JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Title: Course Leader (MAF, MAS, MAIFB) Reports to: Head of Studies Line Manages: All staff supporting the relevant MA programme Contract: Permanent, Full time Salary: £52,250-£55,000 per annum (Grade 3 Academic – Pay point subject to Remuneration Committee approval) Further pay progression dependent on performance Last Updated: June 2020

Job Summary

As Course Leader, the post-holder leads and manages the MA programme and its staff with the aim to continuously improve the delivery and standards of the programme and student outcomes. They work with the Head of Studies to implement agreed strategies and operational plans, whilst monitoring the modules and the programme as a whole. They lead academic staff on assessment, review, design, and delivery. They are an active film practitioner, passionate educator and proven resource and people manager.

Main Responsibilities

Academic

• Ensure that academic standards across the course delivery and assessment are effectively managed, maintained and enhanced. • Act as the first point of contact and support for academic staff on matters pertaining to course delivery, assessment, monitoring, and student welfare. • Undertake and/or supervise academic administration duties such as timetable and lesson planning, attendance taking, internal and external reporting, project management etc when required. • Lead and/or actively contribute to Academic programme related meetings, committees, working groups, partnership and examination boards as per the Film School (LFS) committee structure and as required; Producing regular programme reports and updates as required.

Quality Management and Enhancement

• Ensure the maintenance of the highest standards of quality assurance in the management and delivery of the programme to meet the academic standards and regulations of London Film School (LFS) and validating University partner. • Contribute to and participate in internal and external quality and other regulatory reviews. • Work with the Head of Studies to ensure enhancement and quality assurance of the curriculum, regularly monitoring programme content and materials, contributing to the design and implementation of relevant and appropriate curriculum revisions. • Manage and support curriculum reviews and quality enhancement initiatives.

• Develop appropriate ways of engaging students in generating ideas for enhancing provision and in decision-making, in order to enrich their academic and personal experience • Support the Head of Studies to take a strategic lead in enhancing provision through greater collaboration across MA and PhD programmes at London Film School (LFS), as well as validating University partners, industry and external stakeholders/partners (e.g. BFI, Film London etc).

Curriculum Design, Content and Organisation

• Supervision of the planning, design and continuous enhancement of the delivery of the curriculum within the London Film School. • Proactively contribute to and/or lead where appropriate curriculum development, programme review and validation of programmes. • Ensure that programme design and delivery comply with the quality standards and academic framework of the London Film School and its validating partners. • Ensure that the delivery of the curriculum is appropriately resourced and structured to support student development and progression

Learning, Teaching and Assessment

• Plan, prepare and teach students in line with the validated course and module specifications, using a range of modes of delivery and methods to meet aims, learning outcomes and objectives of the programme. • Support the teaching and learning environment provided for students utilising appropriate teaching, learning, and assessment methods (including maximising use of the virtual learning environment) for appropriate student development and progression • Lead assessment panels and participate in summative assessment of students’ work. • Monitor the continuous formative assessment of student progress and performance. • Ensure that assessment criteria and marking schemes on all modules are clear and explicitly communicated to and explored with students • Ensure assessment is carried out with rigour and integrity with timely feedback to students. • Contribute to the maintenance of assessment methods and mechanisms • Ensure effective and timely response and decision-making across academic staff that support and teach into the course; • Undertake teaching, and/or research supervision in other programmes or collaborative learning activities when required. • Stay abreast of developments in the area of specialism, including honing skills for teaching, supervision and interaction with students to foster learning and creative thinking. • Develop and maintain strong links with other established academic institutions of higher learning/ related industries and/or professional bodies in relation to the latest developments in teaching, subject developments and/or research, where appropriate. • Undertake teaching duties consistent with areas of expertise and related administrative matters. • Attend staff meetings / learning activities as and when required. • Manage, attend and actively participate in programme related meetings and examination boards meetings. • Liaise with External Examiners for the programme and other relevant third parties.

Student Support and Guidance

• Oversee the monitoring of student welfare and the support provided to students, including co- ordinating the Personal Tutor system, providing guidance to personal tutors and students, as appropriate within the programme. • Act as mentor for students and ensure the provision of pastoral care and learning support across the programme to deal with issues and concerns of students, as a first line support. • Refer students to the appropriate channel or Head of Department/Head of Studies should the need arise. • Ensure relevant course information provided to students is current, consistent and accessible through appropriate channels. • Ensure effective liaison with relevant student representatives for the course • Ensure accurate and timely record keeping of all academic staff of the course, reporting and proper processing of any student and administrative matters across the course • Facilitate and/or work as part of the programme teams for student induction.

