JOB DESCRIPTION

MAIN PURPOSE OF JOB                                         

To devise, develop, implement and administer a lively and innovative programme of short courses balancing student demand with the need to introduce and promote new and/or experimental topics. The programme is developed in accordance with the College’s ethos and its mission related to arts, craft, design, conservation, creative writing and music; balancing professional integrity, economic viability and the effective use of the learning resources of the College.   

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

Course Development & Planning

1. Liaise with the Short Course Manager and Heads of Schools to determine target numbers, educational needs and ensure that the programme significantly addresses those drivers in subject areas of responsibility allocated.
2. Consult with relevant staff and outside experts in order to devise, review and formulate the programme scope and content.
3. Develop and plan a lively and innovative programme of Short Courses, balancing student demand with the need to introduce and promote new topics.
4. Assist in establishing operational policies and procedures for the delivery of the Short Course Programme.
5. Participate in the research, appointment and induction of Short Course tutors and take line management responsibility for them as required.
6. Take responsibility for the enhancement of the Short Course programme in allocated subject areas, especially design-related subjects, responding to the feedback of students and tutors and conducting regular reviews.

Short Course Implementation

1. Negotiate tutors’ contracts in accordance with the agreed pay structure and in conjunction with the Short Course Manager.
2. Write, edit and proofread the short course programme text.
3. Liaise with relevant college support staff including the School of Arts and School of Design Academic Support Team, in the implementation of all aspects of course development. This should include preparation of course details, instructions to tutors, Health & Safety arrangements and the coordination of practical arrangements, e.g. completion of relevant Workshop forms for material supplies and inform in craft shop stock
4. Assist the School of Arts and School of Design Academic Support Team to ensure that the workshops and tutorial rooms are effectively and competently supported.
5. Support tutors during their course to ensure any difficulties are dealt with promptly. Monitor student and tutor feedback forms in liaison with the Short Course Manager and take action where appropriate.
6. Monitor pages on the West Dean College website ensuring the short course information is accurate up to date and dynamic.
7. Advise on an annual schedule of exhibitions of tutors’ and students’ work and organise Short Course staffing of exhibitions and events

Tutor and Student Support

1. Maintain an ongoing dialogue with tutors, ensuring that all tutors are visited by a member of the Department during their course, to ensure that any problems are dealt with quickly and effectively.
2. Provide immediate support to tutors who may be experiencing difficulties with their students and put in place appropriate measures to avoid a reoccurrence of such difficulties.
3. Ensure queries from prospective students via the Bookings Office are dealt with in timely manner, in allocated subject areas; including overseeing risk assessment of applications from 16/17 year olds.
4. Research and respond to students complaints in allocated subject areas in liaison with the Short Course Manager
5. To be the representative of the short course team at Dilke House (West Dean London), meeting with new tutors, and having an overview of the teaching spaces, layouts and available resources
6. This role will include a rota of weekend and some evening working to provide visible onsite cover from Short Course Team.

General

Undertake any other duties as may be reasonably requested by the Short Course Manager. This job description is subject to regular review in consultation with the post holder.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Level of education & training

• A BA or equivalent Level 6 qualification in Interior Design or a related discipline, or equivalent related experience

Details of experience

• Specialist knowledge in Interior Design and general art and design practice
• Experience as a practicing designer
• Experience in planning, developing and implementing educational courses
• Flexibility in working hours – weekend & evenings

Particular skills and knowledge

• Have a good understanding of contemporary interior design practice
• Have a professional approach to interior design and high standards of personal conduct
• Good administrative and organisational skills
• Competency in the use of IT systems; including general administrative software and virtual learning environments

Personal Characteristics

• Ability to work under pressure whilst maintaining positive relationships with students and colleagues
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Professional approachable manner
• Confident communicator with the ability to build and sustain a variety of professional relationships
• Good interpersonal and negotiation skills

• Please view the Short Course Programmer document (opens in a pop up)