Staff Tutor in Graphic Design

As an academic member of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences and the School of Creative Industries, you will have a key role in keeping the OU in the forefront of supported distance higher education, particularly in designing and facilitating effective teaching of the School’s modules, qualifications and programmes. You will also contribute to the academic life of the Discipline through your scholarship and/or research.

As a Staff Tutor you will be responsible for the selection, monitoring and staff development of part-time Associate Lecturers (ALs), who will teach across our theoretical and practical creative modules in our forthcoming BA (Hons) Graphic Design. For this full-time role, we are particularly interested in experience of line management and curriculum development.

The post is designated as a homeworker, however some travel to Milton Keynes, and other locations in the UK, will be required.

Key Responsibilities

• act on behalf of the School of Creative Industries in the recruitment and appointment of ALs.
• provide line-management of ALs including career development and performance management.
• organise and implement an appropriate staff development programme.
• provide a link between Associate Lecturer Services, the Student Support Team and the School.
• organise timetables for blended tuition.
• contribute as an academic to the development and presentation of the school’s emerging curriculum.
• contribute to scholarship or research in the School of Creative Industries.
• contribute to the development and maintenance of student learning communities.
• contribute to the work of the School’s Student Support Team.
• be actively involved in developing and implementing diversity and widening participation initiatives.

About You

Essential Criteria:

• An honours degree in Graphic Design or a related subject.
• Professional experience in graphic design as evidenced by a portfolio of work.
• Scholarship/research interests in an area related to graphic design, digital image creation and/or visual communication.
• Relevant experience of management within teaching and student support (HE or equivalent).
• Line management experience and ability to select, manage, motivate and provide staff development for Associate Lecturers.
• An understanding of issues of student access, retention, diversity and success.
• Excellent IT skills and experience of using industry standard software in Graphic Design.
• Written and oral communication skills commensurate with an academic position.
• Evidence of excellent communication and organisational skills, including the ability to work to deadlines.
• Evidence of administrative and data management skills.
• The ability to travel to undertake School work as required in Milton Keynes and other locations in the UK.
• An understanding of the ethos and values of The Open University including the principles and practice of equality and diversity.

Desirable Criteria:

• A PhD or MFA in Graphic Design or related subject.
• Research outputs in traditional or practice-based research projects.
• Knowledge and experience of online learning environments; proven ability to be innovative in forms of teaching and learning.
• FE/HE teaching qualification or Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy (Advance HE).