Director of Education and Student Experience

Health Sciences University

(Professorial appointment considered for eligible candidates)

Location: Onsite - Bournemouth based with frequent travel to London Campus About Health Sciences University (HSU)

Health Sciences University is a specialist health sciences institution dedicated to excellent education, clinical care, and applied research. Following the approval of our university title in July 2024 and the merger of the University College of Osteopathy into the HSU family from August 2024, the institution is in a phase of growth and transformation across our campuses in Bournemouth and central London.

We are highly values-driven, inspired by our mission to ‘create a healthier society through education, research and clinical care,’ with dedicated staff and students working together within a caring and inclusive community. HSU delivers a diverse and growing portfolio of pre- and post-registration academic provision and research in allied health and related disciplines, and substantial CQC-registered clinical and imaging services delivering high quality care for our staff, students, and local communities. Our facilities create a unique offering in higher education, supporting local and regional NHS partners and providing a data-rich research environment.

Partnership working sits at the heart of what we do as an agile and collaborative higher education and clinical provider, responding to workforce, educational and clinical needs of our external stakeholders, and supporting our communities as established anchor institutions.

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.

Applicants must be able to demonstrate their eligibility to work in the UK in accordance with the Immigration, Asylum C Nationality Act 2006.

Benefits

• Competitive Employer's Pension
• Generous annual leave entitlement
• Enhanced policies
• Subsidised clinical treatments
• Training and development opportunities
• Employee Assistance Programme And many more

How to apply

We would be delighted to discuss the role with you. For an informal discussion please contact Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Sharon Potter, on sharon.potter@hsu.ac.uk

You can find the candidate recruitment pack here.

As part of the application process, you will be asked to complete an online application form through our website and upload a focused CV detailing career and achievements. You should have completed this application form and uploaded your CV by midnight on the closing date.

Closing date: Midnight on 24 November 2025. Interviews: 5December 2025 in Bournemouth.

We value diversity and inclusion at HSU and welcome applications from all sections of the community. We are committed to having a diverse and inclusive culture which offers equality and opportunity for all. We operate Disability Confident and Mindful Employer schemes and are open to discussions around all forms of flexible working.

We operate a Guaranteed Interview scheme for applicants who are serving or who have served in the Armed Forces.

This post will be subject to an Enhanced DBS check.