Associate Dean

Company Description

UK Management College, located in Derby, United Kingdom, is dedicated to providing quality education through distance learning to a diverse student population. Graduates are equipped with the skills needed to succeed in the workforce and make positive contributions to society. The college offers a vibrant campus culture and innovative learning environment.

Purpose of the Role:

The Associate Dean (Student Success, Student Experience, EDI & Wellbeing) will provide strategic and operational leadership in enhancing the quality of the student experience across UKMC. The postholder will champion inclusive practice, student wellbeing, and equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) across all aspects of academic and professional activity. Working in partnership with university partners, internal academic teams, and student support services, the Associate Dean will ensure that students are supported to thrive academically, personally, and professionally. The role is central to creating a student-centred culture where belonging, wellbeing, and success are integral to the learning journey.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the strategic development of student success and experience initiatives across UKMC, ensuring all campuses provide an inclusive, engaging, and high-quality learning environment.
• Work collaboratively with university partners to ensure student support, wellbeing, and engagement practices align with partnership expectations and enhance joint quality outcomes.
• Support equality, diversity, and inclusion across teaching, learning, and support services, ensuring that institutional values are reflected in all aspects of student life.
• Provide leadership for student wellbeing, coordinating the work of Student Experience Leads and Wellbeing Officers to deliver cohesive, compassionate, and proactive support.
• Oversee student engagement and representation, ensuring that students are partners in decision-making and that their feedback informs continuous improvement.
• Develop and embed strategies that enhance belonging, community, and engagement, with a particular focus on underrepresented, international, and mature learner communities.
• Work with Heads of Curriculum and Course Directors to integrate wellbeing and employability into the curriculum and co-curricular activities.
• Lead the professional development of staff to strengthen inclusive pedagogy, wellbeing awareness, and student engagement capabilities across academic and support teams.
• Use student data and insight to inform interventions that support retention, attainment, and positive progression outcomes across all campuses.
• Represent UKMC in partner university networks, collaborative forums, and external events to strengthen institutional reputation and ensure alignment with sector best practice.

Person Specification

Essential:

• Postgraduate degree with significant leadership experience in higher education, preferably in student experience, wellbeing, or EDI.
• Proven record of leading student-focused initiatives that strengthen engagement, belonging, and achievement.
• Strong understanding of UK higher education, including collaborative and franchise partnership contexts.
• Demonstrated ability to lead diverse, cross-functional teams across multiple campuses.
• Expertise in promoting inclusion, wellbeing, and personal development among students and staff.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills with the ability to influence and inspire.
• Skilled in using data and evidence to inform strategy and improve outcomes.
• Strong organisational and strategic planning abilities with a commitment to UKMC’s inclusive and partnership-driven mission.

Desirable:

• Doctoral qualification (PhD or EdD) or evidence of equivalent professional achievement.
• Fellowship or Senior Fellowship of Advance HE (or equivalent recognition of teaching and leadership in HE).
• Experience in designing and implementing institutional EDI frameworks or wellbeing strategies.
• Knowledge of the regulatory and partnership landscape across UK higher education.
• Experience of leading academic and support staff professional development related to inclusive practice or wellbeing.
• Experience of developing collaborative projects with external partners or community organisations that enhance the student experience.

Professional Attributes:

The postholder will demonstrate inclusive leadership, authenticity, and integrity, and will be committed to advancing UKMC’s values of inclusivity, excellence, and opportunity. They will be student-focused, data-informed, and innovative, fostering a culture that empowers students to succeed both academically and personally.

Benefits:

• Company pension
• On-site parking
• Private medical insurance

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Work Location: In person