City Academic Manager - #2196088

Position: City Academic Manager

Salary: 44,500-56,000 per annum

Employment Type: Full-time (12-Month Fixed-Term Contract, On-Site)

Working Days: Monday - Friday

Location: Birmingham

About the Elizabeth School of London

Elizabeth School of London (ESL) is a higher education provider partnering with leading higher education institutions committed to delivering high quality programmes across six major UK cities- London, Birmingham, Leeds, Leicester, Manchester and Northampton. We provide one-to-one academic and careers advice to widen access to higher education for groups currently underrepresented. We believe that education is transformational and can make a fundamental difference to the individuals and communities we serve, which is why we pay the utmost attention to student satisfaction. As an inclusive organisation, we believe in education for all, but not one size fits all, so we place great emphasis on providing opportunities and support for anyone with the ambition to achieve their true potential.

Purpose of the role

As a City Academic Manager, you will be responsible for overseeing all academic and operational aspects of the campuses, ensuring smooth operations, and fostering a conducive learning environment. This role involves direct line management of the Associate Academic Managers (AAMs) and the Academic Coordinators (ACs) in collaboration with various teams to uphold academic standards and improve student outcomes. Reporting to the Head of Academic Services (HoAS) you will play a crucial role in formulating reports, monitoring performance metrics, and implementing policies to achieve institutional objectives.

Main duties and responsibilities:

Academic Management:

• To oversee all academic activities on campus, including curriculum delivery, student assessment, and adherence to academic standards.
• To work in collaboration with Partnership Academic Managers (PAMs) to ensure that all university partners standards and expectations are being met together with achieving ESL standards under the directions of the HoAS
• To monitor the performance of lecturers, ensuring quality teaching and compliance with established academic guidelines
• To support and guide AAMs and ACs to line manage lecturers and recruiting suitable candidates to perform the jobs
• To coordinate with relevant departments to collect course progression reports and populate weekly reports on student performance to be reported to Senior Leadership Team (SLT).
• To prepare monthly reports for SLT where performance of the staff and students based on each cohort are tracked, and appropriate actions taken.

Team Management:

• To work closely with AAMs & ACs providing guidance, support, and performance feedback
• To regularly monitor staff performance and report/feedback to relevant departments
• To attend all relevant meetings and training sessions set to improve performance, communication as well as personal development
• To resolve staff queries and concerns related to academic operations, fostering a collaborative work environment.

Performance Monitoring and Reporting:

• Regularly monitor site’s (city) performance indicators such as retention rates, success, progression rates and academic standards
• Formulate monthly reports on sites and programme performance for presentation to the HoAS/SLT, highlighting achievements and areas for improvement, together with appropriate actions taken.

Policy Implementation:

• Implement policies and procedures mandated by the Senior Leadership Team to ensure consistency and compliance across academic operations.
• Stay updated with regulatory requirements and industry best practices to inform policy decisions.

Examination Management:

• Ensure timely administration of assessments, marking, and grade reporting in accordance with academic calendars and partner university requirements.
• Conduct internal examination boards as necessary to assess student performance and maintain academic integrity.

Essential:

• Master’s degree in education, business, or a related field.
• Proven experience in educational management, especially in WP (Widening Participation) settings.
• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate others.
• Excellent organisational and problem-solving abilities.
• Sound knowledge of safeguarding policies and procedures.
• Effective communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Ability to remain calm and composed during emergencies and busy times.
• Familiarity with relevant regulations and compliance standards in the higher education sector.
• Commitment to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion within the campus community.

Desirable:

• PhD in relevant fields.
• PGCE (Postgraduate Certificate in Education).

Benefits

• Annual leave (7.2 weeks)
• Workplace pension scheme.
• Company Sick Pay
• Employee Assistance Programme (HA Wisdom Wellbeing)
• Virtual GP access (Livi)
• 'Speak Up Service' - confidential support service to report any workplace concerns
• Specialist physical and mental wellbeing support services with 24/7 confidential counselling support (Wisdom)
• Specialist menopause support, including online CBT (Wisdom)
• Financial, legal and medical advice services provided (Wisdom)
• Life & Leadership coaching (Wisdom)
• Financial coaching (MUNNY)
• Discounts and perks, offering savings on shopping, activities and more (Bright Exchange)
• Self development and Self taught trainings

Why Join Us

At ESL, we are proud of our dynamic and growing community. As we rapidly expand, we’re building a culture that’s all about growth, collaboration, and innovation. Our employees work together in an environment where ideas flow freely, and team spirit is the core of everything we do. The academic environment we cultivate encourages personal and professional growth, making it an exciting time to join us. Being a part of our team, you will have the opportunity to help shape our future, contribute to our continued success, and enjoy the benefits of being part of a forward-thinking institution.