Learning & Teaching Coordinator

Full time
Fixed term for 10 months or until the substantive post holder returns

The closing date for applications is midnight on Wednesday 22 November 2023.
Interviews are expected to take place on w/c 27 November 2023.

There is an expectation that work will be undertaken in the UK.

This role is not eligible for sponsorship. Applicants require to have existing right to work in the UK.

The University of Stirling recognises that a diverse workforce benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers and welcome applications from those who would contribute to further diversification of our staff and ensure that equality, diversity and inclusion is woven into the substance of the role. We strongly encourage applications from people from diverse backgrounds including gender, identity, race, age, class, and ethnicity.

You will be based within the Faculty of Natural Sciences as part of the wider Student and Faculty Operations grouping which brings together faculty-based professional services teams and related central services. You will be responsible for delivering a range of activities relating to the administration of academic programmes and other Faculty activities, supporting the student experience, and providing support to academic staff, students and professional service colleagues. This will predominantly be in the area of Postgraduate Research students.

You will demonstrate excellent communication, organisational and administrative skills and be proactive in supporting the day-to-day operations of a busy office.

An interest in supporting the student community is essential as is the ability to work flexibly as part of a team and to manage competing priorities to maintain a high standard of service at all times. You will be responsible for coordinating and supervising tasks within a team of Administrators.

Adopting a continuous improvement approach, you will ensure that systems, processes and procedures are customer focused and compliant with both University regulations and the requirements of external accrediting bodies. Working closely with colleagues within central professional services teams is essential and key relationships will include Student Administration, Academic Registry, Accessibility and Inclusion and Student Support Services.

Informal enquiries should be made to Louise Cowie, Faculty Operations Manager, Faculty of Natural Sciences, louise.cowie@stir.ac.uk.

Student Experience and Enhancement

• Work with the Operations Officer to coordinate and provide administrative support across a range of academic programmes and activities to deliver an excellent student experience and high levels of customer service; provide support to all academic and professional services colleagues, applicants, and students
• Ensure materials and information are maintained and updated on the virtual learning environment (VLE)
• Responsible for appointment of external examiners, preparation of examination papers, coordination of assessment and progression, arrangements of examination boards and PhD vivas, grade uploads and awards
• Liaise with both central service and partner institution colleagues on such matters as student progression, leave of absence and enrolment
• Coordinate and support recruitment, conversion and induction activities, in collaboration with other areas, as required
• Monitor student attendance and engagement, identifying and reporting concerns to senior colleagues
• Liaise as necessary with external agencies or professional bodies to ensure accurate data is shared (in accordance with data protection legislation) to facilitate professional accreditation registration, payment of stipends/bursaries/expenses etc
• Support student staff consultative committees and working groups relating to the student experience
• Ensure programme materials are accurate and communicated across a range of written and digital publications and platforms
• Support a range of employability related activities such as placements, work based learning, advisory boards and alumni mentoring schemes; ensure risk assessments are completed and students and providers are aware of allocations and expectations, as required

Resource Management

• Support the preparation of tutor contracts and arrange renumeration for external practitioners, as required
• Support delegated financial duties pertaining to research student administration; process stipend payments for funded students, prepare reimbursement claims, as required
• Provide post award research administration, review contract agreements, highlight discrepancies, prepare funding claims, as required
• Support the effective management of resources; work with senior colleagues to manage space allocations for academic staff and research students within area of responsibility, as required
• Raise purchase orders and sales invoices; book staff travel, ensure relevant risk assessments are completed; process staff and student expenses, as required

Risk Management, Governance and Quality Assurance

• Work with the Operations Manager to support business continuity and risk management planning
• Support internal and external learning and teaching reviews, and external accreditations of teaching provision by professional statutory and regulatory bodies (PSRBs)
• Co-ordinate quality assurance processes and procedures
• Maintain accurate records in accordance with data protection legislation and professional body requirements

Please see the attached job description for a full list of duties.

