Associate Dean- Student Success, Placement and Alumni

Scholars School System is a project of UK CURRICULUM & ACCREDITATION BODY (UKCAB, a registered charity founded in 2006) and has vibrant campuses across the United Kingdom in Birmingham, Manchester, London, Bradford, and Leicester.

We are in search of a dedicated Associate Dean- Student Success, Placements, and Alumni for our Birmingham and Manchester campuses to join our mission of delivering world-class education from Foundation Year to Level 7, in collaboration with prestigious partners like Leeds Trinity University. Over 5000 (UK and EU) learners have successfully completed their learning journey in the last five years with the current student population being over 3000.

Our core values are very important because

1. We share a common set of values across everything we do which helps to define who we are and how we behave.

2. We put our students and our community at the heart of all that we do.

3. We foster excellence, innovation, and creativity.

4. We celebrate diversity, inclusion, equality, and the breaking down of barriers to success.

5. We have high expectations of ourselves, our students, and our partners.

 

Reporting to: CEO

The Role:

The purpose of this role is to oversee the operational management and strategic development of the Department of Student Success, Placements, and Alumni. This department is founded upon a holistic approach to student success, which integrates support for employability, career guidance, and alumni engagement initiatives.

 

The Scholars School's commitment lies in prioritising effective policy alignment, ensuring high-quality placement opportunities, delivering comprehensive career services, fostering strategic partnerships, and actively engaging with our alumni network. Through these efforts, the role aims to cultivate the holistic development of our students and facilitate their successful transition into the professional world.

Key Responsibilities:

Responsible for developing and overseeing programs that enable students to enhance their employability skills, within formal approved curriculum and extra-curricular initiatives, and elevate their career aspirations, thereby fostering a positive transformation in their lives.
Play a pivotal role in cultivating a robust and interconnected community of alumni across campuses through various collaboration, networking, and mentorship programs.
The Associate Dean of Student Success (Placements and Alumni) will be responsible for leadership of the student Placement Team at each campus location, and the Employability and Placement Manager.
The Associate Dean of Student Success (Placements and Alumni) collaborates with the senior management team, other Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) and external stakeholders, to ensure the appropriate and effective implementation of policies and procedures.
Establish processes that support an effective and efficient work environment for Student Success staff at each campus location
Lead strategic planning processes, including review of current policies and practices, goal setting, and initiative development for Student Success (aligned to OFS B3 criteria)
Maintain clear communication regarding Student Success service roles, responsibilities, goals, and outcomes, and field questions, concerns, and feedback regarding Student Success services and departmental needs
Promote student success across the college and initiate extra-curricular programs and services to support students as part of a Senior Management team
Chair committee meetings and undertake additional responsibilities aligned with the position's scope.
 

Essential Criteria:

Ph.D. in Higher education or related field
Administrative experience and a strong record of increasingly responsible leadership in academic administrations, including supervisory and management experience
Leadership skills, interpersonal skills, and ability to work collaboratively with staff in the office and across the university college
Experience working in a diverse higher education environment and a commitment to advancing racial equity and justice
Ability to deal sensitively with confidential information and ensure that the office maintains a high degree of professionalism and discretion
Strong written and oral communication skills
 

Compensation and Perks:

Salary: Competitive.
Working Hours: 9 am to 6 pm, on-site.
Travel requirements for business purposes.
Annual Leave: 28 days plus bank holidays.
Incentives: Up to £5k annually, based on quarterly KPIs post-probation.
Salary Growth: 3% annual increase, subject to KPI achievement.
A generous relocation allowance is available for candidates considering a move to either Birmingham or Manchester campuses.
Additional Benefits:

Company pension scheme.
Access to discounted or complimentary food.
Performance-related bonus structure.
Job Type: Full-time, Permanent

Reference ID: SSS/ADSPA/2024