Head of Centre

Do you have extensive experience managing a large team of education staff?  Do you have extensive experience in working with International Students?

If so, then this is a fantastic opportunity for an enthusiastic and committed leader to join a high performing study centre that has a strong reputation for helping students succeed in their chosen career. The University offers professional work placements with most of its degree courses and has a practical approach to learning and teaching. This centre is one of the top providers of work placement courses in the UK, and is now requiring a motivated manager to drive the successful performance of the centre. Based in the heart of Huddersfield the campus has striking buildings that provide a fantastic environment to work in.

Study Group is a global leader in providing a transformational learning experience for international students, leaving them with academic success and rewarding careers. 2016 was a successful year with 70,000 students enrolling across 163 countries. Above all, providing a fantastic learning experience to our students is at the heart of what we do, so if you are passionate, dedicated, and interested in embarking in a truly fulfilling position, then you’ve come to the right place.

JOB ROLE

The Head of Centre’s role is the most senior representation of Study Group in Centre. It is accountable for delivering high quality academic provision and student satisfaction whilst meeting commercial expectations of agreed KPI’s

KEY RESPONSIBILITES

Management

1. To appoint and provide leadership to ISC staff and attend regular meetings with the Network or Cluster Director, Study Group and other Heads of Centre.
2. To follow a Business Plan for the ISC with a budget set by Study Group.  Liaison with Study Group staff in Accounts, Admissions and Marketing. Liaison with University staff in Recruitment and International Office, Student Experience and Enhancement Services and Faculties.
3. To organise the induction of students and staff, placing of students into appropriate classes, timetabling and the teaching of the Undergraduate Certificate course each term.
4. To manage the applications of all Undergraduate Certificate students to the University’s degree course and the completion of agreed procedures.  Liaison with University staff in the Registry, Estates and Academic Departments.
5. To demonstrate safe and healthy working practices at all times and manage the workplace so that it is a safe and healthy environment for staff and students, working in partnership where necessary with any host premises to achieve this.

Academic

1. To ensure the delivery of high quality academic and language programmes in line with QAA regulations.
2. To ensure the achievement of good academic outcomes and progression results for each of our University partners within the region.  
3. To drive innovation to support the development of a wide range of teaching and learning opportunities. 
4. To ensure compliance with quality assurance and safeguarding procedures and processes within every ISC in the region. 
5. To lead, support and positively encourage each centre through re-recognition and re-validation events as appropriate ensuring that all members of staff are fully engaged and are aware of their role in the process.

Staff Monitoring

1. To check that all staff have work schemes for all modules, to check progress of all courses, to organise the conduct of exams, consulting as necessary with the Network or Cluster Director, to liaise with the Network or Cluster Director on new curriculum changes and training.  To ensure teaching is effective and efficient, observing classes as appropriate and appraising staff annually and maintaining staff records.
2. To oversee staff performance and behaviour and ensure that staff demonstrate and adhere to safe and healthy working practices at all times.

Student Monitoring

1. To check via weekly registers and via staff that students are attending, completing work set, preparing and attending all tests, mid-term assessments and module exams, recording all issues and taking action with problems, maintaining student records and results to include reports, Centre Board, MABs and PABs and finally liaising students results and progression with University link tutors, partnership office and external examiner(s). Reporting to ISC Steering Group and University International Recruitment Committee.
2. To check the pastoral welfare of all students including liaison with University welfare and accommodation staff.
3. To ensure that all necessary resources are available to staff and students.

Staff Recruitment and Appraisal

1. To recruit staff and ensure that their induction follows Study Group academic, safeguarding, safety and health programme requirements.

EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

• Experience of leading a comparably sized educational establishment (circa 500 students)
• Demonstrable understanding of academic management and knowledge of educating international students
• Proven experience of delivering academic excellence whilst meeting financial and commercial targets
• Experience of managing, developing, inspiring and motivating staff and building high performance teams
• Evidence of effecting cultural change and implementing new operating systems and procedures
• Working as part of a virtual team and sharing best practice

SKILLS

• Strong decision making and problem solving skills with an ability to innovate within an academic context
• Ability to lead with a clear sense of purpose and direction
• Proven ability to influence with willingness to challenge existing assumptions and take difficult decisions where necessary
• Ability to establish credibility and build effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders
• Ability to deal with ambiguity and operate effectively within fast-changing environments
• A demonstrable capacity to develop long term plans for the Centre, identify innovative solutions to challenges at the same time as working operationally on day to day matters/issues

QUALIFICATIONS

• Qualified Teacher Status

Organisational Compliance:

Study Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of its students, and expects all staff and volunteers to share the same commitment.

Applicants will be required to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the role, including checks with past employers, an Enhanced Check from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and overseas criminal records if appropriate