Qualifications

• Educated to a minimum of HND level, or equivalent professional experience

Knowledge & Experience

• Proven experience working in a busy, customer focused administrative environment
• Experience of using a range of relevant IT packages, particularly Microsoft Office applications, with particular experience in Excel
• Experience of managing sensitive/confidential issues with tact and diplomacy
• Knowledge of data protection and equality legislation and an appreciation of the potential impact of this legislation on the duties of the role

Skills & Attributes

• Excellent organisational and time management skills and ability to prioritise a demanding workload under pressure, while maintaining high standards of quality and accuracy
• Creative and positive attitude with a commitment to providing a high-quality service
• Ability to work as part of a team to achieve goals while also being capable of independent working and using individual initiative
• Excellent written and oral communication skills and ability to communicate effectively with individuals from a wide range of backgrounds and cultures
• Demonstrable ability to exercise sound judgement, identify problems and propose and implement solutions
• Ability to foster good relationships, using tact and diplomacy when required

Knowledge & Experience

• Previous experience of working in Higher or Further Education and/or up-to-date knowledge of issues relating to the student lifecycle and experience
• Experience of working with complex (preferably student) administration systems (e.g. SITS, CMIS, Blackboard etc.)
• Experience of preparing agendas, writing minutes and taking follow up action
• Experience of continuous improvement methodologies

Skills & Attributes

• Ability to delegate work and to direct and manage staff resource
• Ability to interpret policies and procedures and offer high-quality advice to colleagues
• Highly developed IT skills including knowledge and experience of the Microsoft Office suite, particularly Excel; maintaining records in and reporting from databases; and using web-based applications

The Faculty of Natural Sciences (FNS) encompasses the Divisions of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Computing Science and Mathematics, Psychology and the Institute of Aquaculture. FNS is a distinctive academic arena where new fundamental understandings of the complex and challenging inter-relationships between human behaviours, technologies, biological and environmental systems are created, explored and tested.

The most recent national assessment of research - REF2021 -confirmed that 80% of our research is classed as world leading and internationally excellent. It is supported through UK Research Councils, European Union and a range of research charities. We work with businesses and public service organisations both at home and overseas to achieve direct and positive outcomes for society across a range of critical problems.

Substantial investment aligned with the City, Region, and Growth deals is supporting major new infrastructure developments linked to the Faculty including Scotland’s International Environment Centre and the National Aquaculture Technology and Innovation Hub.

The University of Stirling is committed to providing education with a purpose and carrying out research which has a positive impact on communities across the globe – addressing real issues, providing solutions, and helping to shape society. Stirling is 4th in Scotland and 43rd in the UK for research impact, with 87% of its research having an outstanding or very considerable impact on society – and more than 80% rated either world leading or internationally excellent (Research Excellence Framework 2021).

The University of Stirling is ranked among the top 30 UK universities for student satisfaction (National Student Survey) and top 30 in the UK for postgraduate student experience (Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey), and has an overall five-star rating in the QS Stars University Ratings.

More than 17,000 students study with the University of Stirling globally, with over 140 nationalities represented on its scenic central Scotland campus alone. The University – also home to 1,700 staff – is ranked first in the UK and top three in the world for its campus environment (International Student Barometer 2022, wave two). Ranked first in the UK and top five in the world for its sports facilities (International Student Barometer 2022, wave two), Stirling is Scotland’s University for Sporting Excellence. Its world-class facilities provide the perfect training environment for the University’s sports scholars – many of whom compete at the highest level, including at the Olympics and Commonwealth Games – and for students, staff, and the wider community.

The University has twice been recognised with a Queen’s Anniversary Prize – the first for its Institute for Social Marketing and Health (2014) and the second for its Institute of Aquaculture (2019).

The University is a signatory to the £214 million Stirling and Clackmannanshire City Region Deal and a central partner of the Forth Valley University College Health Partnership.
www.stir.ac.uk@stiruni