Subject Leader: Social Work & Sociology Job Description

Subject Leader: Social Work & Sociology Job Description

Accountable to: Deputy Dean and Dean Overall Purpose The Subject Leader is a member of the Faculty s senior leadership team, working with the Dean and Deputy Dean of Faculty to provide strategic direction and leadership in relation to the Subject, in accordance with the University of Northampton s Strategy and Operational Plan. The Subject Leader is critical to the impact, engagement and wellbeing of subject team members. To ensure their team contributes fully to the Faculty s strategic success, an effective Subject Leader will combine incisive and proactive leadership with academic credibility and authority. The post holder will undertake operational responsibility under the direction of the Dean and Deputy Dean for specified staff, financial and physical resources as well as working with other Subject Leaders across the Faculty and the University, as required. The Subject Leader will ensure an excellent student experience in their area. Principal Duties and Responsibilities Take the lead role in the strategic development and operational management of the Subject, including liaison with linked external agencies and professional bodies, as appropriate. To lead on internal and external quality review events, in relation to the Subject area, including external audit, review and monitoring. To provide leadership and overall management with regard to all the Subject s programmes, in accordance with Faculty, University and external agencies quality requirements. To be responsible for appropriate Subject support for all aspects of the student journey e.g. open days/experience days, admissions, personal tutoring, etc. To lead the development of new and existing programmes and provision in accordance with University strategy as appropriate. To maintain a personal profile of research, scholarly and enterprise activity in the Subject Area acting as an exemplar to staff. To lead the Subject Team. To undertake a level of teaching appropriate to the responsibility of the post and to act as an exemplar to staff in terms of excellence of teaching and of academic achievement. Quality and Standards nsure the implementation of institutional quality assurance and enhancement processes including leadership of annual subject review and periodic subject review. This will include oversight of all module and programme reviews within the Subject against Key Performance Indicators, and contribution to the Faculty Quality nhancement Plan. nsure that where programmes/modules are delivered at more than one location, that the quality of the delivery and the standards achieved are comparable. Chair Subject Rolling Action Plan and xtended Rolling Action Plan meetings, and relevant student forums. Oversee the design and subsequent updating of programmes and modules in the Subject, ensuring that curriculum complies with the requirements of the University Modular Framework, external standards, and the needs of students on programmes. Page 1

nsure the appropriateness of assessment strategies across the Subject by level, and liaise with relevant Programme Leaders and Module Co-ordinators in the design and setting of assessments. Liaise with Subject xternal xaminers and oversee the effective operation of relevant assessment boards. Make effective arrangements for the collation of student feedback on modules and appropriate follow up. Partnerships and Networking To lead on developing opportunities for the Faculty to collaborate with key external partners and in collaboration with other Faculties across the University, as appropriate. To lead on liaison and networking at local, regional, national and international level in the Subject area. To lead on internationalisation in relation to the Subject, developing overseas partnerships, student recruitment, course development and enterprise activities; ensuring a continual improvement of the international student experience and encourage a culture of internationalisation across the Faculty. Leadership and Management Working with the Faculty s senior research colleague/s, take the strategic lead in generating a culture of research, scholarship, and enterprise in the Subject Area, resulting in an enhanced regional, national and international reputation, high quality teaching, learning and assessment and increased income to the Faculty. To lead the Subject Area, managing and developing the team of academic staff in accordance with Faculty and University policy and practice. To take a key role in the recruitment and selection of academic staff. To lead staff development planning and delivery for the Subject Area. To take a lead role in the performance development and management of academic staff in the Subject Area. To be responsible for managing the workload allocation of staff for the Subject Area. To line manage Subject staff. nsure all corporate policies and procedures are adhered to and staff are aware of their responsibilities and are appropriately trained. To have responsibility for aspects of the Subject s budget delegated by the Dean, and work in collaboration with the Faculty Manager and Faculty Accountant to manage the budget effectively and efficiently. To make a significant contribution to strategic planning for the Faculty working with the Dean, Deputy Dean and other colleagues. To support all the operational activities of the Faculty outside the specific post held e.g. student recruitment, Faculty marketing and PR activities. To support the Dean and Deputy Dean in ensuring that all appropriate institutional policies and procedures are implemented, and that all legislative requirements are met, particularly in respect of equality and diversity and health and safety. To promote a culture within which quality systems are valued, enacted, and enhanced where appropriate. To participate in the implementation of a learning and developmental culture for the organisation, the Faculty, and individuals working within the Faculty. To provide leadership, support and mentoring for colleagues, particularly new and junior members of staff. To participate in Faculty and institutional committees and working groups fully and effectively, including in a leadership capacity, as appropriate. To participate as requested in panels and ad hoc groups. Staff members at this level are likely to have the experience and expertise to be regularly called upon to be involved in quality processes such as validations, staffing matters such as appointment panels and other activities such as student appeals and disciplinary matters. To participate in external networks related to the role in order that the University will benefit from the knowledge that this will bring into the institution and also from the personal contacts that will be made. Page 2

