Head of Lancaster Online - 0379-25

Lancaster University Conferences and Events+; Lancashire; On-site; GBP 48,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

Lancaster University seeks a Head of Lancaster Online to lead the development of its online education initiatives. This strategic role involves collaboration with key partners, establishing high-quality online programs, and championing innovative educational experiences that cater to a global learner base.

Qualifications

• Experience in delivering high-quality online education.
• Track record of embedding new systems and processes.
• Ability to inspire and mobilise teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead operations to support the growth of online degree provision.
• Establish cross-functional teams for programme design and delivery.
• Champion policies that enhance the online student experience.

Skills

Operational skillset

Leadership

Collaboration

Education

Significant experience in online education

Job description

Head of Lancaster Online

Global Engagement

Location: Bailrigg, Lancaster, UK

Salary: £48,149 to £55,755 (Full time, Fixed-Term)

Closing Date: Wednesday 09 July 2025

Interview Date: To be confirmed

Reference: 0379-25

Please note: this job is only available to current employees of Lancaster University

The Role

Lancaster University is seeking an outstanding individual to become its first Head of Lancaster Online – a strategic and operational leadership position that will help shape the future of online education at the University.

This is a rare opportunity to lead the development, coordination, and delivery of Lancaster’s rapidly developing online postgraduate portfolio, ensuring that our programmes meet the evolving needs of global learners while reflecting our mission and values. Working in close partnership with the Associate Dean for Lancaster Online, and our strategic partner, 2U/edX, you will enable the delivery of high-quality, scalable, and sustainable online education that transforms lives, achieves the business objectives, and enhances Lancaster’s global reach.

The Opportunity

Over the next three years, Lancaster University will launch a portfolio of fully online postgraduate programmes in partnership with 2U/edX. The Head of Lancaster Online will be instrumental in realising this ambitious goal – bringing people, systems, and processes together to deliver an exceptional and sustainable online offer.

This role combines strategic thinking with operational delivery. It is ideal for a candidate with a deep understanding of online education and a proven ability to build and lead cross-functional teams in a complex environment.

The focus

As Head of Lancaster Online, you will provide cross-institutional leadership and coordination to:

• Lead the planning, coordination, and delivery of operations to support the growth and success of Lancaster’s fully online degree provision.
• Establish and lead cross-functional teams to enable high-quality programme design, development, and delivery.
• Collaborate closely with 2U/edX to align operational processes with shared strategic objectives, ensuring a strong focus on learner experience, market demand, and commercial viability.
• Champion the student journey by developing and embedding policies and procedures that enhance the online student experience and ensure parity with campus-based provision.
• Support academic colleagues in realising digitally innovative, career-aligned programmes that meet the expectations of a diverse and global learner base.
• Work to identify new markets and expand the University’s global reach through online education.
  
  

About You

You will bring:

• Significant experience in delivering high-quality online education, ideally in collaboration with partners and/or online.
• A strong operational skillset, with a track record of embedding new systems, processes, and policies to support scalable delivery.
• The ability to inspire and mobilise academic and professional colleagues around a shared vision for Lancaster Online.
• A commitment to equity, inclusion, and delivering transformational educational experiences that empower learners across the world.
  
  

Join Us

Lancaster is already recognised for its global outlook, commitment to educational excellence, and innovative approaches to teaching and learning. As Head of Lancaster Online, you will help extend this reputation into the online space – reaching new learners and building a distinctive, values-led online offer.

For an informal discussion about this exciting role, please contact: Ben Matthews, Associate Director of Global Engagement, [e-mail].

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Further Details

Job Description

Person Specification

Please note: unless specified otherwise in the advert, all advertised roles are UK based.

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