Academic Developer

Founded in 1898, we at the University of East London (UEL) are proud to change lives through education. Our goal is to advance industry 5.0 careers-first education and provide a clear path to the jobs and opportunities of the future. We’re committed to driving diversity in the 5.0 talent pipeline, working in partnership to promote talent wherever it is found and creating a balanced, inclusive, and green future.

The University of East London is one of the most diverse and vibrant universities in the global capital. Our Vision 2028 strategy is transforming how we prepare students for the careers and challenges of Industry 5.0, combining academic excellence with real world impact. We are committed to widening participation, driving social mobility and creating an inclusive and sustainable future for our communities.

At the heart of this ambition is our Centre for Excellence in Learning and Teaching (CELT). CELT plays a central role in shaping the quality, innovation and impact of education across the University. Working in partnership with Schools and professional services colleagues, the team supports curriculum development, academic practice, digital and AI‑enabled education, and the professional development of staff. Through evidence‑informed practice and collaborative leadership, CELT contributes to a culture where teaching excellence and educational innovation thrive.

As an Academic Developer, your purpose is to champion and elevate the quality of learning, teaching, and assessment across UEL. You will work at the interface of theory and practice, collaborating closely with School Directors of Education and Experience and professional service teams to design, deliver, and evaluate high‑impact academic development initiatives. From leading university‑wide symposia and mentoring staff through AdvanceHE Fellowship applications to spearheading technology‑enhanced learning (TEL) and conducting published pedagogic research, you will be instrumental in shaping a culture of continuous educational enhancement. This role is hybrid, with some flexibility; two days on campus per week will be required.

Essential Experience Required

• Higher Education Academic Development: A minimum of 4 years of proven experience within an HE academic development setting, specifically encompassing the end‑to‑end design, delivery, and evaluation of professional development activities.
• AdvanceHE Professional Recognition: Must hold Senior Fellow (SFHEA) or Principal Fellow (PFHEA) status with AdvanceHE, enabling you to confidently support and evaluate colleagues applying for professional recognition.
• Technology Enhanced Learning (TEL): Demonstrable experience in the effective, strategic application of digital learning technologies to enhance curriculum delivery and assessment across diverse academic settings.
• Cross‑Institutional Collaboration: A track record of working collaboratively across traditional academic schools and professional services to influence staff, motivate change, and embed inclusive practices.
• Large‑Scale Workshop & Event Delivery: Extensive experience designing and facilitating high‑impact workshops, training programmes, or large‑scale institutional events (e.g., symposia or learning lunches) for diverse professional audiences.
• Agile Project Contribution: Experience contributing to or leading project‑based activities with rapidly shifting priorities, tight deadlines, and a need to respond to team issues flexibly and proactively.

About You

The ideal candidate is an inspirational educator of educators. You possess a unique blend of high‑level academic credibility and dynamic interpersonal warmth, allowing you to win trust and influence colleagues across all levels of the university. You don’t just understand pedagogy – you are deeply committed to the scholarship of learning and teaching, with outcomes that inform real‑world practice. You have a first degree alongside a higher degree or professional teaching/coaching qualification (with a Doctorate being highly desirable). Culturally agile and resilient, you thrive in fast‑paced environments where you can use your initiative and creativity to solve complex problems. Most importantly, you are an advocate for equity in education; you natively understand how to design learning experiences that cater to a diverse, multicultural student and staff body, aligning perfectly with UEL’s vision for an inclusive, careers‑focused future.

Benefits Package

Here at UEL we understand it’s about more than just a salary. It’s about the entire package on offer along with our outstanding work environment and inclusive culture. We know the market rates for this vacancy and will offer a genuinely competitive salary DOE. We care deeply about your wellbeing and our benefits include: 31.08% to 35.38% pension (7.4% to 11.7% from you, depending on your grade, 23.68% from us), 35 days holiday (plus 3 days over Christmas) plus bank holidays, hybrid working for most positions, and we’re always open to consider flexible working arrangements. We have a subsidised gym membership, 3 times base salary life assurance, a cashback healthcare scheme and a wide variety of other generous benefits including discounts on Apple and Samsung products, holidays, clothing, fitness, lifestyle, dining out and weekly shopping.

Application Notice

CVs without a completed application form will not be accepted.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Statement

At UEL we are committed to working together to build a community which values diversity in both our staff and student populations, is representative and inclusive, enabling all to progress and thrive.