Core People Management Duties & Responsibilities Manage Performance and Behaviour (including the PDR and the Probation period). Monitor Leave and Absence. Monitor and approve development opportunities. Communicate effectively. Foster wellbeing. Plan resources (human and capital). Undertake all aspects of recruitment. Work collegially and supportively with other members of the Faculty, contributing to key decisions affecting students, staff in strategic and operational matters. Generic Duties and Responsibilities The post holder will be expected to undertake other responsibilities and tasks as reasonably requested by the Dean and Deputy Dean. The post holder will be responsible and accountable for ensuring all employment legislative requirements are adhered to including equality and diversity and health and safety issues. The job description may be altered at any time in the future in line with the level of the post to meet changing institutional requirements, but only in full consultation with the post holder. Page 3

Person Specification Please ensure that your application statement provides clear and specific examples to illustrate how you meet each criterion in the person specification. Applicants that fail to do so are unlikely to be shortlisted. Criteria Qualifications Please see Key below ssential / Desirable Assessment Methods 1 Professional qualification related to Subject Area or equivalent professional experience. A 2 A Masters qualification related to the academic provision of the subject. A 3 A Doctoral qualification related to the academic provision of the subject. D A 4 Professional Recognition as HA Fellow (D3) and teaching qualification recognised by HSA, or willingness to obtain within a reasonable period. Skills, Knowledge and xperience 5 An expert knowledge and understanding of the Subject s policy, practice and procedures in the UK. / P 6 An understanding of the international dimension of H. I 7 An ability and commitment to contribute to the Faculty s research and enterprise activity in the Subject. 8 Sustained, significant and successful experience in professional contexts relevant to the Subject. 9 Previous successful experience in an academic or professional leadership and management role. 10 A credible record of successful bidding and outcomes in relation to the Subject. D 11 vidence of effective strategic planning and implementation. 12 xperience of H level QA responsibilities (e.g. external examining, validation panels, review bodies). 13 Successful experience of leading, managing and motivating teams. 14 The ability to initiate and encourage cultural change. I 15 High level organisational skills. I Page 4

16 xcellent communication skills both written and oral. / P 17 A sophisticated use of ICT, including Technology nhanced Learning. 18 The ability to promote the Faculty effectively and to act as an ambassador for the Faculty and the University in the wider education and allied sectors. 19 Media Literacy Critically read and produce academic and professional communications creatively in a range of media. I / P 20 Communication and collaboration Participate in digital networks for learning and research. D 21 Career and identity management Manage digital reputation and online identity. D 22 IT Literate Adopt adapt and use digital devices, applications and services. 23 Digital scholarship Participate in emerging academic, professional and research practices that depend on digital systems. 24 xperience of using Virtual Learning nvironments. 25 Demonstrate an understanding of HR policies and procedures. 26 Ability to delegate appropriately. I 27 Ability to identify and undertake vital conversations appropriately. D I / P Personal Qualities 28 Self-motivation and innovation. I 29 The ability to work under pressure and to deadlines. I 30 A commitment to equal opportunities and diversity. I 31 The ability to think, plan and act strategically. I / P 32 The ability to analyse complex problems and generate effective solutions. I / P 33 ffective team working and team building abilities. I 34 Ability to adapt to organisational change. I 35 Ability to adapt to technological advances in teaching. I Page 5

36 Persuasion and negotiation skills. I () ssential (D) Desirable (A) Application (I) Interview (T) Test (P) Presentation Page 6

Terms and Conditions of mployment Job Title: Duration: Hours: Salary: Work Base: Pension: Holidays: Substantive Full time: 1.0FT Grade 9: 49,149-56,950 per annum Park Campus or any of the University of Northampton premises as required ligible to join the Teachers Pension 35 days per annum plus Bank Holidays and Closed days Notice period: Probationary period: 2 months 12 months Additional Points to Note Applicants are required to provide two referees who can give an opinion on academic and/or professional work experience. Successful applicants are required to provide any stated/required qualifications and evidence of any memberships to professional bodies. Applicants must provide evidence of their right to work in the UK in accordance with the Asylum and Immigration Act 1996 and Immigration Asylum and Nationality Act 2006. The starting salary for all new appointments and internal promotions will normally be at the minimum point of the grade. Should you be shortlisted to attend an interview the University will not reimburse you for any expenses incurred. Page 7