Full Time - Permanent - High Wycombe
Salary - £44,128 - £55,755
Buckinghamshire New University is an ambitious, modern university that is always open to fresh ideas and thinking. We believe in the transformative power of education, and in doing the right thing by our students, people and local community. That’s why our BNU community is a special place to work and study, and where people who want to make a difference can contribute and succeed.
Our University’s DRIVE values are at the heart of all that we do. We are united in being dynamic, responsible, inclusive, visionary and empowering to ensure that we provide the best experience to our learners and offer excellent service to our partners and to each other as colleagues. Our commitment to these values is unwavering and they are central to our mission. We encourage applications from all backgrounds, communities and industries and we are happy to discuss any reasonable adjustments that you require.
An exciting new post has been created at BNU in the Directorate of Learning Enhancement and Academic Practice (LEAP). The Senior Advisor (Digital Pedagogy and Practice) will support the Director of LEAP in significantly enhancing the institution's approach to digital education. The role holder will lead the team of learning technologists, design effective digital pedagogical approaches, support and train staff across the institution to enhance their digital capabilities, 'horizon scan' to identify appropriate new technologies. They will also undertake research and evaluation of institutional approaches to digital education, disseminating findings and contributing to national digital education communities of practice. In the first 12 months, the post holder will also play a significant role in overseeing the institutional upgrade to BlackBoard Ultra.
Delivering effective digital education for all students is a key priority for the institution as we further develop our course portfolio to include on-campus, blended and online only provision. Being strategic-minded, and a strong networker internally and externally is essential. We are particularly interested in applications from candidates experienced with BlackBoard Ultra, but will consider strong applications from applicants using other VLE implementations. This is an exciting time to join BNU to deliver exceptional student experiences and support the institution to adopt effective and impactful digital education.
What We Offer
* a generous holiday entitlement (30 days per annum, plus bank holidays & closure days)
* Hybrid working (dependant on business needs)
* training & development support opportunities
* contributory pension scheme
* discounted gym membership for our on-site gym
* a range of staff discounts with major retailers.
Please click here to see our wide range of benefits available for employees.
If you have the qualities and attributes representative of the University’s values and ambition, we would be delighted to hear from you.
For further information about this role please contact Dr. Katharine Hubbard on Katharine.Hubbard@bnu.ac.uk
All applications are to be made in full and online.
BNU is proud to have a diverse community and a strong track record of diversity, equity and inclusion. Our aim is to continue to build an environment where everyone thrives and can be themselves. We therefore ensure that our interview/shortlisting Chairs complete the relevant e-learning and/or inclusive recruitment training.
We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in BNU’S workforce. These include people from global majority backgrounds, disabled people, and LGBTQI+ people, particularly in more senior roles.
Closing Date: 27th April 2025
Interview Date: W/C 19th May 2025
If you are successful in securing an interview for the role, you will be required to provide proof of eligibility to work in the UK.
BNU is a Disability Confident employer and as such you will be given the opportunity to declare a disability as part of the application process. The University is also committed to achieving the Race Equality Charter.
Job Description
Job Title: Senior Adviser (Digital Pedagogy and Practice)
Directorate: LEAP
Grade: H
Location: High Wycombe; Aylesbury, Uxbridge as appropriate, with travel to other campuses
Responsible to: Director of Learning Enhancement and Academic Practice (LEAP)
Responsible for: Learning Technologists
Job Purpose
* Lead the institutional approach to digital pedagogy and practice
* Support academic colleagues across the institution to embed effective use of digital tools in teaching, learning and student support
* Lead a team of learning technologists to implement effective use of the virtual learning environment (VLE) and other digital education tools (e.g. Panopto, Turnitin)
* Use an evidence-based approach and sector insights to provide expert advice, interventions, and guidance on good practice and innovations in digital learning, teaching and assessment, building on existing projects (e.g. Active Digital Design)
* Identify areas for enhancement by being data-driven, and by monitoring key performance indicators embed good practice in line with BNU’s Education Strategy and institutional priorities.
* Design and deliver teaching improvement activities for staff that enhance student outcomes and achieve consistency of high-quality practice across BNU.
* Lead research and enhancement projects to develop a culture of educational improvement, innovation, and impact - including the University’s approach to the Access and Participation Plan.
