Head of Discipline: Film

About the role

They will maintain high standards of teaching, learning and assessment in all its forms and the development of scholarship and research in the Discipline area; they will lead by example through active engagement with teaching, research and scholarship. In addition, they will initiate and encourage activity in professional/ industrial engagement to enhance academic enterprise, undertaking sector horizon scanning and benchmarking performance against competitors and identifying other opportunities. Working collaboratively as a member of the Senior Leadership Team, you will lead an ambitious agenda and ensure that we provide real academic excellence and develop new internal and external partnerships. 

About You

The ideal candidate will have experience in the area of Film and/or Performance in both academia and professional practice. As Head of Discipline, you will be an accomplished leader who possesses a strategic understanding of contemporary art education, research and practice. You will have wide in-depth experience in teaching, research and enterprise. Successful candidates will lead the Film & Performance Discipline Area and work closely with the Heads of Art & Design, Therapeutic Arts and the Head of School in delivering the new 5-year strategy. This role is an opportunity for an ambitious, motivated and collaborative leader to play a prominent part at an exciting time at the School of Arts at the University of Derby.

Principal accountabilities Provide strong, inspiring and collaborative leadership, create a positive team spirit, maximise people potential and engagement across the Discipline area and wider University, so as to foster a vibrant and innovative academic community. Enhance the full range of academic activities in the Discipline area, including teaching and learning, impactful research, professional development, academic enterprise and scholarly activity. Undertake sector horizon scanning and benchmarking performance against competitors to enhance the strength and performance of the Discipline area. Support and challenge staff to achieve excellent metrics and outcomes in TEF, REF, NSS, PRES and PTES and other key performance indicators. Work closely with the Course Director to cultivate the academic development, review and teaching of course provision within the Discipline area. Actively foster collaborative relationships with the Head of College Business Operations and other professional support service colleagues to ensure the needs of the College are being supported. To lead teams and activities and work closely with the Course Director to ensure a challenging and supported student experience which inspires them to achieve academically and in their career to their highest potential. Take the lead in ensuring the professional accreditation of programmes is achieved in the Discipline area where appropriate. Ensure the commitment to and development of academic enterprise, collaborative partnerships, and consultancy and commercial activities and manage these within staff workloads. Promote and embed the University’s core values with specific emphasis on quality, employability, and social mobility. Represent the Discipline area or School externally as necessary. Actively contribute to the School Leadership Team to provide effective academic leadership. Lead by example in ensuring staff work collegially in the College and engage with university-wide departments and activities to achieve College and University objectives. Manage and support staff within the Discipline area with respect to academic workload planning, undertaking development and performance reviews, coaching and mentoring as required. Utilise management information to monitor achievement of objectives, setting clear performance targets and addressing issues of underperformance in an objective and supportive manner when necessary. Work proactively with the Head of School to ensure the effective planning and management of resources within an agreed budget and engage with College planning and budgeting. Engage in UK and International student recruitment activities by, working effectively with recruitment & marketing colleagues and course leaders to develop the profile of the Discipline, including its promotion through marketing and the media. Ensure all new staff in the Discipline area receive comprehensive and effective induction and support during their probationary period. Manage staff in ways consistent with the University’s core values and behaviours. Ensure that staff in the Discipline area engage with staff development opportunities to gain and continuously enhance their skills and contribution, leading by example.

For a full list of the principle accountabilities of this role, please download the Job Description. 

Person specification Academic/professional qualifications (at a minimum of a postgraduate level) and substantial experience in discipline area. Fellow of the Higher Education Academy. Hold or commit to working towards a PhD/Professional Doctorate or alternatively demonstrate equivalent standing in professional practice or expertise.

Experience

Leadership experience within an academic context. Significant teaching experience in HE. A comprehensive understanding of external HE sector and current issues. A strong commitment to the institutional mission and strategic objectives. Current personal scholarship and research in a relevant field of endeavour. Extensive curriculum development experience in a relevant area. Substantial experience of quality systems and quality assurance.

Skills, knowledge & abilities

Understand the importance of setting and meeting stretching targets and objectives relating to organisational aims and goals. Demonstrable skills in academic leadership and management with proven ability to deliver through people. Strong business / commercial acumen and the ability to manage budgets and interpret financial information. Ability to develop impactful research profile and external academic enterprise activities for self and others. Proven ability to foster effective communication and collaborative working within a School. A commitment to demonstrate and promote the University core values. Flexible and adaptable, demonstrating good time management/planning skills and commitment to meeting deadlines.

Business requirements

Contribute to the wider leadership of the School and College. Ability to travel abroad for business. Availability to work when necessary at weekends and during the evenings to attend Open Days and other University activities in other external activities. Commitment to continual professional development. Benefits Generous annual leave entitlement of 42 days inclusive of bank holidays and concessionary days (pro rata) Teacher’s Pension Scheme Suite of holistic wellbeing benefits and support including family-friendly policies, generous sick pay provision and comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme Access to a variety of staff discounts at high street retailers Discounted onsite gym Discounted access to Devonshire Spa Access to employer-funded Private Health Insurance Holiday trading Cycle to Work scheme A flexible working environment A commitment to personal and professional development

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