Senior Development Partner (Academic)

The Post

We are seeking an experienced and forward-thinking academic development professional to play a key role in shaping and enhancing learning and teaching practice at the University of Stirling. Based within HR & Organisation Development (HR&OD), the Senior Development Partner (Academic) will work in partnership with academic leaders, Faculties and professional services colleagues to strengthen academic practice, support innovation and enhance the student experience.

The role contributes directly to our People Strategy 2030 and Education and Student Experience Strategy 2030 by investing in colleagues’ professional growth and recognition and developing the expertise needed to deliver high-quality, inclusive education.

The postholder will help shape and deliver a coherent academic development offer for colleagues at different stages of their teaching careers. Working collaboratively with others in the team, they will take leadership, teaching, assessment and quality enhancement responsibilities across our academic development portfolio, including the Postgraduate Certificate in Academic Practice (PGCAP), Stirling Foundations, and pathways to Advance HE Fellowship.

As a trusted specialist partner, they will work with academic colleagues to identify priorities and design evidence-informed development that responds to institutional and Faculty needs. They will also foster a connected community of academic practice, enabling colleagues to share expertise, explore emerging pedagogies, engage in scholarship and gain recognition for excellence in teaching.

We are looking for someone with strong expertise in higher education pedagogy, sound professional judgement and the confidence to influence across disciplines. This is an opportunity to combine strategic thinking with practical delivery and make a meaningful contribution to the development of our people and success of our students.

Description of Duties

• Lead and contribute to the design, teaching, assessment, delivery and ongoing enhancement of academic development provision, including PGCAP, Stirling Foundations and Advance HE Fellowship pathways (D1–D3), providing continuity and flexibility across programmes
• Contribute to programme leadership, quality assurance and the maintenance and enhancement of the University’s Advance HE-accredited provision, ensuring alignment with the Professional Standards Framework (PSF) and relevant academic requirements
• Partner with Faculty leaders, academic teams and professional services colleagues to identify development needs, provide expert advice and design targeted responses aligned with institutional and local priorities
• Initiate and deliver evidence-informed development that enhances inclusive learning, teaching and assessment, and responds to emerging opportunities and challenges - including digital and AI-enabled practice
• Build communities and networks of academic practice, enabling collaboration, scholarship, sharing of effective approaches and professional recognition across disciplines
• Evaluate the quality and impact of academic development activities using appropriate evidence and feedback, applying findings to improve provision and demonstrate contribution to strategic priorities
• Develop accessible guidance, resources and flexible development opportunities that support colleagues to apply effective pedagogical practice
• Build productive internal and external relationships, contribute specialist expertise to relevant networks and work collaboratively across the Employee Experience and Development team in support of wider HR&OD priorities

Essential Criteria

• Degree-level qualification or equivalent substantial professional experience in academic development, higher education or a related field
• Fellowship of Advance HE (FHEA) or higher, and demonstrable experience of influencing the teaching and learning practice of others
• Substantial experience of designing, facilitating, assessing and evaluating academic development in higher education, with evidence of quality and impact
• Strong knowledge of higher education pedagogy, inclusive learning, teaching and assessment, the Professional Standards Framework and relevant quality enhancement expectations
• Experience of contributing to accredited academic or professional development provision, including teaching, assessment and/or associated quality processes
• Ability to build credible relationships with academic leaders and colleagues across disciplines and services, providing expert advice and influencing improvements in practice
• Evidence of using pedagogical research, institutional insight and sector developments to shape innovative, practical development approaches
• Excellent facilitation, written communication and analytical skills, with the ability to evaluate outcomes and communicate recommendations clearly
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively, exercise sound judgement and manage competing priorities while maintaining high standards and an inclusive approach
• A collaborative, inclusive and adaptable approach, with a commitment to continuous professional development, sharing expertise and enhancing the experience of colleagues and students

Desirable Criteria

• A Senior Fellowship of Advance HE (SFHEA), or demonstrable progress towards this recognition
• Relevant postgraduate qualification in academic practice, education or higher education learning and teaching
• Programme or module leadership experience within PGCAP or equivalent accredited academic development provision
• Experience of supporting Advance HE Fellowship applications, assessment, mentoring or institutional accreditation processes
• Understanding of current Scottish higher education priorities for academic practice, educational enhancement and student success

Additional Information

Full time.
Open ended.

The closing date for applications is midnight on Monday 30th November 2026.
Interviews are expected to take place on Wednesday 9 December 2026.

