Academic Dean

Position Overview: The Academic Dean will serve as a pivotal figure within William College (to manage one of its partner programme). The incumbent will be responsible for overseeing all academic affairs, ensuring the quality and coherence of educational programmes, and maintaining effective communication between William College and the partner university. The Dean will play a critical role in fostering a dynamic learning environment and promoting academic excellence.

Key Responsibilities:

Academic Leadership:

• Provide visionary leadership to advance the academic mission of the partner university within the framework established by William College .
• Develop and implement strategies to enhance academic quality, student learning outcomes, and faculty excellence.
• Collaborate with department chairs, faculty, and staff to facilitate curriculum development, assessment, and programme review processes.
• Foster a culture of innovation and continuous improvement in teaching, learning, and scholarly activities.

Partner Relations:

• Serve as the primary liaison between the partner university and William College , ensuring alignment with William College 's educational objectives and standards.
• Facilitate regular communication and collaboration between William College and the partner university to address academic needs, challenges, and opportunities.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including faculty, staff, students, William College leadership, and external partners.

Academic Programme Management:

• Oversee the development, implementation, and evaluation of academic programmes offered by the partner university, in coordination with William College guidelines and requirements.
• Monitor programme effectiveness and student success metrics, making data-driven decisions to enhance programme quality and relevance.
• Ensure compliance with accreditation standards, regulatory requirements, and industry best practices in academic programme management.

Faculty and Staff Development:

• Support faculty recruitment, retention, and professional development efforts, promoting a culture of teaching excellence, scholarship, and service.
• Provide mentorship, guidance, and resources to faculty and staff to facilitate their professional growth and success.
• Foster a collaborative and inclusive work environment that values diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Budget and Resource Management:

• Collaborate with William College and partner university leadership to develop and manage academic budgets, ensuring prudent allocation of resources to support academic programmes and initiatives.
• Identify opportunities for resource optimization, cost containment, and revenue generation to support long-term sustainability and growth.

Person Specification Essential Criteria

Qualifications:

• Undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline.
• Postgraduate degree or equivalent professional qualification.
• Senior Fellowship of Advance HE (or commitment to achieve such Senior Fellowship within twelve months of appointment).

Experience and attributes;

• Track record of working with OfS, and/or QAA.
• Track record of motivational leadership with the ability to engage with, and motivate, staff and students.
• A proven level of successful management experience gained in higher education or an organisation in a similar environment.
• Experience and track record to hold credibility within an academic environment.
• Sound financial awareness with a proven ability to manage budgets and resources.
• Experience of using a virtual learning environment
• Experience of using an online library.
• Computer literate (to include competence in the use of Microsoft Office, in particular Word, PowerPoint and Outlook; SharePoint; and Microsoft Teams).
• Ability to use Student Management Systems.
• Excellent writing, communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to engage, influence and work positively with a wide range of people.
• Ability to work independently as well as take direction and work collaboratively across divisional and departmental boundaries.
• Excellent organisational skills and the ability to effectively prioritise.
• Ability to manage change and adapt to a fast-changing environment.

Personal qualities;

• Welcoming and hospitable attitude.
• Ability to own and find solutions to problems.
• Genuine commitment to equal opportunities, widening participation and the Institute’s Inclusive Learning Environment.
• Good time management, with an ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines, whilst maintaining high attention to detail.

Desirable criteria

• Doctorate in a relevant discipline.

Benefits:

• Annual leave (5.6 weeks) + bank holidays.
• Workplace pension scheme.
• Company Sick Policy (from January 2025).
• Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) (until December 2024).
• Statutory maternity/paternity pays.
• Career development opportunities
• Training and self-development opportunities.
• Gym membership discounts
• Retail discount schemes
• Cinema discounts
• Grocery discounts
• Cycle to work
• Investing and savings opportunities
• Financial wellbeing – personal debt advise.
• Financial wellbeing education
• My Mind Pal (mental fitness)

William College is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all individuals regardless of race, colour, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Please email your application to lotus.a@williamcollege.com via the ‘Apply’ button above.