The University of Wolverhampton is seeking to appoint an exceptional and experienced academic leader to join the Faculty of Arts, Business and Social Sciences as Associate Dean (Education).
This is a strategic leadership role that will support the faculty to deliver against the University 2035 strategy of producing world leading research, that informs teaching and to realise our vision of creating opportunity, transforming lives, and delivering a more inclusive, productive and sustainable society.
This is a senior leadership role with responsibility for ensuring the highest standards of academic quality, regulatory compliance, student success and educational enhancement across a diverse portfolio of provision. This included campus-based programmes, online learning, UK partner delivery and transnational education (TNE). Our academic disciplines include Business, Law, Education, Social Work, Social Sciences, Humanities and the Creative Industries.
As Associate Dean (Education), you will be the faculty’s strategic lead for quality assurance and enhancement, ensuring that all provision delivers an outstanding student experience, achieves strong student outcomes, and fully complies with university, regulatory and professional body requirements.
This role offers the opportunity to shape the educational direction of the faculty at a time of significant opportunity and transformation.
Working closely with the Dean, the three Heads of School, professional services colleagues, technicians, partner organisations and students, you will drive a culture of continuous improvement, evidence-based decision making and academic excellence. You will lead the faculty's response to sector challenges and ensure that quality and compliance remain at the heart of all learning, teaching and assessment activities.
A particular focus of the role will be providing strategic oversight and assurance of the quality and standards of our partner provision. This will include UK partners, online programmes and transnational education partners to ensure a consistent and high-quality student experience regardless of location or mode of study in compliance with the Office for Students Regulatory Framework.
Key Responsibilities
You will:
- Lead the faculty's quality assurance and enhancement strategy across all programmes and locations of delivery.
- Ensure full compliance with the Office for Students regulatory framework, including student outcomes requirements, quality standards and conditions of registration.
- Provide leadership and oversight for quality and standards across UK partnerships, online provision and transnational education (TNE), ensuring effective monitoring, governance and accountability.
About You
You will be an accomplished higher education leader with significant experience of leading educational quality, standards and enhancement within a complex academic environment.
You will bring:
- A strong track record of delivering improvements in academic quality, student outcomes and institutional performance.
- Extensive experience of quality assurance, regulatory compliance and academic governance.
- Experience of working with PSRBs, accreditation processes and external quality review activity.
Why Join Us?
This role will suit an ambitious academic leader who is passionate about ensuring that every student, wherever they study, benefits from a high-quality educational experience.
You will play a critical role in safeguarding academic standards, strengthening regulatory compliance and enhancing student outcomes across an increasingly diverse portfolio of provision. Through your leadership, you will help ensure that our UK, online and international partnerships continue to meet the highest expectations for quality, governance and student success.
If you are a strategic educational leader with a strong reputation for delivering quality, compliance and continuous improvement, we would welcome your application.
To learn more about this post please email Prof Clare Schofield, Dean, ([email protected]) to arrange a conversation.
University of Wolverhampton Recruitment Statement
Freedom of Speech and Academic Freedom
The University of Wolverhampton recognises and protects the rights to freedom of speech and academic freedom, within the law.
We are committed to ensuring that lawful expression of ideas, beliefs and opinions — including those that may be controversial or unpopular — does not result in disadvantage in recruitment, employment or progression.
An offer of employment at the University of Wolverhampton will never be denied based on an individual’s lawful expression of their beliefs, ideas or opinions.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
The University of Wolverhampton is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community.
We are committed to:
- preventing unlawful discrimination and harassment.
- promoting equality of opportunity.
- fostering an inclusive environment where colleagues are treated with dignity and respect.
We strive to create a workplace in which colleagues have the confidence and freedom to be themselves, while working professionally and in accordance with equality legislation and University policies.
Guidance on AI-Assisted Applications
We recognise that applicants may use AI tools to support the preparation of their applications. However, submissions must reflect your own experience, achievements and motivations.
We want to understand what you personally bring to the role. Please ensure your application accurately represents your own voice and capabilities.
Flexible Working
We recognise the value of flexible working arrangements and are open to discussion wherever possible.
Your Benefits:
Competitive salaries
Standard Life Pension scheme – with employer contribution of up to 12% to the University's defined contribution scheme.
Long Service Recognition – £200 gift voucher, certificate, and afternoon tea with Vice Chancellor for 25 & 40 years of service.
Free Will Writing Service – Complimentary will drafting for employees and their partners.
IT & Mobile Discounts – EE Perk (20% off for family & friends) & software discounts.
Supporting Your Health & Wellbeing
Wellbeing and Mental Health Support – 24/7 access to EAP service, free counselling sessions, wellbeing support resources and Occupational Health Service.
Gym memberships discounts – at our Walsall Campus and discounts at WV Active sites in Wolverhampton.
Eyecare Support – Free eVoucher for eye tests and glasses contribution.
Flu Vouchers – Free flu vaccinations for staff.
Paycare Health Benefit Plan – Covers optical, dental, physiotherapy, and personal accident insurance.
Chaplaincy & Prayer Rooms – Access to multi-faith chaplaincy services.
Valuing You:
Generous Annual Leave (see table below)
Flexible & Agile Working – Flexible and Hybrid working arrangements.
Free On-site Parking – available across campuses.
Cycle Benefits Scheme – Save up to 42% on a bike & accessories via salary sacrifice.
Tusker Electric Vehicle Scheme – Electric cars via salary sacrifice.
Employee Discounts – Savings on groceries, fashion, and entertainment.
Travel Discounts – Up to 10% off holidays through Sodexo Circles.
Training and Development
Staff Network and Inclusion – Access to support networks and events with our LGBTQ+, Global Majority, Disability, and Women's networks.
Library Access – Staff have access to books and resources at our onsite libraries.
Staff Scholarship Scheme – Funding for part-time higher education, up to PhD level.
Leadership and Management Development – Access to training opportunities to support you with advancing in your career.
