About Arden University
Arden is a new dynamic university delivering rapid growth with exciting plans to disrupt the HE sector through innovation. Our vision is to make education more accessible, engaging and beneficial to people everywhere.
We started life as a distance learning provider back in 1990. In April 2014, following scrutiny by the QAA, we were awarded Taught Degree-Awarding Powers (TDAP). In July 2015 we were granted University Title and Arden University was born – the first new UK online distance learning university for more than 50 years. Since then we’ve opened 5 UK study centres and one in Berlin, successfully delivering highly accessible innovative blended learning degree and postgraduate provision. The QAA published an exemplary Higher Education Review in 2018.
Arden University has around 7,000 students across 150 countries, with the number of students growing rapidly attracted by our innovative delivery models and career-focussed provision. Over 90% combine work and study and about one third attend our study centres to participate in the blended learning mode of study. A distinguishing feature of all Arden’s programmes is the development and application of behavioural traits that are attractive to employers. These are embedded within the pedagogy of Arden’s programmes.
We pride ourselves on the relationships we build with our students and the importance all our staff place on supporting students to realise their potential. We recognise that the pressures of people’s hectic, modern lives often means our students are constrained – by location, cost, family/caring commitments or simply time. By making our degrees, masters and MBA programmes available through both online distance learning and flexible on-campus ‘blended’ study, we have been able to support students ranging from 18 to 80 years old to achieve their ambitions and benefit from Higher Education.
The Opportunity
This is an exciting and unique academic leadership opportunity to play a key role in shaping the development of a new global university.
The role of Pro Vice-Chancellor (Academic) is to lead the development and execution of the academic strategy of the University. Reporting to the Vice-Chancellor, a member of the Executive Team, the Pro Vice-Chancellor is responsible for developing, communicating and delivering the University’s strategy for Teaching, Learning and Research.
The Pro Vice-Chancellor will demonstrate strong academic leadership, along with a genuine passion for quality, student experience, and innovation in higher education. They will deliver senior leadership across a complex academic organisation, and consistently demonstrate the ability to inspire enthusiasm for, and ensure the implementation of, an ambitious educational agenda.
The Pro Vice-Chancellor will enjoy considerable autonomy as chair of the Academic Board with responsibility for ensuring academic standards and leadership of the academic team, registry and quality. Working collaboratively across the university, as well as relevant external partners and networks, the Pro Vice-Chancellor will lead all aspects of the University’s academic strategy and policy.
Personal Profile
You will relish the opportunity to break free from the bureaucracy of a traditional campus institution, to embrace a dynamic supportive environment that allows them to shape the development of a new global university.
You will have strong academic credentials with a genuine passion for quality, student experience, and innovation in higher education. You will bring experience of senior academic leadership and delivery across a complex organisation, and will demonstrate the ability to inspire enthusiasm for, and ensure the implementation of, an ambitious educational agenda.
Closing Date: Monday 11th February 2019
How to apply
For further information or to apply to this role, please send a CV, covering letter and supporting documents to vacancies@arden.ac.uk