Head of Academic Operations

The Head of Academic Operations reports to the director and is responsible for providing academic input into the development and implementation of the vision, mission and values of Ignition Pro. They will also manage academic operations and ensure that all academic quality, student experience and timetabling issues are managed effectively. They will also line-manage the programme leaders and ensure that the curriculum is developed and delivered to the highest quality. They will also provide leadership to all the academics and ensure mentoring and professional development activities are effectively implemented to ensure staff satisfaction and retention.

• The Head of Academic Operations (HAO) represents all the academics in the Institute Executive Team
• The HAO will ensure effective day-to-day operations of teaching
• HAO will be responsible for ensuring high-quality student experience and being the point of contact for any student complaints
• HAO has to ensure that the content of modules is up to date and that new advances in teaching technology and academic discussions are accommodated, constantly reflecting on one’s lessons and amending schemes of learning, lesson plans and teaching/learning materials.
• Be responsible for implementing all its academic and operational policies, rules, and regulations. Of particular importance in this regard is the conduct of examinations and marking and moderation regimes; implementation of the staff attendance and absence policy; observance of the staff code of conduct; observance of quality assurance processes and procedures.
• To chair academic meetings focusing on learning and teaching, ensuring a detailed agenda and minutes are produced and distributed in a timely manner.
• The HAO is directly responsible within the Institute for duties including:
• Strategic and annual planning
• Individual staff work allocation to allow for an appropriate work/life balance
• Budget development and expenditure
• Financial approvals for expenditure from the academic budget
• Ensuring quality and standards are upheld
• Academic staff appointments; identifying needs, defining the specification and justification, organising recruitment, overseeing interview panel arrangements, and recommending appointments.
• Formal staff Professional Development Reviews and processes
• Staff disciplinary issues
• Student disciplinary issues and complaints
• Assignments of administrative duties to other staff
• Implementation of staff attendance and absence policy
• Leave of absence approvals
• Dissemination of information especially changes to policy and regulations

• PhD or Professional Doctorate in a cognate area
• Effective senior leadership experience of at least 5 years overseeing academic operations.
• Strong track record of teaching in Higher Education for 5 or more years
• Experience working with industry partners and stakeholders and a commitment to promoting industry engagement and innovation.
• Knowledge of different national and global academic provisions and systems
• Track record of working with international academic institutions
• Ability to travel and represent the institution regionally, nationally and globally.