Policy Advisor Education

Job Description
Head of Education Policy Support
Education Policy Support, Academic Administration Division
Grade 10 (£61,198 - £70,918 per annum)
The University of Oxford is a stimulating work environment, which enjoys an international reputation as a world-class centre of excellence. Through a commitment to the personal education of each student, we provide a quality education and experience which equips students with the values, skills and intellectual discipline that enable them to make a positive contribution to society.
Education Policy Support is a small central team with the following core functions:
Providing secretariat services for Council’s Education Committee, its panels and sub-committees
Developing and reviewing University education policy and guidance
Managing and reviewing the University’s quality assurance processes, including the approval of new programmes and Examination Regulations
Handling individual student applications for adjustments to programmes of study and arrangements for assessment.
The Head of Education Policy Support (EPS) plays a vital and senior role in leading educational policy development and supporting the planning, implementation and prioritisation in the delivery of the University’s strategic educational objectives, providing relevant advice to the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Education).
What We Offer
As an employer, we genuinely care about our employees’ wellbeing and this is reflected in the range of benefits that we offer including an excellent contributory pension scheme, 38 days annual leave and various other services and benefits. This role also offers the opportunity for hybrid working.
About the Role
The Head of EPS leads a team of educational policy and quality assurance specialists engaged in the management and governance of the education brief for the University. The work of the EPS team ensures the effective management and operation of the University’s Education Committee and its panels and sub-committees. The Head is also a member of the senior team reporting to the Director for Learning and Teaching, enabling a collaborative approach to the delivery of educational strategy and policy that informs teaching, learning and assessment practices.
Alongside education strategy and policy, and related risk management, the Head of EPS also oversees a student casework function in conjunction with the Proctors’ Office (a separate small team with responsibility for handling aspects of student complaints and appeals and non-academic misconduct). There are around 2,000 cases per annum and the Head should have an understanding of relevant guidelines of the OIA.
The Head of EPS will also work in partnership and collaboration with others across AAD to deliver a joined-up and coherent model for delivery of educational priorities, and work closely with the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Education) and other senior academic and professional services colleagues in the University’s central administration, academic divisions and all Oxford colleges.
About You
Your proven experience of working at a senior level in higher education or equivalent environment, ideally within the context of educational policy and quality assurance regimes, will be vital in delivering the demands of this senior role. You will have excellent analytical skills and clear, consistent judgement, as well as the ability to act tactfully and sensitively in complex situations. Your ability to contribute effectively and creatively to the development, communication and implementation of strategy and policy will be vital to your success in post.
You must have the staff management, leadership abilities and excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to act with tact and discretion, to inspire confidence. An ability to motivate staff and to co-operate with colleagues in a team spirit will be essential. You will give leadership to how the team can handle and prioritise its complex portfolio in a challenging and ever-evolving environment, demonstrating high effectiveness in contributing to strategic thinking.
Your ability to communicate effectively and gain the trust and confidence of a wide range of people, including senior University officers and the academic community, will be vital. You will be called upon to deploy highly developed influencing and negotiating skills, and an ability to demonstrate a diplomatic and consensual approach to problem-resolution.
Application Process
You will be required to upload a cover letter/supporting statement, CV and the details of two referees as part of your online application.
The closing date for applications is 12 noon on Monday 20 May 2024.
Interviews will take place during week commencing 27 May 2024, and will be face-to-face/online