Academic Development Consultant 2024

As an academic development consultant, your role involves supporting individuals or institutions in improving their academic performance, learning strategies, and overall educational experience. You may work with students, educators, or educational institutions to assess needs, develop plans, and implement strategies for academic success. Your responsibilities may include providing guidance on study skills, time management, test-taking strategies, academic writing, research methods, and other areas relevant to academic achievement. You might also offer workshops, seminars, or individual coaching sessions to address specific challenges and goals. Additionally, you could collaborate with faculty and staff to design and implement programs that enhance teaching effectiveness and student learning outcomes. Overall, your aim is to empower individuals and institutions to reach their full academic potential.

This role will be based on the university campus with scope for it to be undertaken in a hybrid manner. We are also open to discussing flexible working arrangements. In this role you will lead on provision for effective leadership and good practices in the use of digital technologies, including development and recognition for staff and Post Graduate Researcher (PGR) digital capabilities. With responsibility for developing bespoke provision, you will work with our leaders providing timely and contextual support to facilitate department-wide initiatives and the development in the use of digital technologies. The role will look to emphasize finding locally managed sustainable solutions underpinned by the development of staff digital capabilities. You will work with the wider team to deliver a range of staff development provision and sharing of effective practices, encompassing learning design, inclusive practice, online and social media presence, and effective use of the range of platforms and software used to enhance teaching, research and service delivery. This will be delivered in blended or fully online formats using flexible (asynchronous) and scheduled (synchronous) delivery. You will be part of the Digital Practice Team in the Organizational Development and Professional Learning (ODPL) department. You will work closely with the other OD&PL teams to devise the tailored provision – Student Education, Researcher Development & Culture and Leadership and Professional Practice – connecting expertise to devise appropriate sustainable solutions and support. With demonstrable experience of facilitating or delivering digital innovation and change initiatives you will have knowledge and experience of advising on a range of technologies for working online and appropriate pedagogies for research-based education which is student-centered and promotes active learning. What we offer in return

• 26 days holiday plus 16 Bank Holidays/days that the University is closed by custom (including Christmas) – that’s 42 days a year! • Generous pension scheme options plus life assurance.

• Health and Wellbeing: Discounted staff membership options at The Edge, our state-of-the-art Campus gym, with a pool, sauna, climbing wall, cycle circuit, and sports halls.

• Personal Development: Access to courses run by our Organizational Development & Professional Learning team, and self-development courses including languages, Creative Writing, Wellbeing Therapies and much more.

• Access to on-site childcare, shopping discounts and travel schemes are also available. And much more! To explore the post further or for any queries you may have, please contact: Keith Tulum, Head of Digital Capabilities & Practice

Email: k.tellum@leeds.ac.uk Further details:

• Candidate Brief £45,585 to £54,395 p.a

BENEFITS OF BECOMING Academic Development Consultant

Becoming an academic development consultant offers a range of benefits, both personally and professionally:

1. Helping Others Succeed: One of the most rewarding aspects of this role is the opportunity to make a positive impact on the academic success and personal development of students, educators, and institutions. Seeing individuals grow, overcome challenges, and achieve their goals can be immensely fulfilling.
2. Varied and Dynamic Work: As an academic development consultant, you’ll likely engage with a diverse range of clients, challenges, and projects. This variety keeps the work interesting and allows you to continually learn and adapt your strategies to meet the needs of different individuals and contexts.
3. Flexibility: Depending on your specific role and employment arrangements, you may enjoy a degree of flexibility in your schedule. This could include the ability to work remotely, set your own hours for consultations or workshops, and balance work with other commitments.
4. Continuous Learning: In order to effectively support others in their academic endeavors, you’ll need to stay informed about current trends, best practices, and research in education and related fields. This commitment to lifelong learning can deepen your expertise and keep your skills sharp.
5. Professional Growth: Working as an academic development consultant provides numerous opportunities for professional growth and advancement. Whether through gaining new certifications, expanding your network, or taking on leadership roles within your organization or industry, there are many pathways for career development.
6. Positive Impact on Institutions: By helping students improve their academic performance and teaching educators effective strategies for supporting student learning, you contribute to the overall success and reputation of educational institutions. This can lead to increased student retention, higher graduation rates, and enhanced institutional effectiveness.
7. Autonomy and Creativity: As a consultant, you often have the freedom to design and implement your own programs, workshops, and interventions. This autonomy allows you to unleash your creativity and tailor your services to the specific needs and preferences of your clients.
8. Networking Opportunities: Engaging with students, educators, administrators, and other professionals in the field of education can expand your network and open up new opportunities for collaboration, partnerships, and career advancement.

Overall, becoming an academic development consultant can offer a fulfilling career that combines your passion for education with the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

THE WORK OF Academic Development Consultant

The work of an Academic Development Consultant typically involves a range of responsibilities aimed at supporting individuals and institutions in achieving their academic goals. Here’s a breakdown of some key tasks and activities:

1. Assessment: Consultants often begin by assessing the needs, strengths, and areas for improvement of their clients. This might involve conducting interviews, surveys, or assessments to gather information about students’ learning styles, academic skills, and challenges.
2. Individual Coaching: Providing one-on-one coaching sessions allows consultants to offer personalized guidance and support to students or educators. This could include helping students develop effective study habits, time management skills, and strategies for academic success, or assisting educators in enhancing their teaching methods and classroom management techniques.
3. Workshops and Seminars: Consultants frequently organize and facilitate workshops, seminars, or training sessions on topics such as study skills, exam preparation, academic writing, research methods, and other areas relevant to academic success. These events provide opportunities for group learning, skill-building, and peer support.
4. Curriculum Development: Collaborating with educational institutions to develop or enhance academic support programs and resources is another important aspect of the consultant’s role. This might involve designing curriculum materials, creating online learning modules, or integrating academic skills instruction into existing courses or programs.
5. Data Analysis and Reporting: Consultants often analyze data related to student performance, retention rates, and other metrics to identify trends and inform decision-making. They may also prepare reports or presentations to communicate findings and recommendations to stakeholders within the institution.
6. Professional Development: Supporting the professional growth of educators is another key focus area for academic development consultants. This might involve offering training sessions or resources on pedagogy, instructional technology, assessment practices, or other topics relevant to teaching and learning.
7. Program Evaluation: Consultants may evaluate the effectiveness of academic support programs or interventions by collecting feedback from participants, analyzing outcomes data, and assessing program impact. This information helps to identify areas of success and areas for improvement.
8. Collaboration and Networking: Building relationships and collaborating with colleagues, faculty members, administrators, and other stakeholders is essential for success as an academic development consultant. Networking within the education community can lead to new opportunities for partnerships, professional growth, and knowledge sharing. CLICK HERE TO APPLY

IN SUMMARY

Overall, the work of an academic development consultant is multifaceted and requires a combination of expertise in education, coaching, program development, and data analysis. By providing targeted support and resources, consultants play a valuable role in helping individuals and institutions achieve their academic goals and improve student success.