Job Overview
At Laine Theatre Arts, the Academic Administrator provides high-level academic administration and governance support, ensuring that student and course records are accurately maintained, securely managed, and compliant with data protection legislation and institutional policies, while supporting the effective coordination of academic quality and governance processes.
The role combines detailed responsibility for academic records and assessment administration with administrative support for academic governance and regulatory processes. Working closely with the Academic Director, Director of Courses, Heads of Departments, and Course Leaders, the postholder helps ensure the efficient operation of academic systems, documentation, and committee processes.
The role requires a proactive, highly organised approach, with confidence in using digital systems and emerging technologies to support accurate, efficient, and continuously improving ways of working.
Key Responsibilities
Academic Administration and Records
- Maintain accurate and up-to-date course records, including course specifications, handbooks, and approved changes to academic policies
- Manage student academic records, ensuring data accuracy, security, and compliance with data protection requirements
- Support the full assessment lifecycle, including information publication; administrative support with scheduling, verification, moderation, and the secure release of results
- Record, process, and verify assessment results, progression decisions, and award outcomes
- Support assessment boards and related processes, ensuring documentation and outcomes are recorded and stored appropriately
- Maintain clear, compliant audit trails for academic decisions and student outcomes.
- Collect, maintain, and securely store graduate outcomes and destinations data, ensuring records are accurate, up to date, and handled in line with data protection legislation and institutional policies.
- Support the use of graduate outcomes data for internal monitoring, reporting, and quality enhancement, as required.
Quality Assurance, Systems, and Compliance
- Provide administrative support to the Academic Director and Director of Courses in overseeing academic quality and standards across all courses, including coordination of information, tracking actions and deadlines, and maintaining relevant documentation.
- Assist with the maintenance and review of academic regulations, policies, and procedures.
- Use and maintain digital systems, including SharePoint and VLE platforms, to store, organise, and disseminate academic documentation securely.
- Support the effective use of digital tools and emerging technologies, including AI, to improve administrative processes, enhance efficiency, and strengthen the accuracy and consistency of academic systems and information management.
- Provide administrative and coordination support for external examiners and validating partners, including the preparation, collation, and submission of required documentation, and support in responding to feedback and formal requirements.
- Support internal reviews, validations, and external audits through accurate documentation preparation and data provision.
Academic Governance and Committee Support
- Act as secretary to the Academic Board, Board of Studies, Student Voice Committee and Access and Participation Committee, including agenda preparation, paper circulation, minute-taking, and action tracking.
- Ensure academic decisions and documentation are accurately recorded, securely managed, and effectively communicated, including the maintenance of minutes, action logs, and enhancement tracking systems.
Calendar Management and Liaison
- Maintain oversight of the academic calendar, including key deadlines, assessment points, committee cycles, and publication timelines.
- Work closely with the Director of Courses and Head of Academic Studies to support course-level academic administration within the institutional framework.
- Liaise with academic and professional services teams to ensure consistency and clarity in academic processes.
Executive and Administrative Support
- Provide day-to-day administrative support to the Academic Director and Director of Courses, including diary management, meeting coordination, inbox monitoring (where appropriate), and the organisation of travel and appointments.
- Coordinate meetings, prepare agendas and supporting papers, take minutes where required, and ensure timely follow-up of actions.
- Act as a key point of contact for internal and external stakeholders, managing correspondence and responding to routine enquiries in a professional and timely manner.
- Support the planning and coordination of academic activities, events, and projects by managing schedules, bookings, logistics, and associated documentation.
- Anticipate administrative requirements, prioritise competing demands, and provide proactive support to ensure the effective operation of the Academic Directorate.
Role Boundaries
- The role supports academic governance and decision-making processes through high-quality administrative and coordination work, but does not hold responsibility for academic decision-making, teaching, people management, or system ownership.
Person Specification
This section outlines the knowledge, skills, and personal attributes required to effectively support academic governance, quality assurance processes, and administrative operations within a dynamic vocational education environment.
Essential
- Strong organisational skills with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.
- Ability and willingness to learn and confidently use digital systems, including SharePoint and Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) platforms, to manage and maintain structured information and records.
- Confidence and enthusiasm in using artificial intelligence (AI) and emerging technologies to support administrative processes, improve efficiency, and enhance ways of working.
- Ability to prioritise and manage a varied and sometimes complex workload, working to deadlines and maintaining accuracy under pressure.
- High level of professionalism, discretion, and commitment to confidentiality, with the ability to handle sensitive information appropriately.
- Good written communication skills, with the ability to produce clear, accurate, and professional documentation.
- A proactive and positive attitude, with the ability to work independently, follow processes through to completion, and take initiative where appropriate.
Desirable
- Interest in higher education, academic administration, or quality assurance processes.
- Knowledge of the performing arts sector or creative education environments.
- Experience of supporting meetings, committees, or structured administrative processes (including through internships, placements, or voluntary roles).
Skills and Attributes
- Methodical, reliable, and highly organised.
- Confident and proactive in working with digital systems, data, and emerging technologies.
- Able to prioritise workload effectively, manage competing demands, and work accurately to deadlines.
- Discreet, professional, and collaborative in all working relationships.
- Committed to accuracy, integrity, and compliance.
- Flexible, adaptable, and willing to take initiative to improve processes and ways of working.
We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, experiences, and identities, and are dedicated to promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion throughout our recruitment process and employment practices.
Pay: £20,000.00-£24,000.00 per year
Benefits:
Work Location: In person