There is an expectation that work will be undertaken in the UK.

For the purposes of sponsorship, this post may be eligible depending on candidate's circumstances.

The University of Stirling recognises that a diverse workforce benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers and welcome applications from those who would contribute to further diversification of our staff and ensure that equality, diversity and inclusion is woven into the substance of the role. We strongly encourage applications from people from diverse backgrounds including gender, identity, race, age, class, and ethnicity.

Behaviours and Competencies

The role holder will be required to evidence that they can meet the qualities associated with the following behavioural competencies, as detailed within the AUA Competency Framework.

1. Managing self and personal skills
   Being aware of your own behaviour and mindful of how it impacts on others, enhancing personal skills to adapt professional practice accordingly.
2. Delivering excellent service
   Providing the best quality service to external and internal clients. Building genuine and open long-term relationships in order to drive up service standards.
   
3. Finding solutions
   Taking a holistic view and working enthusiastically to analyse problems and to develop workable solutions. Identifying opportunities for innovation.
4. Embracing change
   Being open to and engaging with new ideas and ways of working. Adjusting to unfamiliar situations, shifting demands and changing roles.
5. Using resources effectively
   Identifying and making the most productive use of resources including people, time, information, networks and budgets.
6. Engaging with the wider context
   Enhancing your contribution to the organisation through an understanding of the bigger picture and showing commitment to organisational values.
7. Developing self and others
   Showing commitment to own ongoing professional development. Supporting and encouraging others to develop their professional knowledge, skills and behaviours to enable them to reach their full potential.
8. Working together
   Working collaboratively with others in order to achieve objectives. Recognising and valuing the different contributions people bring to this process.
9. Achieving Results
   Consistently meeting agreed objectives and success criteria. Taking personal responsibility for getting things done.

About Us

HR & Organisation Development (HR&OD) plays a central role in supporting our people and delivering the University's People Strategy 2030. We work with leaders, managers and colleagues across the University to provide high-quality services and create a positive, inclusive working environment where everyone can thrive.

Our directorate brings together expertise in HR business partnering, recruitment and resourcing, payroll and pensions, people systems and data, employee experience and engagement, organisational and leadership development, academic and researcher development, and health and safety.

Working in partnership across the University, we:

• Deliver essential people services, providing reliable, responsive support throughout the employee lifecycle.
• Strengthen employment practices across the University, providing trusted advice and guidance to colleagues and managers.
• Attract, develop and retain talented people, supporting recruitment, professional development and career progression.
• Improve employee experience and engagement, listening to staff feedback and working together to make meaningful improvements.
• Promote a safe and healthy workplace, providing specialist advice, supporting legal compliance and strengthening shared responsibility for health and safety.
• Use people data and insights, helping the University make informed decisions, improve services and plan for the future.

Together, we combine professional expertise, practical support and a collaborative approach to make a positive difference for our people and our University.

The University

The University of Stirling is Scottish University of the Year 2027 and UK Sports University of the Year 2027 (Daily Mail University Guide).

The University of Stirling is committed to providing education with a purpose and carrying out research which has a positive impact on communities across the globe. Driven by our mission to be the difference, we are addressing real issues, providing solutions, and helping to shape society.

The University has more than 17,500 students globally and employs 1,500 staff, with more than 140 nationalities represented within our community. Our campus environment is ranked first in the UK and top 10 in the world, and our sports facilities rank first in the UK and second in the world (International Student Barometer 2024, wave two), reflecting our long-standing designation as Scotland’s University for Sporting Excellence.

We are proud holders of a Silver institutional award from the Athena Swan Charter, in recognition of our commitment to advancing gender equality. We have an overall five-star rating in the QS Stars University Ratings and, in recognition of our excellence in business education, we are accredited by AACSB International.

Eighty-seven per cent of our research has an outstanding or very considerable impact on society, with more than 80% rated either world leading or internationally excellent (Research Excellence Framework 2021), and we are ranked among the top 200 institutions in the world for our contribution to meeting the UN Sustainable Development Goals. We have twice been recognised with a Queen's Anniversary Prize; for our Institute for Social Marketing and Health (2014) and our Institute of Aquaculture (2019).

Alongside partners, the University spearheads the £214 million Stirling and Clackmannanshire City Region Deal – which will deliver major University-led projects, the National Aquaculture Technology and Innovation Hub and Scotland’s International Environment Centre. We are also a central partner in the Forth Valley University College Health Partnership.

www.stir.ac.uk @stiruni