Lead Officer - Academic Skills & Mentoring Services

Position: Lead Officer - Academic Skills & Mentoring Services

Company: Victoria College of Arts and Design

Location: ON-SITE, London Borough and Harbour Exchange Campuses

Salary: £39,000 to £45,000

Hours: Full Time, Monday-Friday (9am – 5pm)

**Occasional weekend and evening work required**

About Us:

Victoria College of Arts and Design (VCAD) provides higher education teaching and learning in the arts, design, creative industries and business fields. Our goal is to guide and support our students on their journey to becoming successful individuals and citizens. We strive to offer the best services and resources available to ensure that our students are well-prepared for graduate-level employment within the creative industries or any other aspect of the world of work. From enrolment to graduation, we are dedicated to nurturing our students' growth, fostering their creative and critical skills and equipping them with the confidence and abilities needed to excel in a professional environment. Whether through the dedication of our lecturers and support staff, our outstanding facilities, or our network of industry connections, Victoria College of Arts and Design is committed to helping and mentoring our students so that they achieve their personal goals and build themselves sustainable and fulfilling careers.

VCAD is currently seeking a Lead Officer for our Academic Skills & Mentoring Service steam. The successful candidate will be based at our main campus at London Harbour Exchange – South Quay. The chosen candidate will be responsible for providing academic skills support and mentoring to our students throughout their academic journey. This role requires excellent communication and organisational skills, as well as the ability to work effectively in a demanding environment. The role will involve creating and delivering resources, workshops and other teaching and learning materials to help VCAD students improve their academic skills. This includes improving their written and spoken English, using primary and secondary research, engaging with virtual learning environments, complying with academic integrity and etiquette processes and developing other skills to help students achieve academic success.

In collaboration with the Head of Student Experience and Outcome, the role holder will ensure our student services continually evolve to meet student needs and maintain the highest standards of care and professionalism.

Additionally, the role holder will oversee teams based in Manchester and Leeds, with occasional visits to these campuses as required.

Department: Student Services

Reporting to: Head of Student Experience and Outcome

Responsible for: Academic Skills & Mentoring Officers

Responsibilities:

• Lead, motivate and develop the Academic Skills and Mentoring Services team.
• Provide advice and assistance in using analogue and digital resources, including guidance on academic referencing, plagiarism, academic misconduct and the appropriate use of copyright material.
• Develop and deliver tailored programmes to enhance students’ academic
• literacy, digital, language and employability skills using appropriate materials and tools.
• Utilise and develop diagnostic tools and online support materials.
• Monitor and support students’ progression in academic English and skills development.
• Facilitate the embedding of academic and digital literacy into all VCAD courses.
• Enhance students’ oral and written communication skills for employability.
• Collect and analyse data to continuously improve the service.
• Lead project work, service planning, policy development and innovation.
• Develop links with colleagues in other institutions and contribute to external professional bodies and networks.
• Conduct performance reviews and provide professional development opportunities for the Academic Skills and Mentoring team.
• Travel to other VCAD campuses to participate in formal institutional events, inductions and staff training (travel expenses covered).
• Fulfil the role of subject matter expert for academic English and skills support at VCAD.
• Support other duties as requested by the Head of Student Experience and Outcome or the Directors of VCAD.

Requirements:

Essential / Desirable: (E) (D)

(where required, training and professional development will be provided to the successful applicant by VCAD, to facilitate their ability to deliver the responsibilities of this role to an excellent standard)

• Master’s degree in a relevant field, or equivalent professional experience. (E)
• Demonstrated experience managing and mentoring a team, with the ability to lead across multiple locations. (E)
• Experience in supporting or teaching in Higher or Further Education related to academic writing and study skills development. (E)
• Understanding of the library’s role in learning and research. (E)
• Commitment to widening participation and supporting students from diverse backgrounds. (E)
• Ability to motivate students and make academic skills development rewarding and relevant. (E)
• Self-starter with the ability to initiate improvements in the teaching and learning experience of VCAD students. (E)
• Ability to multi-task and manage time and workload effectively. (E)
• Excellent communication, customer service and people skills. (E)
• Ability to manage competing priorities in a demanding environment. (E)
• Flexibility to work occasional evenings and weekends when needed. (E)
• Applied skills across a range of IT platforms and software, with specific proficiency in Microsoft Office. (E)
• Experience delivering library management, instruction and skills support in an educational environment. (D)
• Evidence of experience in teaching and programme design. (D)
• Experience in setting and marking assessments, tests and coursework. (D)
• Awareness of relevant literature on academic skills development in higher education. (D)

Leadership Competencies:

• Empathetic Leadership: Ability to lead with empathy and understanding.
• Strategic Thinking: Capable of developing and executing strategies to enhance student learning.
• Adaptability: Flexible approach to evolving student needs and institutional priorities.
• Planning and Organising Resources/Service Delivery: Ability to adapt to changing situations and reflect these changes in their approach.

Benefits:

• Private medical insurance (BUPA).
• 5.6 weeks of annual leave, including bank holidays.
• Workplace pension scheme.
• Statutory Sick Pay.
• Statutory maternity/paternity pay.
• Career development and training opportunities.
• Discounts on gym memberships, retail, cinema and groceries.
• Cycle-to-work scheme.
• Mental fitness support through "My Mind Pal"

If you are passionate about supporting students in their academic journey and have the skills and experience required for this role, we encourage you to apply.

Join our team at Victoria College of Arts and Design and help make a positive impact on the lives and futures of our students.