At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative academic support services and oversee a high-performing team.
- Company: Join Arden University, a multi-award-winning institution focused on digital education and student success.
- Benefits: Enjoy 30 days holiday, private medical insurance, and free courses for you and your family.
- Why this job: Shape the future of digital learning while making education accessible for all.
- Qualifications: Strong knowledge of educational technology and proven experience in managing user-focused teams required.
- Other info: This is a fixed-term contract covering maternity leave, with remote work options.
The predicted salary is between 68000 - 85000 £ per year.
Salary: £80,000 - £85,000 per annum
Employment type: Fixed Term Contract to cover Maternity Leave (up to 12 months)
Hours per week: 37
Reporting into: Deputy Provost
Department: Library and Learning Success Hub
This role operates primarily on a remote working arrangement but will require occasional travel into our Coventry head office and Campus locations (Birmingham, Leeds, London area and Manchester).
About Arden University: We are an aspirational and multi-award-winning university, delivering rapid growth with ambitious plans to disrupt the HE sector through our passion for innovation and digital education. Our vision is to become the first-choice university for career-focused lifelong learners worldwide, ensuring that everyone, everywhere can access higher education.
About our Department: At Arden University, we’re dedicated to providing students with everything they need to excel in their studies—all in one place! Our Library & Learning Success Hub is a dynamic, 24/7 support service designed to help students thrive academically and achieve their goals.
- Library Portal – Instant, round-the-clock access to a vast digital library packed with essential academic resources
- Academic Skills Support – Engaging workshops and one-to-one sessions covering writing, referencing, research, maths, and more.
- English Language Hub – Tailored courses and resources for students studying in English as an additional language
About the Opportunity: We are seeking an experienced and strategic leader to drive the future of academic support at Arden University. As Director of Library & Learning Success, you will lead the development and integration of innovative academic support services, leveraging cutting-edge technology to enhance digital library resources, academic skills support, and English language learning. In this role, you will oversee a high-performing team, ensuring the seamless delivery of educational resources, e-library services, enquiry services, workshops, and student-focused initiatives. You will be responsible for budget management, strategic planning, and performance evaluation, ensuring our services align with student and academic needs to foster academic excellence and student success.
About You: We are looking for a dynamic, adaptable and visionary leader with the ability to influence and build strong networks both internally and externally. You will need to have:
Essential requirements:- Strong knowledge of educational technology and current trends in the UK and international publishing sectors.
- Expertise in library systems, metadata, cataloguing standards and digital learning tools.
- Proven experience in building and mentoring user-focused teams.
- Financial management experience, including managing and reporting on complex budgets.
- Proven experience in effectively managing remote, multi-location, or dispersed teams within a higher education setting.
This is an exciting opportunity to lead transformative student success initiatives and shape the future of digital learning and academic support.
Why Arden: At Arden, you will become a part of a passionate and dedicated team who are committed to removing unnecessary barriers to learning and making education more accessible. Our people work hard to ensure our students' journeys are the best they can possibly be, as such we want to reward our people with fantastic benefits.
- 30 days holiday + bank holidays on-top, and even a Christmas closure!
- A generous Aviva pension plan, company contributions starting from 7%
- SimplyHealth plan option
- Private Medical Insurance coverage
- Access to Perkbox benefits
- Study any Arden course for free, with a discount for all family and friends
- Plus, other excellent benefits
- Our ‘Golden Ticket’ which allows you to gift anyone in your life a free Arden education
Our Values: Stand out, Progressive, Accessible, Resourceful, Kindness reflect who we are as an institution, a team and as individuals. If they also reflect you and you are excited by the chance to be the driving, creative force within a growing business, we want to hear from you.
Application Process - Please use the Cover Letter to demonstrate your suitability for the role. Closing Date: Monday 21st April.
Equity, Diversity & Inclusion: Arden University is proud to be a Disability Confident Employer. This means that if you have a disability, as defined by the Disability Equality Act 2010, you may be guaranteed an interview if you meet the essential criteria for the role.
As an Equal Opportunity Employer we celebrate diversity and are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace.
Director of Library and Learning Success employer: Arden University
Contact Detail:
Arden University Recruiting Team
jwilson@arden.co.uk
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Library and Learning Success
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in educational technology and digital learning tools. This knowledge will not only help you understand the role better but also allow you to engage in meaningful conversations during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the higher education sector, especially those involved in library services and academic support. Building these connections can provide valuable insights and potentially lead to recommendations.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience in managing remote teams, as this is crucial for the role. Think of specific examples where you successfully led a dispersed team and how you ensured effective communication and collaboration.
✨Tip Number 4
Research Arden University's values and mission thoroughly. Be ready to articulate how your personal values align with theirs, as cultural fit is often just as important as qualifications in leadership roles.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Library and Learning Success
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Cover Letter: Make sure to customise your cover letter specifically for the Director of Library and Learning Success role. Highlight your experience in educational technology, library systems, and team management, as these are key requirements.
Showcase Leadership Experience: In your application, emphasise your proven track record in leading user-focused teams and managing complex budgets. Use specific examples that demonstrate your strategic planning and performance evaluation skills.
Align with University Values: Reflect on Arden University's values—Stand out, Progressive, Accessible, Resourceful, Kindness—and incorporate them into your application. Show how your personal values align with theirs and how you can contribute to their mission.
Proofread and Edit: Before submitting your application, thoroughly proofread your documents. Check for any grammatical errors or typos, and ensure that your writing is clear and professional. A polished application reflects your attention to detail.
How to prepare for a job interview at Arden University
✨Research Arden University
Before your interview, take the time to understand Arden University's mission, values, and recent developments. Familiarise yourself with their approach to digital education and how they aim to disrupt the higher education sector. This knowledge will help you align your answers with their goals.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
As a candidate for the Director of Library and Learning Success, it's crucial to highlight your experience in leading teams, especially in remote or multi-location settings. Prepare examples that demonstrate your ability to mentor and build user-focused teams, as well as your strategic planning skills.
✨Discuss Educational Technology Trends
Be ready to discuss current trends in educational technology and how they can be applied to enhance academic support services. Show your understanding of library systems, metadata, and digital learning tools, and how these can improve student success at Arden University.
✨Prepare Questions for the Interviewers
Having insightful questions prepared shows your genuine interest in the role and the institution. Ask about the future direction of the Library & Learning Success Hub, how they measure success, and what challenges they foresee in the coming year. This will also give you a chance to assess if the role aligns with your career aspirations.