Director of Education and Student Experience (1 FTE)
Full-Time, Permanent
Salary: Grade F+ – Indicative £78,724 – £92,327 per annum
(Professorial appointment considered for eligible candidates)
Location: Onsite – Bournemouth based with frequent travel to London Campus
About the Role
This is an exciting opportunity to join HSU at a pivotal moment in the university’s development. The Director of Education and Student Experience (DESE) is a newly developed role at HSU, which will provide strategic academic leadership across all taught provision at HSU, shaping the University’s education and skills strategy, driving curriculum innovation, and ensuring an outstanding student experience across both campuses.
As a member of the Vice-Chancellor’s Advisory Group, you will champion inclusive, future-ready education, lead major strategic initiatives, and ensure HSU’s taught portfolio, and curricula remain responsive to workforce needs, regulatory frameworks, and student aspirations.
This is a strategic leadership role requiring vision, agility, and deep sector insight. You will collaborate closely with senior leaders, Heads of School, and professional service teams, translating academic strategy into practical, student-focused delivery.
About You
The ideal candidate will have substantial senior leadership experience in higher education, particularly in health, care, or practice-based education, with a proven track record of leading educational innovation, curriculum development, and managing complex change in demanding environments. Experience in building and maintaining effective partnerships with NHS trusts, local authorities, and other sector organisations is essential in this role.
You will have led initiatives that improved teaching, learning, academic quality, and student success, with a direct impact on student satisfaction metrics. You will have experience in leading and managing high performing teams, delivering to targets and budgets, and overseeing quality assurance processes. The role demands strong people management skills, the ability to inspire and motivate staff, and a commitment to inclusive education and widening participation.
You will be adept at fostering innovation, driving digital transformation in education, and promoting a culture of continuous improvement. Flexibility, strategic thinking, emotional intelligence, and the ability to influence and engage stakeholders at all levels are key attributes for this transformational leadership position. You should be comfortable representing the university externally, building networks, and leading cross-institutional projects.
You will be an experienced, confident, and proactive leader, demonstrating the university’s values and empowering others to make their best contribution. You will a positive reputation in the health education sector, mature well developed professional networks and in-depth knowledge of academic governance, quality assurance, and regulatory frameworks relating to student and programme administration in UK (English) higher education.
This role will be primarily based in Bournemouth with regular travel to our London campus.