At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage an innovative University Centre focused on widening access to Higher Education.
- Company: Join Bath Spa University and New City College in shaping the future of education.
- Benefits: Enjoy a generous pension, enhanced leave, hybrid working, and various discounts.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on students' lives while working in a flexible and supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in education, project management experience, and a student-focused approach required.
- Other info: This is a full-time, fixed-term role until January 2026 with a salary of £70k.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 84000 £ per year.
Application Deadline: 26 June 2025
Department: Bath Spa University London
Location: Bath Spa University London
Compensation: £70k Spot Salary
Passionate about widening access to Higher Education? We are looking for an experienced senior educational leader to lead and manage an innovative University Centre jointly operated by Bath Spa University and New City College. This is a full time, fixed term contract until January 2026.
About the Role
You will be responsible for shaping the growth and development of the Centre, which will respond to the needs of a wide range of students, home and international, and have a strong widening participation agenda. In addition, development of innovative co-delivery projects between Bath Spa University and New City College will be a core function of the role.
About You
You will be an entrepreneurial leader with a natural ability to adapt, innovate and collaborate. You will be able to demonstrate these skills and show how you've been able to build effective working relationships from an extensive professional network. You will have a clear student focus and extensive understanding of the HE and FE sectors. You will have substantial project management experience and a proven track record of developing business plans and delivering business innovation and growth. This is a hybrid role as we recognise the importance of flexibility needed to deliver in this role.
Essential skills
- Strategic Leadership experience of FE and/or HE
- Strategic experience of non-traditional HE
- Deep understanding of Teaching, Learning and Assessment Strategies for diverse student bodies
- Ability to balance student-focussed approach with need to develop strong business cases
- Understanding of how to develop Short Course offers (including professional accreditation)
- Entrepreneurial approach
- Relationship building
Additional Information
Spot Salary - £70,000. This is a full time, fixed term contract until January 2026. Interview Date - 4th July TBC.
Staff Benefits
We offer a wide range of great benefits at BSU, including:
- Generous pension scheme (Local Government Pension Scheme/Teacher's Pension Scheme). This is a defined benefit pension scheme which pays members a secure income for life, post-retirement.
- Enhanced paid leave - 41 - 46 days depending on the role (Full Time).
- Family friendly policies including hybrid working, flexible work environment, on-site nursery, and a sector-leading enhanced maternity scheme.
- Employee Assistance Programme which offers access to on-demand GP appointments, wellbeing support and advice, and access to counselling.
- Transport schemes including Electric Vehicle Scheme and Cycle to Work.
- Wide range of discounts and financial benefits, accessed through an easy-to-use app.
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.
University Centre Director - London (Fixed Term) employer: Bath Spa University
Contact Detail:
Bath Spa University Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land University Centre Director - London (Fixed Term)
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the higher education sector, especially those involved in widening participation. Attend relevant conferences or seminars to meet potential colleagues and learn about current trends.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with Bath Spa University and New City College's missions and values. Understanding their strategic goals will help you align your vision for the University Centre and demonstrate your commitment during discussions.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of your project management experience, particularly in developing business plans and innovative educational projects. Highlight how these experiences can contribute to the growth of the University Centre.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your entrepreneurial mindset by thinking of creative solutions to common challenges in higher education. Be ready to present ideas on how to enhance student engagement and develop short course offerings.
We think you need these skills to ace University Centre Director - London (Fixed Term)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your strategic leadership experience in both Further Education (FE) and Higher Education (HE). Emphasise any entrepreneurial projects you've led and how they align with the role's requirements.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, demonstrate your passion for widening access to higher education. Discuss specific examples of how you've built effective working relationships and developed innovative projects that cater to diverse student bodies.
Showcase Relevant Experience: Detail your project management experience and provide concrete examples of business plans you've developed. Highlight any successful initiatives that demonstrate your ability to balance student-focused approaches with strong business cases.
Research the Institutions: Familiarise yourself with Bath Spa University and New City College. Understanding their missions, values, and current initiatives will help you tailor your application and show how you can contribute to their goals.
How to prepare for a job interview at Bath Spa University
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
As a University Centre Director, you'll need to demonstrate your strategic leadership experience in both Further Education (FE) and Higher Education (HE). Prepare specific examples of how you've successfully led teams or projects, focusing on your ability to innovate and adapt.
✨Highlight Your Understanding of Diverse Student Needs
Given the role's focus on widening participation, it's crucial to show your understanding of the diverse needs of students. Be ready to discuss your experience with non-traditional HE and how you've tailored educational strategies to support various student demographics.
✨Emphasise Relationship Building Skills
Building effective working relationships is key in this role. Prepare to share examples of how you've developed partnerships within the education sector, particularly between institutions, and how these collaborations have led to successful outcomes.
✨Demonstrate Project Management Expertise
With substantial project management experience being essential, come prepared to discuss specific projects you've managed. Highlight your ability to develop business plans and deliver innovative solutions that drive growth and enhance student experiences.