Strategic Development and Planning

• Develop and implement a strategic plan for the Department, in consultation with other colleagues, which enhances the standing of the Department and is aligned with the School and the University's strategy and goals.
• Foster ongoing discussions with staff to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to participate in decisions about where the Department is heading and how excellence can be achieved.
• Create an environment that implements strategic planning and operational teaching and learning plans.
• Advise and lead on academic matters (strategic developments, research initiatives, application for research funding projects, staff exchange and student exchange programmes and research funding bids, etc.).
• Lead the annual budgeting cycle and prepare budgetary submissions in consultation with senior colleagues, key faculty, and the Dean of the School.
• Represent the University in developing strategic alliances with other relevant organisations.
• Develop and maintain effective working relationships with key senior internal and external partners
• Work in partnership with the Dean and other senior colleagues with the highest level of knowledge and understanding of the department’s activities.
• Oversee the activities and performance of Module Leaders and Course Leaders, providing continuous support and guidance to ensure that academic standards and course objectives are met effectively. Regularly assess their progress and offer constructive feedback to enhance the quality of teaching, curriculum delivery, and student engagement across programmes.

Leadership and Staff Management:

• Promote and foster a positive, inclusive, collegial work environment that encourages high performance, communication, and mutual support.
• Take an active part in recruiting and retaining high-quality staff who can contribute to the Department, School and the University.
• Ensure effective operations within the Department and implement the workload model to enable the Department to achieve strategic goals while supporting individual work-life balance.
• Support and guide the career development of staff within the Department, encouraging active professional development.
• Manage and coordinate department personnel functions such as hiring, performance evaluations, corrective action, vacation schedules, and compliance with the University’s Internal Labour Regulations and HR procedures.
• Ensure the completion of appraisals for all staff within the Department and undertake the annual appraisals of direct line reports in accordance with the University’s performance appraisal systems and procedures.
• Review and report annually on probationers’ progress and performance with respect to academic staff and review the probationary service of non-academic staff per the University’s induction and probation procedures.
• Proactively identify internal and external academic talent in pursuit of the educational vision of both the Department and School and ensure the retention of high-performing staff.
• Recommend academic staff for promotion and take part in interviews for academic promotions.
• In consultation with relevant stakeholders, appoint module leaders and co-module leaders.
• Participate in the strategic management of the University as a member of committees and panels.
• Work with academic and non-academic managers to ensure that all staff within the department are well-managed and motivated and have development opportunities.
• Ensure that staff and students are appropriately advised in order to ensure compliance with the University policies and procedures affecting them.
• Hold departmental meetings as indicated on the meetings schedule, ensuring that an agenda is circulated in advance and outcomes are published.
• Provide opportunities for staff and students to discuss and reflect on teaching and learning.
• Ensure that information is communicated to members of the department when appropriate.
• Ensure that the department's mentor-mentee processes are in place to support career development, creating pathways for faculty progression and retention.
• Uphold university policies and procedures, addressing grievances and conflicts within the department and fostering a respectful, inclusive workplace.
• Implement and enforce work site safety rules and fire safety protocols, ensuring all staff are informed of procedures and receive regular instructions from department heads to maintain a safe working environment.
• Analyze the results of Rank Your Lecturer, Module Evaluation Surveys, and other feedback mechanisms to assess student satisfaction, teaching effectiveness, and areas for improvement. Use these insights to identify trends, strengths, and development needs within the department.
• Collaborate with faculty members to implement changes that enhance the quality of learning experiences, foster student engagement, and support continuous professional growth among academic staff. Regularly report findings to senior management and work on strategic initiatives that address identified challenges and align with the department's goals.

Learning and Teaching

• Encourage and support the adoption of innovative teaching methodologies, digital tools, and pedagogical best practices to enhance student engagement and learning outcomes.
• Oversee curriculum development, review, and updating to ensure alignment with the latest industry standards, accreditation requirements, and university goals.
• Develop the department's commitment to teaching excellence and enriching student experience.
• Help staff appreciate that students are not an ‘interruption’; they are the reason we are here, driving our teaching and research.
• Foster innovative approaches to teaching supported by high-quality learning facilities.
• Lead the teaching of given courses or otherwise significantly participate in the learning.

Research

• Promote strong research-teaching synergies to enrich the quality of both teaching and research.
• Foster the leading role of research in the department and build the capacity for superior research across all disciplines;
• Strengthen an intellectually stimulating environment for both students and staff. Maintain and develop an optimal research infrastructure linking people and resources;
• Ensure that the Department actively and effectively engages with national bodies and industry to create research and learning opportunities which may lead to collaborative partnerships and entrepreneurial activities.
• Encourage a culture of innovation;
• Advocate for and represent the interests and needs of the Department within the University and the School through engagement with staff and committees across the University and within Academic and Administrative Departments.

Quality Assurance and Enhancement

• Be responsible for the APMR and quality oversight of programmes within the department.
• Ensure that course and module leaders adhere to the university's academic regulations and policies in managing their respective courses and modules.
• Prepare the department's Annual Monitoring Report, encompassing teaching and learning, research, and contributions to university initiatives across departmental activities.

Community Engagement

• Develop and implement community engagement projects that reflect the department’s expertise and contribute to local or global community needs.
• Foster relationships with alumni to support networking opportunities, mentorship programmes, and potential funding or sponsorship for department initiatives.
• Organize and participate in public events, lectures, and workshops that promote the department’s knowledge and research to broader audiences.
• Establish partnerships with local schools, community organizations, and industry leaders to create opportunities for student internships, service learning, and outreach programs.
• Oversee department communications, including newsletters, social media, and public relations, to showcase achievements and enhance the department’s reputation.
• Encourage faculty, staff, and students to participate in volunteer activities and service-learning initiatives that benefit the community.
• Any other duties commensurate with the grade, spirit and purpose of the post as requested by the Dean.

QUALIFICATIONS

• A doctoral degree (PhD) in a relevant field is preferred.
• Significant experience in teaching and research within the relevant academic discipline.
• Prior experience in academic leadership roles, such as leading research groups or being a course leader.
• Familiarity with university administrative processes, including budgeting, staffing, and strategic planning.

EXPERIENCE

• At least 10 years of experience in Higher Education (HE), with a strong academic and professional achievement record.
• A minimum of 3 years in a managerial role, preferably as a course leader or module leader, demonstrating strategic leadership and operational management skills.
• Evidence of managing for results to increase quality, productivity, and efficiency at a higher education institution, working with both individuals and teams;
• Support for professional development programming and delivery for Academic Staff;
• Evidence of policy formulation and execution in the academic context;
• Demonstrated commitment to servant leadership, inclusive excellence, and personal and professional integrity;
• Evidence of commitment to excellence in teaching, research, and leadership;
• Networks well with external partners from the private, government, and civil society;

• Evidence of quality assurance and enhancement.

Our benefits:

• Competitive Salary & 13th Salary Bonus (special eligibility conditions apply) – Recognizing and rewarding your contribution.
• 56 Calendar Days of Paid Leave – Enjoy an extended break to rest and recharge.
• Medical Insurance – Quality healthcare coverage for your well-being.
• Free Access to Sport Facilities – Enjoy complimentary use of the gym and yoga classes.
• Free Participation in Art Clubs – Explore your creative side with Vocal, Dance, and Drama clubs.
• Tuition Assistance – WIUT offers tuition reduction schemes for eligible employees and their family members.