Message to staff issued 5 September
Dear colleagues,
We are now pleased to invite applications for the following exciting opportunities as Deans reporting to the Vice-Principal (Education):
- Dean for Student Support & Experience
- Dean for Quality Assurance & Enhancement
Full details of the individual roles and remits are available at the following links:
For these roles candidates should have extensive experience in a higher education environment, with a track record of success in meeting or exceeding challenging targets. You will be an excellent communicator who is able to influence and work effectively across the University, and externally, at all levels. The role holder will demonstrate the ability to lead teams, consult across different groups, work in partnership with students, and manage different perspectives with a focus on delivery of key strands of activity. Role holders will also have the ability to work collaboratively and consult with Schools and Professional Services Directorates.
In addition, for the Dean for Student Support & Experience role, candidates should demonstrate expertise in leading innovations in the design and delivery of student support and experience that enhance students’ probability of success, address performance gaps for specific groups of students, and enhance the overall student experience. Candidates should also have experience and knowledge of inclusivity and accessibility for education and the student experience.
Candidates for the Dean for Quality Assurance & Enhancement role should have knowledge and experience in quality assurance and/or enhancement at institutional level, and have an understanding of the national developments in quality assurance and enhancement in Scotland. Candidates should be able to demonstrate leadership skills with the ability to work with different views to consensus. Excellent writing skills (e.g. reports and policy) are also a requirement of this role.
Applications are welcome from academic members of staff. Deans are appointed on a 50% of full-time basis and School duties will be adjusted to an agreed level to enable the role holder to fulfil the responsibilities of the role. Consideration will be given to flexible working requests and/or alternative models of delivery, where applicants can demonstrate that the requirements of the role can be delivered. The role holder will receive a superannuable allowance of £5,000 per annum. The role is a fixed term appointment for an initial period of 3 years, renewable subject to satisfactory performance for one further period of up to 3 years.
For these roles confidential and informal enquiries should be made to Professor Ruth Taylor, Vice-Principal (Education) (email Ruth.Taylor@abdn.ac.uk or Will.Gibb@abdn.ac.uk)
Applications should be made by way of current detailed CV and a 300 word covering letter detailing the reasons for the application and the ways in which the applicant achieves the required skills, experience, and knowledge. Applications should specify clearly which of the posts is being applied for.
The closing date for the receipt of applications is Wednesday 21st September 2022. It is anticipated that interviews will take place in the week commencing 17th October 2022.
Please submit all applications to Fiona Smith, Head of HR Business Partnering f.m.smith@abdn.ac.uk