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- Tasks: Lead the delivery of an education mobility scheme and ensure assessment quality.
- Company: Join the Association of Commonwealth Universities, a diverse network of over 440 universities.
- Benefits: Enjoy 27 days leave, generous pension, and personal development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in higher education and promote equity and inclusion.
- Qualifications: Degree level education and significant project management experience required.
- Other info: Flexible hybrid working with a supportive and collaborative culture.
The predicted salary is between 59492 - 59492 £ per year.
Salary: FTE: £59,492 pa (pro rata 21 hrs pw, £35,695 pro rata) + excellent benefits
Job type: Fixed term post for 7 months, commencing in January 2026. This post will commence in January 2026 for the duration of a 7 month fixed-term contract subject to grant agreement signature.
Hours: 21
Location: London WC1H - hybrid, flexible working - 20% of your time per month office based.
Join the Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU) as Head of Assessment and use your extensive experience in assessment quality, education sector insight, inclusive safety, and operational control to lead the ACU’s contribution to the successful delivery of an education mobility scheme, working with a range of UK-based partners.
The ACU offers a unique opportunity to make a real difference in the higher education sector. We are one of the largest, most diverse international university networks, bringing together over 440 universities in over 40 countries. We support Commonwealth Universities to collaborate and to work together to build a more equitable and sustainable world.
The ACU Programmes, Business Development and International Mobility Team look after a portfolio of research capacity strengthening and education mobility programmes. These programmes are funded by a variety of internal and external funding sources and are often developed in collaboration with ACU member universities and other strategic partners.
The role
The Head of Assessment will lead the ACU’s contribution to the successful delivery of a major education mobility scheme, providing strategic leadership and robust contract management in collaboration with a wide range of UK-based partners (subject to funding being available). This pivotal role demands a results-driven professional with education sector insight and extensive experience in assessment quality, inclusive safety, and operational control. You should be capable of deploying effective tools to monitor progress, manage dependencies, and mitigate risks - ensuring full assurance to the ACU senior team and stakeholders.
Who are we looking for?
- Degree level education (with post-graduate qualifications an advantage) or equivalent in professional experience.
- Significant project management experience at a senior level in an educational setting – professional track record and/or appropriate qualifications.
- Demonstrable experience of managing multiple priorities and work under pressure and to deadlines.
- Proven financial skills, with knowledge and experience of budget development, and financial monitoring and reporting.
- Experience of leading, empowering, and motivating teams to promote a high-performance culture.
- Understanding or interest of education sector (HE/Schools/FE/VET) in the UK.
- Strong commitment to widening participation and the values of the ACU – Collaboration, Creativity, Excellence, Equity.
What to expect:
We see equity, diversity and inclusion as fundamental to our mission and we value the many different perspectives that people from all backgrounds bring to our collective performance. We believe in investing in all our people and creating cultures in which everyone can thrive.
We offer a fantastic package of benefits including:
- 27 days annual leave, 8 bank holidays (pro rata - part time employees) and 4 Christmas closure days.
- Generous pension scheme – 5% employee contribution, 10% employer contribution.
- Enhanced maternity, paternity, and shared parental leave.
- Significant investment into your personal and professional development.
- Regular social activities.
- Health and wellbeing programmes.
- Give as you earn charitable donations scheme.
- Cycle to work scheme.
- Interest-free travel season ticket loan.
How to apply:
Apply via our recruitment portal, submitting your CV (maximum 2 pages) and online application form (maximum 1000 words) outlining how your skills, knowledge and experience meet the criteria for the role. Please include your motivation for applying.
Closing date: 4 January 2026 @ 23:45
Interview dates TBC. Interviews will take place virtually.
Head of Assessment in London employer: The Association of Commonwealth Universities
Contact Detail:
The Association of Commonwealth Universities Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Assessment in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector and let them know you're on the hunt for the Head of Assessment role. A friendly chat can lead to insider info or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research the ACU and its values, especially around equity and inclusion. Tailor your responses to show how your experience aligns with their mission and how you can contribute to their education mobility scheme.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to refine your answers. Focus on showcasing your project management skills and how you've led teams to success in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It's the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Make sure your CV and application form highlight your relevant experience and passion for the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Assessment in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft a Compelling CV: Your CV is your first impression, so make it count! Keep it concise (maximum 2 pages) and tailor it to highlight your relevant experience in assessment quality and project management. We want to see how your skills align with the Head of Assessment role.
Nail the Online Application Form: When filling out the online application form, be sure to clearly outline how your skills and experiences meet the job criteria. Use specific examples to demonstrate your achievements and show us why you're the perfect fit for the ACU!
Show Your Motivation: Don’t forget to include your motivation for applying in your application. We love to see genuine passion for the education sector and a commitment to equity and inclusion. Let us know what drives you to join our mission at the ACU!
Apply Through Our Website: Make sure to apply through our recruitment portal. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it keeps everything organised on our end, which we really appreciate!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Association of Commonwealth Universities
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the ACU's mission and values, especially around equity, diversity, and inclusion. Familiarise yourself with their education mobility schemes and think about how your experience in assessment quality can contribute to their goals.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your project management experience and how you've led teams in the past. Be ready to discuss specific situations where you empowered your team and promoted a high-performance culture.
✨Be Financially Savvy
Since the role involves budget development and financial monitoring, come prepared to discuss your financial skills. Think of instances where you've successfully managed budgets or reported on financial performance in previous roles.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare insightful questions about the ACU’s current projects or future plans for the education mobility scheme. This shows your genuine interest and helps you assess if the role is the right fit for you.
