Global Academic Director

Reports to: Vice-President, Pre-College and Collegiate Division

Direct Reports: Programme Manager and Coordinator; oversight of a large pool of adjunct faculty

Location: London with travel to Manchester, New York City, Madrid, and other locations as required

Role Overview

BrandEd is Sotheby’s Institute of Art, The School of the New York Times, Manchester City Sports Business School, Vogue College of Fashion and WIRED Education.

The Global Academic Director, Collegiate Programmes is responsible for the development, implementation, and oversight of educational curricula tailored to university-level students, working across BrandEd’s schools. The role will lead the design and delivery of transformative, industry-driven programmes inspired by the iconic global organisations that BrandEd works with: Sotheby’s, The New York Times, Manchester City FC, Vogue, and WIRED.

The Global Academic Director will ensure these programmes align with BrandEd’s mission, offering students unparalleled access to professional expertise, experiential learning opportunities, and pathways to academic and career success. The role holder will also contribute directly to academic delivery and will lead on accreditation/validation and assessment processes to ensure rigorous academic standards.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

Curriculum Development and Programme Delivery:

• Design and Develop Curricula: Lead the creation of innovative and experiential curricula designed to bridge academic learning with real-world application, leveraging BrandEd's partnerships.
• Academic Standards: Ensure collegiate programmes meet rigorous academic benchmarks, including compliance with relevant accreditation/validation standards and academic quality frameworks.
• Accreditation/Validation Leadership: Collaborate with partner universities and schools of record to secure accreditation for programmes, ensuring alignment with their requirements and maintaining ongoing accreditation compliance.
• Student Needs: Create programmes accessible to diverse student cohorts, promoting inclusion and supporting positive student conduct.
• Programme Delivery: Work with Operations teams to ensure effective delivery of academic and extracurricular components.
• Evaluation: Use data-driven methods to assess programme effectiveness, student outcomes, and areas for improvement.

Teaching and Assessment:

• Teaching Expertise: Deliver high-quality teaching within the role holder’s fields of expertise, ensuring content is engaging, relevant, and tailored to undergraduate students.
• Assessment Leadership: Develop and implement assessment strategies that align with accreditation/validation requirements and support student learning.
• Moderation and Feedback: Act as an assessment moderator, reviewing and approving grades, providing constructive feedback to students, and maintaining academic integrity.

Collaboration and Partnership Management:

• Brand Integration: Collaborate with partners to ensure their resources and expertise enhance programme relevance and authenticity.
• Internal Coordination: Work across departments (Operations, Marketing, Residential Life) to deliver seamless programmes.
• External Relations: Build and sustain relationships with universities, industry leaders, and stakeholders to amplify programme impact.

Leadership and Management:

• Programme Leadership: Serve as a thought leader for collegiate education, hosting workshops, events, and industry panels.
• Team Oversight: Manage academic staff and adjunct faculty, fostering an environment of excellence and collaboration.
• Development and Support: Provide professional development opportunities for team members, encouraging innovative practices.
• Resource Management: Oversee budgets, ensuring efficient use of resources to maximise programme quality.

Strategic Planning and Innovation:

• Growth Initiatives: Identify new programme opportunities aligned with BrandEd’s strategic goals.
• Innovation: Incorporate emerging trends in education and technology to enhance teaching and learning experiences.
• Inclusion: Promote diversity through curriculum design and equitable access to opportunities for all students.

Person Specification

• Education: A PhD or EdD in a relevant field is preferred, though candidates with equivalent academic attainment—such as other postgraduate qualifications, significant professional experience, or recognised industry credentials—will be considered.
• Teaching Experience: Proven experience teaching undergraduate students, with a focus on engaging and inspiring learners through innovative, student-centred methods.
• Accreditation/Validation Expertise: Familiarity with accreditation processes and experience leading accreditation/validation efforts with universities or schools of record.
• Assessment Knowledge: Strong understanding of academic assessment frameworks, including the ability to assess student work, act as a moderator, and support continuous improvement.
• Global Perspective: Experience working in an international or cross-cultural educational context, with a commitment to inclusivity and accessibility.
• Leadership Skills: Demonstrated ability to manage and mentor teams, build collaborative relationships, and drive programme success.
• Flexibility: Willingness to travel internationally to programme sites and partner locations, particularly Manchester, New York City, and Madrid.

Application Process

Please submit your CV and a covering letter demonstrating your interest in this position and how you meet the person specification to: ukvacancies@branded-edu.com via the 'Apply' button. The closing date for applications is Monday 3 March 2025.

Applicants who are interested in discussing the role informally before applying may contact the VP, Pre-College and Collegiate Division, Joe Watson on jwatson@branded-edu.com.  

Benefits of working for BrandEd include:

• 25 days annual leave plus up to 4 days additional discretionary leave during the Christmas period
• Option to purchase an additional 5 days annual leave on a salary sacrifice basis
• 24/7 access to an Employee Assistance Programme
• Volunteering days
• Life insurance
• Discount for gym membership
• Access to a comprehensive and high-quality e-learning platform