Senior Development Partner; Academic)

Position: Senior Development Partner (Academic)
The Post We are seeking an experienced and forward-thinking academic development professional to play a key role in shaping and enhancing learning and teaching practice at the University of Stirling. Based within HR & Organisation Development (HR&OD), the Senior Development Partner (Academic) will work in partnership with academic leaders, Faculties and professional services colleagues to strengthen academic practice, support innovation and enhance the student experience.

The role contributes directly to our People Strategy 2030 and Education and Student Experience Strategy 2030 by investing in colleagues’ professional growth and recognition and developing the expertise needed to deliver high-quality, inclusive education.

The postholder will help shape and deliver a coherent academic development offer for colleagues at different stages of their teaching careers. Working collaboratively with others in the team, they will take leadership, teaching, assessment and quality enhancement responsibilities across our academic development portfolio, including the Postgraduate Certificate in Academic Practice (PGCAP), Stirling Foundations, and pathways to Advance HE Fellowship.

As a trusted specialist partner, they will work with academic colleagues to identify priorities and design evidence-informed development that responds to institutional and Faculty needs. They will also foster a connected community of academic practice, enabling colleagues to share expertise, explore emerging pedagogies, engage in scholarship and gain recognition for excellence in teaching.

We are looking for someone with strong expertise in higher education pedagogy, sound professional judgement and the confidence to influence across disciplines. This is an opportunity to combine strategic thinking with practical delivery and make a meaningful contribution to the development of our people and success of our students.

Description of Duties Lead and contribute to the design, teaching, assessment, delivery and ongoing enhancement of academic development provision, including PGCAP, Stirling Foundations and Advance HE Fellowship pathways (D1–D3), providing continuity and flexibility across programmes

Contribute to programme leadership, quality assurance and the maintenance and enhancement of the University’s Advance HE-accredited provision, ensuring alignment with the Professional Standards Framework (PSF) and relevant academic requirements

Partner with Faculty leaders, academic teams and professional services colleagues to identify development needs, provide expert advice and design targeted responses aligned with institutional and local priorities

Initiate and deliver evidence-informed development that enhances inclusive learning, teaching and assessment, and responds to emerging opportunities and challenges - including digital and AI-enabled practice

Build communities and networks of academic practice, enabling collaboration, scholarship, sharing of effective approaches and professional recognition across disciplines

Evaluate the quality and impact of academic development activities using appropriate evidence and feedback, applying findings to improve provision and demonstrate contribution to strategic priorities

Develop accessible guidance, resources and flexible development opportunities that support colleagues to apply effective pedagogical practice

Build productive internal and external relationships, contribute specialist expertise to relevant networks and work collaboratively across the Employee Experience and Development team in support of wider HR&OD priorities

Essential Criteria Degree-level qualification or equivalent substantial professional experience in academic development, higher education or a related field

Fellowship of Advance HE (FHEA) or higher, and demonstrable experience of influencing the teaching and learning practice of others

Substantial experience of designing, facilitating, assessing and evaluating academic development in higher education, with evidence of quality and impact

Strong knowledge of higher education pedagogy, inclusive learning, teaching and assessment, the Professional Standards Framework and relevant quality enhancement expectations

Experience of contributing to accredited academic or professional development provision, including teaching, assessment and/or associated quality processes

Ability to build credible relationships with academic leaders and colleagues across disciplines and services, providing expert advice and…