Programme(s) Leader - BA Communication Design (6 month FTC)

ABOUT CAMBRIDGE SCHOOL OF VISUAL & PERFORMING ARTS (CSVPA)
Cambridge School of Visual and Performing Arts (CSVPA) is one of the UK’s leading providers of Art & Design, Drama and Music pathway and higher education programmes. Since 1985, CSVPA has been a specialist arts foundation school, and over time has grown its portfolio to include undergraduate degrees and a master’s preparation programme. Our unique and personalised approach to creative learning has given students the opportunity to develop their skills, build their confidence and progress onto some of the most prestigious Art & Design schools, music conservatoires and world-renowned drama schools.

CSVPA is part of CATS Global Schools, a leading education group committed to inspiring the next generation of world shapers.

The group brings together 16 institutions that provide students around the globe with the education they need to develop real-life skills for the future. Our dedicated team of pioneering, persevering people, including teachers and welfare specialists, work together to create a positive environment so that every student achieves their full potential.

JOB OVERVIEW

The Programmes Leader will drive academic vision, curriculum development, and quality assurance, balancing pedagogical leadership with industry currency. Responsibilities include mentoring staff, driving recruitment, enhancing student experience, and ensuring high-quality, contemporary teaching. They bridge academic standards with creative practice, fostering employability and professional networks.

This includes but is not limited to:

- To engage in the creation and maintenance of a climate which ensures student progress and makes a measurable contribution in meeting the wider school’s objectives
- To annually update course material as required, ensuring project briefs and schemes of work are comprehensive
- To lead in the preparation of the annual Action Plan for subject teams
- To lead and participate in the recruitment and retention of Departmental staff
- To engage in regular monitoring and review of the quality of the teaching and learning provision in accordance with procedures
- Ensure that the learning, teaching and assessment methods of the course are appropriate to the academic award, resources available and the learning styles and development stages of students
- To be responsible for ensuring that all staff for whom you are a line manager participate in development activities and to ensure that you review all events with them
- Ensure the appropriate level of staffing and teaching in subject areas
- Ensure links are made with external examiners as appropriate
- Monitor staff training needs using Performance Management proformas
- To participate in staff development, training and research activities
- Plan and manage assessment process for the course in line with policy
- Managing allocated budgets and ensure budget requirements are clearly flagged up in Department Action Plans
- Work with all relevant staff to ensure quality, consistency and clarity of course delivery
- To support and assist all staff to ensure that they understand, and are actively implementing, key aspects of the Behaviour and Attendance policies
- To contribute to lesson planning, teaching, assessing, course review and curriculum development

PERSON SPECIFICATION

• Education: A relevant Bachelor’s degree is required; a Master’s degree or PhD is preferred.
• Experience: Proven experience in higher education teaching (Senior Lecturer level) and curriculum development with an understanding of the demands of industry in one or more of the following areas: Graphic Design; Visual Communication; or Illustration.
• Industry Knowledge: Expertise in contemporary communication design, digital tools (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite), and industry practices.
• Skills: Strong leadership, communication, organizational, and team management skills. Creative and highly motivated, will have strong communication skills and confidence in working with diverse students with many audiences. Need to have an organised approach, and be able to work effectively with others.

BENEFITS
• Cycle to work Scheme
• Tech Scheme
• Car Scheme
• Free flu vaccine through Healthshield
• Free eye tests
• Financial wellbeing support via WageStream
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Group income protection
• GP24: GP Access for all
• Health Cash Plan
• Death in Service
• Long service awards
• Employee referral scheme
• Enhanced Maternity and Paternity pay

ABOUT CATS GLOBAL SCHOOLS (CGS)
CATS Global Schools is a leading education group committed to inspiring the next generation of world shapers. With a history dating back to 1899, but a focus on the future, our group brings together 16 institutions comprising independent boarding schools, an Arts University College, English language schools and a variety of summer programmes in the UK, US, Canada, and China.

Each year, we provide 18,000 students around the globe with the education they need to develop real-life skills for the future. We are dedicated to academic excellence and our students benefit from our well-developed links to over 40 top global universities.

We create a positive learning environment where every student is empowered to make a contribution to shape their world. This is made possible because of the commitment of our pioneering, persevering people who do the very best for our students.

OUR COMMITMENT TO INCLUSION AND DIVERSITY
We are committed to diversity, inclusion and belonging. Building on our core values – Pioneering, Persevering, People – We pledge to deliver a series of events, guest speakers and focus groups to make CATS Global Schools and employer of choice for all.

SAFEGUARDING
CGS is dedicated to safeguarding and promoting the welfare and well-being of children and young people. As such, appointment is subject to the satisfactory completion of safer recruitment employment checks in line with KCSIE guidelines. This will include satisfactory references, enhanced DBS from the Disclosures and Barring Service and, where applicable, any international equivalent being obtained. Shortlisted candidates will be subject to online checks which may include social media.