BISHOP GROSSETESTE UNIVERSITY

JOB DESCRIPTION

Title of Post: Academic Co-ordinator for Geography

Grade:SPS8

Responsible to: Head of School of Humanities

MAIN PURPOSE OF THE JOB

To be responsible to the Head of School for the organisation and delivery of programmes and courses in Geography and, working within the overall policies set by the Head of School, ensure the maintenance of high academic and professional standards and the quality of the learning experience offered to students.

KEY TASKS

1.To be responsible to the Head of School for the development of the curriculum in Geography so as to ensure that provision remains current and conforms to best practice in matters of course design, teaching and learning methodology, and assessment.

2.To act as line manager for members of the Geography team.

3.To co-ordinate the delivery of provision within Geography and make a significant contribution to teaching in the subject.

4.In accordance with the policies established by the Head of School, to co-ordinate and participate in the assessment of students by ensuring that appropriate assignments and examinations are set, marked and moderated in accordance with validated programme documents and University assessment procedures.

5.Within the framework established by the Head of School, to co-ordinate and participate in the monitoring of student progression and achievement, maintaining, in association with the Academic Registry and departmental administrators, appropriate records of students’ progress and providing reports on individual students as required.

6.To provide appropriate support and advice to students.

7.To engage in the marketing and promotion of courses and programmes in Geography in order to attract applicants of high calibre and achieve recruitment to target.

8.To participate in the recruitment, selection and admission of students.

9.To gather and analyse evidence relating to the standards and quality of provision in Geography and prepare reports as required by the University’s agreed procedures in respect of annual monitoring and the periodic review of programmes.

10.To assist the Head of School by contributing to preparations for inspections and other external quality assurance processes, including the provision of relevant documentation.

11.To provide advice to Heads of School on matters relating to the teaching of Geography.

12.To administer such budgets and resources as are delegated by the Head of School and maintain a high quality teaching environment.

13.To undertake a programme of research and/or scholarly activity in a relevant discipline commensurate with the responsibilities of the post.

14.To seek opportunities for, and engage in, income generation activity.

15.To seek wider opportunities for students through the development of links with business, government agencies, and the community.

16.To participate in external activities and establish networks through membership of subject and professional associations and liaison with other institutions and organisations.

17.To participate in the wider academic and professional life of the University through membership of committees, working groups, and examination boards, and through attendance at other events.

18.To participate in appropriate training and staff development.

19.To undertake any other duties that may reasonably be required.

PERFORMANCE MONITORING AND REVIEW

20.To agree objectives and targets with the Line Manager and participate in the staff appraisal process.

21.To provide written reports on activity as requested.

HEALTH AND SAFETY

22.To discharge all relevant health and safety responsibilities.

GENERAL

23.To maintain professional standards in relationships, including non-discriminatory practices.

24.To adopt a client-centred approach and to deal promptly and considerately with members of the public, staff and students.

MAIN CONTACTS

Head of School

Members of the Geography Team

LIMITS OF AUTHORITY

The post-holder must operate within the University’s guidelines, procedures and regulations related to academic affairs.

The post-holder must operate within the University’s Financial Regulations, Diversity and Equality Policy and other relevant University policies.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

ACADEMIC CO-ORDINATOR FOR GEOGRAPHY

Core / Supplementary
Education/
Qualifications and Special Training / A completed Doctorate in Geography or related discipline.
A record of relevant research and publication on track for submission to the next REF. / Submission to previous research assessment exercises.
Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy.
Knowledge and Skills / Specialist knowledge in the discipline of Geography, in particular in areas of human and/or environmental geography.
Excellent planning, teaching and assessment skills.
Good IT skills. / Additional specialist knowledge and skills which are of benefit to the wider activities of the institution, such as research and other income capture, external networking and partnership building.
Experience / Successful teaching experience in the UK higher education sector.
Successful HE course development experience (at module or programme level).
Personal Attributes / Conscientious, flexible, enthusiastic, and self-motivated.
Creative and forward thinking in solving problems.
Client-centred: willing to offer help and support; approachable.
Prepared to develop personal expertise in new areas.
Loyal, committed to the success of the University, and willing to work hard to achieve it.
Good personal organisation and meticulous attention to detail.
Excellent interpersonal skills.

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