Job description

The School of Politics & Economics (SPE) wishes to appoint a School Education Manager. The role-holder will oversee the delivery of Education support services for students and academic staff, and provide line management and leadership to the Education function in the School. 

The School Education Manager manages a team of 16 staff, designing policies and processes in liaison with the Faculty and University, ensuring that service delivery issues are addressed, and resources utilised effectively. They will support the delivery of high-quality customer service and ensure that the Faculty’s strategic education projects are aligned and operationalised at academic department and school level. The role-holder is required to work in collaboration with both academic and professional services staff to deliver a world-class student experience, and ensure that a student-centred approach continues to be embedded in the School of Politics & Economics. 

Successful candidates will have a proactive approach to leadership with strong experience of line management and creating high performing motivated teams. They will have a good understanding of programme administration in Higher Education, a commitment to continuous improvement and excellent communication skills. 

Reporting to the Head of School Administration and the Faculty’s Associate Director, Education, the role-holder will co-create the School’s strategic planning for education delivery, education policy and programme development. The role-holder will also be responsible for the quality assurance of new and ongoing programmes of study. 

The School of Politics & Economics includes the departments of Political Economy, European & International Studies, and King’s Russia Institute. The Education team are responsible for approximately 2,500 undergraduate and postgraduate students and are based in Bush House on the Strand campus. 

For more information about the School, please see our website:   https://www.kcl.ac.uk/politics-economics

King’s provides an extensive and varied range of career-focused training and on-the-job learning. Find out more at -   https://www.kcl.ac.uk/hr/staffbenefits/

This role is currently offered on a hybrid basis, and the role-holder will spend part of their working week on campus and part of the week working remotely. 

Interviews are expected to take place in the week of 17th October 2022.

This post will be offered on a full-time, indefinite contract.

Key responsibilities

• Lead and set the strategic direction for the School Education team, including line managing the Programme and Student Engagement Managers, fostering an inclusive team culture and a high-performing team with a culture of review and development; 
• Oversee the delivery of education support services for all students and academic staff across each stage of the student lifecycle within SPE, including oversight of induction, timetabling, examinations, etc; 
• Embed a culture of continuous improvement in the team and be a champion of change management activities; 
• Work in collaboration with academic and professional services staff to ensure that student engagement and a world-class student experience are at the heart of SPE’s work; 
• Contribute to a positive, inclusive and supportive work and study culture within the School for the benefit of all staff and students;
• Support the Head of School, Head of School Administration and Heads of Departments in the preparation of strategic planning, reviews and policy development with regards to education, as a member of the School Senior Management team; 
• Monitor education performance against targets and key performance indicators, producing reports as necessary, and advising the Head of School, and Head of School Administration; 
• Provide oversight of the School’s portfolio of taught and research programmes, ensuring that quality assurance processes are in place and providing expert guidance on regulatory compliance and academic regulations; 
• Work with department and School education leads and committees on the development and implementation of education strategy, providing expert advice and guidance; 
• Work with department and School education leads on the development of programmes and education activity, providing advice and ensuring that new developments are appropriately resourced; 
• Work closely with Faculty and University colleagues, representing the views and opinions of the School on matters regarding quality assurance, programme administration and student experience functions on working groups and committees, and contributing to the development of policies and processes; 
• Lead on the development of initiatives to enhance the quality of educational provision in the School, and oversee the implementation of university developments and policies; 
• Take on ad-hoc projects and deputise for the Head of School Administration as required. 

The above list of responsibilities may not be exhaustive, and the post holder will be required to undertake such tasks and responsibilities as may reasonably be expected within the scope and grading of the post.

Skills, knowledge, and experience 

Essential criteria

1.       Educated to degree level or equivalent experience. 

2.       Substantial administrative experience in an HE environment. 

3.       Proactive and authentic approach to leadership, strong experience of line management and creating high performing teams, including motivating staff, performance management and maintaining a positive, proactive culture of continual review and development. 

4.       Experience of managing strategic projects, including developing innovative solutions and practical implementation of change. 

5.       Proven ability to translate and communicate complex regulations, processes and information in suitable formats for a variety of audiences. 

6.       An understanding of and desire to improve the student experience. 

7.       Relationship and customer-service oriented, collaborative and enjoys working with colleagues at all levels across different functions with the ability to build strong networks, and to motivate, influence and negotiate with stakeholders at all levels. 

8.       Awareness and understanding of HE policies and current issues in the sector, and experience of working within regulatory and statutory frameworks. 

9.       Excellent task management skills and proven ability to use initiative, prioritise workloads and respond positively to situations arising at short notice. 

10.    Evidence of continuous professional development. 

11.   Strong commitment to equality and diversity in the workplace. 

Desirable criteria

1.   Postgraduate qualification in a relevant area 

2.   Experience of delivering education services in an online or blended learning setting