Head of Academic Skills

Applications are invited for the role of Head of Academic Skills, reporting to the Senior Tutor.

Purpose of the Role

The Head of Academic Skills will be responsible for the learning and development framework for Downing students, supporting them in their Cambridge courses and equipping them with skills to thrive in their lives beyond university. In addition to direct engagement with individual students to address their needs, the Head of Academic Skills will have oversight of strategic planning and implementation of courses, programmes and activities in collaboration with others (e.g. Directors of Studies, Librarians, the University’s Centre for Teaching and Learning and Careers Services, and those involved in Outreach) working in the domains of knowledge development or enhancement. The Head of Academic Skills will oversee a programme of academic activity and structured support, complementing what is provided through students’ degree courses, for both undergraduate and postgraduate students.

The post holder will be elected to a College Associate Professorship and Fellowship of the College. The appointment will be for a fixed-term period of three years in the first instance, with a possibility of renewal.

The role holder will spend a roughly equal amount of time across three areas: direct delivery of supervisions in study skills in their area of expertise; co-ordination of delivery of skills training by others with complementary skills; development of new opportunities for student support in the domain of skills development.

The successful applicant will be educated to Masters (preferably PhD) Degree level.  A teaching qualification is desirable.

Further information about the responsibilities of the role can be found here.

In addition to the salary, we offer an attractive benefits package including:

• 35 days’ holiday (including bank holidays) to be taken outside of term-time
• Pension scheme
• Employee Assistance programme
• Healthcare Cash scheme (e.g. for prescriptions, dental, optical, physiotherapy)
• Subsidised private medical scheme
• Cycle Scheme
• Free use of on-site Gym facilities
• Free on-site Car parking

A full list of benefits is available from the College’s HR Office. (Please note that those benefits which are non-contractual may be amended or withdrawn at our discretion). 

Application Process

To apply for this position, please complete and email the application form by clicking the 'Apply' button above, along with a copy of your CV, to the HR Office at recruitment@dow.cam.ac.uk by midday on 19 March 2025.

Candidates should provide the names and contact details of two expert referees, who will be contacted in the event of shortlisting.

We envisage that interviews will be held the week commencing 4 April 2025.

The College values diversity and is committed to equality of opportunity. The College has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.

Applications are welcomed from a broad range of backgrounds.

All applicants will be contacted once shortlisting has taken place.

Please note that the closing date for this post may be extended if there are insufficient applicants or brought forward if there is a high volume of applicants.

For further information or in event of queries, please contact:

The HR Office

Email: recruitment@dow.cam.ac.uk

Tel: 01223 334820

Downing College

Cambridge
CB2 1DQ

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