Qualifications Development Manager

Salary: Competitive

Job Description
Job Title: Qualifications Development Manager
Reporting to: Head of Customer Service & Quality Assurance
Status: Full-time and Permanent
Closing Date for applications: Tuesday 9th February 2010

Purpose:
The main responsibilities of this role are to work with the Chief Executive, Head of Customer Services & Quality Assurance and Faculties to review and develop ISTD qualifications. To assist with the future focus of both accredited and non-accredited qualifications and develop new units to meet the needs of the dance sector.

Key Result Areas

Undertake market research to establish demand for units and qualifications, including interrogating the QCF database for suitable units before undertaking any development
Work with key stakeholders, including sector skills councils, to feed into the creation process of accredited qualifications ensuring they meet the needs of the sector and approval for submission.
Ensure that the ISTD qualifications, both accredited and non-accredited, meet the needs of both the UK and International markets and where possible, meet regulatory requirements in other countries.
To develop generic units particularly in relation to the Qualifications and Credit Framework, including establishing levels and credit values, ensuring that all units conform to the regulatory criteria.
To establish rules of combination of units to meet the requirements of the QCF
Actively work with nominated members of Faculty Boards and Faculty committees in working parties as appropriate to the level and type of unit, to ensure that dance related issues are included in the development
Work closely with the Head of Customer Services & Quality Assurance to ensure that all units and qualifications are assessed in the most appropriate way to meet the needs of the learners and the rigour required of the assessment, including ensuring that there is equal access to assessment.
Ensure all written syllabi are accurate according to the requirements of the QCF and maintaining them on the ISTD website in accordance with dance specific requirements
Work with Education and Training Department including developing links with universities, and other bodies, for qualification approval and development.
Work with the Head of Customer Service & Quality Assurance to submit qualifications for accreditation in the relevant countries frameworks.
Certify all report forms meet the requirements of the QCF and ensure all are updated as required.
Attend external meetings, as required, to ensure that ISTD views on qualification developments are accurately represented and work in collaboration with partners in this respect particularly on shared restricted units.
To have an overall understanding of the work of the Customer Service & Quality Assurance department.
Work with the faculties to motivate, assist and facilitate all new dance specific qualifications and units (both accredited and non-accredited)
Conduct other activities as and when requested as part of your role with ISTD.
Comply with all Health & Safety and Security regulations at all times as detailed in the Company’s policies.

Key Performance Indicators

Ability to explain how department operates to members
Quality of units produced.
Accuracy of market research.
Delivery and accuracy of reports
Quality of syllabi produced
Delivery against SLA’s and criteria approved by regulatory authority
Delivery against operational objectives
Feedback from members
Feedback from training events
Achievement of agreed individual objectives
Problem management reduces SLA failure
Audit and review
Health & Safety Compliance

Knowledge, Skills & Experience

Knowledge of the education sector including QCF
Experience of writing units of accredited and non accredited qualifications
Awarding organisation experience in development of qualifications
Strong verbal and written communication skills
Ability to analyse and process data accurately with excellent attention to detail
Strong administrative skills and ability to multitask within set timescales
Educated to degree level or equivalent standard
Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office (Excel, Outlook, Word)
Excellent customer service and telephone manner
Ability to work on own initiative as well as part of a team
Reliable, punctual and hard-working and with a responsible attitude
Knowledge or interest in Dance

Core Competencies

Client Focus
Commitment to Continuous Improvement
Creativity and Innovation
Quality and Accuracy
Self Awareness
Working Together

Dimensions

This is a key role responsible for the creation of accredited generic units in relation to the Qualifications and Credit Framework and non-accredited qualifications. Although this role does not have direct reports it operates at a senior level within the Customer Service & Quality Assurance department and is responsible for the maintenance of ISTD syllabi.

Terms and Conditions

Hours of work: Standard hours are Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm and working outside of these hours may be required on occasion.

Holiday: 20 days per annum

If applicable, candidates must be able to provide proof of a work permit at interview and must be willing to undertake a Criminal Records Bureau check on appointment.

Application process

Should you make your application please email your CV and a covering letter saying why you should be appointed to this post and addressing the job description and person specification to Alison Stanley in HR, at astanley@istd.org .

Closing date for receipt of applications is Monday 5th April 2010.

1st interview: April 2010 which will consist of competency based interview.

2nd interview TBC