Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and enhance academic development programmes while mentoring staff and coordinating quality assurance.
- Company: Join a leading UK university committed to academic excellence and professional development.
- Benefits: Enjoy a hybrid work model with competitive salary and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in higher education and shape the future of teaching practices.
- Qualifications: Senior Fellowship of AdvanceHE and experience in academic programme leadership required.
- Other info: Ideal for experienced academic developers seeking to influence institutional practices.
The predicted salary is between 42000 - 52000 £ per year.
Senior Academic Developer – Higher Education
Permanent
Hybrid (occasional on-site)
We’re working with a leading UK university to appoint a Senior Academic Developer who will play a pivotal role in driving academic development, leading AdvanceHE-accredited programmes, and shaping professional development initiatives across the institution.
The Role
As Senior Academic Developer, you’ll take responsibility for designing, delivering, and evaluating a comprehensive academic development portfolio, including both accredited and non-accredited programmes.
Key elements of the role include:
- Programme leadership of AdvanceHE-accredited academic practice programmes (e.g. PGCert/APA).
- Oversight of teaching, assessment, mentoring, exam boards, reporting, and accreditation processes.
- Delivery of a structured CPD framework in academic practice aligned with the 2023 UK Professional Standards Framework (PSF).
- Leading annual academic development events, including a major institutional Education Conference.
- Contributing to scholarship and dissemination of effective practice through publications, workshops, and presentations.
- Working collaboratively with professional services, faculties, and sector bodies to ensure provision reflects institutional priorities and sector best practice.
Main responsibilities
- Lead, evaluate, and enhance accredited and CPD programmes.
- Mentor and support staff with HEA Fellowship, grant, and teaching award applications.
- Coordinate peer review and observation of teaching.
- Contribute to Quality Assurance processes, institutional reviews, and sector submissions (e.g. TEF).
- Develop and deliver annual workshops and staff development activities.
- Build strong links with sector partners such as AdvanceHE, JISC, ALT, and SEDA.
- Maintain accurate records of academic development engagement and outcomes.
- Publish and present on effective practice to raise the university’s external profile.
The essential criteria for this role is:
- Senior Fellowship of AdvanceHE (SFHEA).
- Experience as a Programme Lead on a PGCert or equivalent.
- Expert knowledge of the AdvanceHE UK Professional Standards Framework (2023).
- Track record of designing, delivering, and evaluating academic CPD.
- Proven experience mentoring colleagues through Fellowship and other recognition routes.
- Demonstrated ability to lead academic development initiatives.
- A PhD or equivalent.
- Expertise in curriculum design and assessment across blended, online, and face-to-face modes.
- Understanding of quality assurance and enhancement in HE.
- Experience supporting postgraduate students.
- Strong communication, mentoring, and stakeholder engagement skills.
This role offers the opportunity to lead sector-accredited programmes, influence institutional teaching practice, and build visibility across the HE community. Aside from a competitive salary, the role offers a wide range of benefits including 30+ days of annual leave (plus closure/bank holidays), flexible working, and a generous pension scheme. If you’re an experienced academic developer looking for your next challenge, we’d love to hear from you.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Senior Academic Developer employer: Instinct Resourcing
Contact Detail:
Instinct Resourcing Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Academic Developer
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the higher education sector, especially those involved with AdvanceHE and similar organisations. Attend relevant conferences or workshops to make connections and learn about the latest trends in academic development.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your leadership skills by volunteering for roles that involve programme management or academic development initiatives. This will not only enhance your CV but also demonstrate your commitment to the field.
✨Tip Number 3
Engage with current literature and research on the UK Professional Standards Framework and academic development practices. Being well-versed in these topics will help you speak confidently during interviews and discussions.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully led academic programmes or mentored colleagues in the past. Having concrete stories ready will illustrate your experience and effectiveness in the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Academic Developer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in academic development, particularly any roles where you've led AdvanceHE-accredited programmes. Use specific examples that demonstrate your expertise in the UK Professional Standards Framework.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, clearly articulate why you are passionate about academic development and how your background aligns with the responsibilities of the Senior Academic Developer role. Mention your experience with CPD frameworks and any relevant mentoring roles.
Highlight Relevant Achievements: When detailing your achievements, focus on quantifiable outcomes from your previous roles, such as successful programme completions or improvements in teaching practices. This will help showcase your impact in previous positions.
Demonstrate Collaboration Skills: Since the role involves working collaboratively with various stakeholders, include examples in your application that illustrate your ability to engage with different teams and contribute to institutional priorities effectively.
How to prepare for a job interview at Instinct Resourcing
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
As a Senior Academic Developer, you'll be expected to lead various programmes. Be prepared to discuss your previous leadership roles, particularly in academic settings, and how you've successfully managed teams or projects.
✨Demonstrate Knowledge of AdvanceHE Framework
Familiarise yourself with the AdvanceHE UK Professional Standards Framework (2023). During the interview, highlight your expertise in this area and how it relates to the role, especially in terms of programme design and evaluation.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle real-life situations in academic development. Think of examples where you've mentored colleagues or led initiatives, and be ready to explain your thought process.
✨Engage with Current Trends in Higher Education
Stay updated on the latest trends and challenges in higher education, particularly regarding academic development. Discussing these topics can demonstrate your passion for the field and your commitment to continuous improvement.
