector insight, inclusive safety, and operational control to lead the ACU’s contribution to the successful delivery of an education mobility scheme, working with a range of UK-based partners.

The ACU offers a unique opportunity to make a real difference in the higher education sector. We are one of the largest, most diverse international university networks, bringing together over 440 universities in over 40 countries. We support Commonwealth Universities to collaborate and to work together to build a more equitable and sustainable world.

The ACU Programmes, Business Development and International Mobility Team look after a portfolio of research capacity strengthening and education mobility programmes. These programmes are funded by a variety of internal and external funding sources and are often developed in collaboration with ACU member universities and other strategic partners.

The role

The Head of Assessment will lead the ACU’s contribution to the successful delivery of a major education mobility scheme, providing strategic leadership and robust contract management in collaboration with a wide range of UK-based partners (subject to funding being available). This pivotal role demands a results-driven professional with education sector insight and extensive experience in assessment quality, inclusive safety, and operational control. You should be capable of deploying effective tools to monitor progress, manage dependencies, and mitigate risks - ensuring full assurance to the ACU senior team and stakeholders.

Who are we looking for?

You Will Need

• Degree level education (with post-graduate qualifications an advantage) or equivalent in professional experience.
• Significant project management experience at a senior level in an educational setting – professional track record and / or appropriate qualifications.
• Demonstrable experience of managing multiple priorities and work under pressure and to deadlines.
• Proven financial skills, with knowledge and experience of budget development, and financial monitoring and reporting.
• Experience of leading, empowering, and motivating teams to promote a high-performance culture.
• Understanding or interest of education sector (HE / Schools / FE / VET) in the UK.
• Strong commitment to widening participation and the values of the ACU – Collaboration, Creativity, Excellence, Equity

What To Expect

We see equity, diversity and inclusion as fundamental to our mission and we value the many different perspectives that people from all backgrounds bring to our collective performance (you can find more about our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion and safeguarding on our website by clicking here). We believe in investing in all our people and creating cultures in which everyone can thrive.

We Offer a Fantastic Package Of Benefits Including

• 27 days annual leave, 8 bank holidays (pro rata - part time employees) and 4 Christmas closure days
• Generous pension scheme – 5% employee contribution, 10% employer contribution
• Enhanced maternity, paternity, and shared parental leave
• Significant investment into your personal and professional development
• Regular social activities
• Health and wellbeing programmes
• Give as you earn charitable donations scheme
• Cycle to work scheme
• Interest-free travel season ticket loan

How To Apply

Apply via our recruitment portal, submitting your CV (maximum 2 pages) and online application form (maximum 1000 words) outlining how your skills, knowledge and experience meet the criteria for the role. Please include your motivation for applying.

Closing date : 4 January 2026 @ 23 : 45

Interview dates TBC

Interviews will take place virtually.