Academic Dean

LCCA is a contemporary institution, offering a range of programmes. Our students embark on a journey which is designed to meet their academic and personal demands. At the very heart of our vision is a student-centred learning and teaching methodology which is progressive, forward-thinking, modern, and designed to meet our learners’ needs.

Our academic team consists of modern, progressive, professionals who have what it takes to motivate students from a variety of backgrounds, to inspire belief in students who are striving for professional and personal recognition and to drive students towards successful lives.

You will have a distinct skill set; a ‘can-do’ attitude - and should demonstrate the consistent ability to put the core elements of our learning and teaching philosophy into practice, both in the strategic implementation of experiential teaching activities and in the management of high-class teaching delivery.

The underpinning philosophy of LCCA is as follows:

• Through experiential teaching we aim to provide students with a ‘real-life’ skill set which is transferable out of the classroom and into the world of work.
• Through ‘chunked learning’ we aim to ensure students are thoroughly engaged and motivated by their teachers.
• Through ‘deliberate reflection’ we aim to get students thinking about their role in the learning experience and to embed their knowledge for future use.
• Through regular and precise feedback, we aim to offer students ways to improve their skills and knowledge on a daily basis.

Position:

The Dean of Social Sciences will lead and oversee the academic and administrative functions of the Social Sciences programmes within the College. The postholder will ensure high-quality teaching and learning experiences that align with the College's student-centred philosophy, while maintaining academic standards in accordance with regulatory requirements and the expectations of awarding bodies.

Requirements:

• To provide vision, leadership and strategic direction for the Social Sciences department, ensuring alignment with the College's overall strategy and pedagogic approach.
• To oversee the quality of teaching and learning on all programmes within the department, working with teams to build best practice and support high rates of student achievement, engagement and satisfaction.
• To lead and manage Course Directors within the Social Sciences department, ensuring effective delivery of programmes that meet student needs and regulatory requirements.
• To monitor and enhance student retention, progression and completion rates through effective academic practices and support systems.
• To foster a learning culture that ensures excellent student experiences and strong academic and employment outcomes.
• To collaborate with partner universities and other HE institutions in curriculum development and delivery.
• To participate in the College Senior Leadership Team and deputize for the Principal, as and when appropriate.
• To contribute to the development and implementation of the College's Access, Participation and Success Strategy.
• To lead on Equality, Diversity and Inclusion initiatives within the department for the benefit of current and prospective staff and students.
• To ensure all programmes of study are well-designed and appropriate to the needs of the College's diverse student base.
• To represent the College on committees, working parties and groups, as required.
• To ensure key performance indicators (KPIs) are met, including increasing student satisfaction scores (MEQs/NSS), faculty research output, graduate employability rates, and student retention, continuation, completion and progression rates.
• To lead the recruitment, support, and evaluation of academic faculty staff.
• To work alongside stakeholders to ensure student support, career and employability guidance and the embedding of employability skills within the curriculum.

Qualifications/Education

Essential

• Educated to degree level (minimum, ideally holding a master’s degree and Doctorate in a relevant field)
• Teaching qualification or demonstrable professional experience
• Significant relevant experience of strategic leadership in teaching and learning within higher education
• A track record of successful senior line management at head of School or equivalent level
• Experience in fostering strong collaborative working relationships with external partner organizations at a senior level
• Proven success in driving quality improvement in teaching and student success in a widening participation environment.

Desirable

• Higher Degree/Professional Qualification in Management or Education
• Experience of online learning systems and platforms
• Experience of leading planning and development of new course provision.

Knowledge & Skills

• Strong leadership qualities and skills consistent with a senior management position including the management, development and motivation of teams and individuals to drive high performance.
• Strongly self-motivated, bringing credibility, energy, resilience and commitment.
• High level communication skills, with the ability to represent the College effectively externally.
• In-depth understanding of teaching and learning in higher education and how excellence may be attained.
• Knowledge of the QAA Framework for Higher Education Qualifications, Codes of Practice and relevant Subject and Qualification Benchmarks.
• Ability to work positively with stakeholders to achieve outcomes and deliver change through people.
• A positive 'can do' attitude and approach and the ability to work at pace.