* Practice an inclusive approach and support building an inclusive university community where people can be themselves.
Main Duties & Responsibilities
* Make significant contribution to research informed innovative pedagogy, curriculum and programme planning, design, and development, particularly focussing on use of innovative digital technology to enhance learning.
* Provide leadership and support in the areas of testing new technologies, digital accessibility, identifying and developing new workshops to support digital capability for both staff and learners.
* Deliver teaching and learning on professional development education such as the Post Graduate Certificate in Academic Practice (PGCAP) and Teaching and Supporting Learning in Higher Education (TSLHE), as well as staff development and training for academic colleagues at BNU and partner institutions.
* Adopt a consultancy mindset to proactively closely with school leadership teams to support academic staff with teaching improvement interventions, maximising positive impact on student learning and outcomes.
* Use sector insights and an evidence-based approach to provide expert advice and guidance to staff on good practice in digital learning, teaching, and assessment.
* Contribute to the development and leadership of an inclusive teaching and learning culture and ensuring delivery of excellent student experience and outcomes.
* Use relevant metrics and performance indicators and proactively identify and respond to learning and teaching challenges across the University.
* Contribute significantly to pedagogical knowledge through refereed conference outputs and peer-reviewed (non-conference) outputs, and undertake collaborative research with external partners, communities, professional bodies and/or employers.
* Be responsible for conducting annual reviews, performance management and smooth running of the digital team.
* Comply with relevant legislative and other requirements (e.g., the Data Protection Act 2018 and GDPR; Health and Safety; UKVI; and Equality and Diversity) in all working practices.
* Such other duties temporarily or on a continuing basis, as may reasonably be required.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
A = Application T = Test I = Interview
Education, Qualifications & Training
Means of Testing
First Degree in a relevant field
A
Recognised HE teaching qualification and Senior Fellowship of Advance HE or evidenced commitment to achieving within two years
A
Knowledge & Experience
Expert knowledge, experience and/or research in digital pedagogy in higher education
A/I
Track record of delivering quality learning, teaching and assessment to students/learners achieving excellent student outcomes, or of implementing interventions to improve teaching quality
A/I
Evidence as an active researcher and delivery of high-quality research and scholarship
A/I
Proven track record in delivering excellent student/customer service
A/I
Active contribution to subject associations; learned society or professional body
A/I
Track record of supporting academic staff in curriculum development to enhance student outcomes
A/I
Evidence of improving equality, diversity and inclusion outcomes in HE
A/I
Evidence of being data-driven to improve student outcomes and the student experience
A/I
Skills
Excellent digital skills including demonstrable working knowledge of Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) platforms, digital teaching tools, Microsoft Office and web applications and online communication tools
A/I
Excellent presentation and teaching delivery skills
A/I
Excellent active listening, persuasion, negotiation, and group facilitation skills
A/I
Excellent written communication skills, including ability to write informal and formal communications, guidance materials, and reports effectively
A/I
Ability to proactively plan, prioritise and organise own work and resources, including managing projects and resources, anticipating problems and planning workable solutions
A/I
Ability to work under pressure, use initiative and resolve problems, and work to targets and communicate progress regularly and clearly
A/I
Excellent team worker
A/I
Special Requirements
A willingness and ability to travel and work in off-site locations and across all University campuses, as required
A/I
A willingness and ability to contribute to University Open Days (which may fall on Saturdays)
A/I
Behavioural INDICATORS
The BNU Behaviours Framework (BBF) Is a Framework For All University Staff That Sets Out The Key Behaviours That Exemplify The DRIVE Values And Ethos Of The University. The Nine Categories Provide a Clear Steer On Behavioural Expectations That Will Help Support a Step Change In The Performance And Culture Of The University. The Three Key Behavioural Indicators For This Post Are As Follows
Delivering excellent service Providing the best quality service to external and internal customers/students/stakeholders. Building genuine and open long-term relationships in order to drive up customer service standards.
Embracing change Being open to and engaging with new ideas and ways of working. Adjusting to unfamiliar situations, shifting demands and changing roles.
Working together Working collaboratively and across boundaries with others in order to achieve objectives. Recognising and valuing the different contributions people bring to this process. #J-18808-Ljbffr