Director of Academic Programmes (Better Futures)

The University of Cambridge Institute of Continuing Education exists to serve adult learners across their life course, studying primarily on a part-time basis, providing access to Cambridge's expertise and resources, delivering accessible transformational learning experiences

We now seek to appoint a Director of Academic Programmes (Better Futures) on a 12-month fixed-term contract.  Reporting to the Director of Continuing Education (Head of Institute), the post holder will have lead responsibility for developing, delivering and continuously improving a new encore education programme for adult learners.

The postholder will ensure the Better Futures programme responds to the needs of adult learners, often senior leaders seeking to engage with the next phase of their personal and professional development.  The Director will ensure the programme is well designed and that innovative pedagogies are consistently deployed to optimise the learning experience.  They will assume overall responsibility for the quality of teaching and learning experience of Better Futures participants.

Working with the Institute's Directors of External Engagement, Academic Centres, Summer Programmes and Lifelong Learning, Finance and IT and Continuing Education Governance, the Director of Academic Programmes (Better Futures) will endeavour to undertake an entrepreneurial approach to meet key performance indicators, meeting enrolments targets and delivering financial sustainability.  They will ensure that appropriate policies and procedures are utilised so that the programme is well administered and governed, working to agreed budget parameters and regulatory requirements.

The Director will act as line manager of a small programme team employees and plan the work of hourly-paid academics and expert consultants.  Importantly, they will be responsible for the organisation of impactful partnership working across the wider collegiate University.

The successful applicants will have demonstrated experience of leadership and management within UK higher education settings, being able to evidence a collaborative and effective approach to strategic planning, operational delivery and overall budgeting and governance.  They will have an advanced awareness of key issues in lifelong learning, particularly in the field of encore education.  They will also be able to articulate an inclusive and transparent approach to line management and performance management.

While the role is primarily focused on leadership, management and administration, there may be limited scope for the Director to undertake teaching their areas of expertise.  They will be expected to chair relevant committees and working groups, and professionally represent the Institute across the collegiate University and externally at relevant fora and conferences.  It is anticipated the role holders will work in-person from the Institute's offices and other University sites for a minimum of 40% of their contracted hours

The role holder will be appointed to the University's Teaching and Scholarship pathway at Associate Teaching Professor level.

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 12 months in the first instance.

Applications are welcome from internal candidates who would like to apply for the role on the basis of a secondment from their current role in the University. 

We welcome applications from individuals who wish to be considered for part-time working or other flexible working arrangements.

Please quote reference EA43152 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.

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