Student Progression and Achievement

• Proactively participate, when required, in student recruitment and engagement as a member of the student recruitment team for the programme and the London Film School (LFS) • Assess the suitability of prospective students, reviewing applications and interviewing applicants as and when required by Admissions staff in line with the LFS Admissions Policy. • Ensure the integrity of any elements of the admissions process that involve academic staff • Plan and manage students’ annual/periodic performances, exhibitions or screenings relevant to the programme. • Plan, monitor and co-ordinate student placements, industry mentoring and work experience where applicable • Build industry links to the programme, encouraging the growth of a healthy and effective alumni network

Management

• In collaboration with Head of Studies, evaluate, allocate and ensure effective use of approved/allotted budget, funds, personnel, equipment, space and other resources in the delivery of course. • Work with academic, administrative, managerial and support staff to ensure quality, consistency and clarity of course delivery and the highest standards of student experience. • Promote collaboration and cooperation within and between departments. • Manage and supervise relevant teaching staff, including performance appraisals and development opportunities, to enable them to fulfil their potential and perform their duties effectively. • Provide proactive leadership, setting an appropriate example through modelling good practice and consistently positive behaviour • Monitor staffing needs of the course and lead on recruitment of academic staff; • Support relevant staff to manage the course budget to agreed financial outcomes. • Be accountable for the effective implementation of relevant LFS policies as appropriate. • Represent LFS at educational/industry events at global locations, champion the LFS brand.

Professional

• Maintain strong professional practice in field of expertise. • Undertake and/or participate in research and scholarship, individually and/or in collaboration, contributing to specialist subject knowledge and for learning and teaching, as appropriate. • Continuously stay abreast of developments in the subject specialism through scholarly activity and professional practice and research that are aligned to the strategic plans of the school • Maintain local and international professional networks in order to contribute to student experience, promote student networking activities, provide student mentoring opportunities and maintain or raise awareness of the profile of the programme and London Film School (LFS).

General responsibilities applicable to all LFS staff

• Understand and support the vision, mission and values of the LFS; • Maintain awareness of your own and others’ Health and Safety, and comply with the LFS’s Health and Safety policy; • Take appropriate responsibility for records held, created or used as part of your work for the LFS (paper-based and electronic) as per the relevant data protection regulations. • Encourage team working and effective communication with colleagues. • Act as a representative of the LFS and deal with LFS students, stakeholders and the public in a professional manner at all times. • Comply with LFS financial policies and practices as applicable. • Undertake other duties as may be reasonably requested of your post.

This job description will be subject to review in the light of changing circumstances and is not intended to be rigid or inflexible but should be regarded as providing guidelines and accountabilities within which the individual works.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Essential (E) Skills, experience and knowledge Desirable (D) Extensive demonstrable teaching experience (8+ years) in the practice-based arts at E tertiary level (i.e. including curriculum development, maintaining academic standards, design, teaching, learning methodologies, and assessment of learning outcomes) Experience of teaching at a film school or practice-based institution E Wide-ranging experience (8+ years) in course/programme management and the E supervision and development of teaching staff Understanding of local and global screen industries, current issues and trends E Experience of developing screen-based curricula D Substantial specialist and practical knowledge of relevant filmmaking programmes and E subjects through industry experience and/or professional practice Substantial knowledge and extensive experience of academic framework and Higher D Education regulations in arts institutions, including quality assurance

Knowledge of contextualising academic programme contents and curriculum development E to fulfil requirements of validation, accreditation and for programme enhancement. Familiar with e-learning for programme delivery and proficient in MS Office suites with a D willingness to learn and use new systems Knowledge of and where appropriate proficiency in relevant software applications for E teaching & learning within relevant programme Experience of managing and mentoring staff E An understanding of the wider creative, cultural and digital landscape, and the D opportunities for emerging filmmakers Evidence of a commitment to/track record of undertaking research D Experience as External Examiner at established tertiary institution D Expert in the relevant field of practice D Qualifications Postgraduate qualification, preferably at PhD level, in a relevant discipline E Significant Professional Practice E Teacher Training qualification D Personal attributes Ability to motivate staff members and students E Effective people management and supervisory skills. E Proven ability to lead a team and collaborate with colleagues across different departments E and disciplines Ability to engage students through a range of delivery modes and supervision E Willingness to provide support to students E Strong commitment to the development of artistic practice E Good pastoral care skills in relating to issues concerning students E Excellent interpersonal skills with proven ability to work collaboratively E Proactive in problem solving, able to find pragmatic solutions, seek improvements, and E adapt Able to present information, verbally and in writing, in a clear and concise manner, with E excellent attention to detail Positive “can do” attitude and willingness to support others where needed E Ability to multi-task and work in a fast-paced environment E Supportive team member, who is flexible and has a helpful attitude E Strong organisational, analytical and communication skills E Willingness to work flexibly, including potential UK and overseas travel E A positive attitude to research and the ability to supervise a research project D

The LFS is an Equal Opportunities Employer

ABOUT THE SCHOOL

London Film School (LFS) is internationally celebrated for its commitment to film, craft excellence, innovation and creative freedom. The school is consistently rated as one of the top international film schools.

We are recognised by Creative Skillset as a Centre of Excellence Film Academy.

Currently located in , LFS is the oldest film school in the UK. Deeply connected to local and international screen industries, we have alumni spanning the globe, and working in every part of the film industry. Our students and alumni have won every major award in the screen industries, and we continue to foster and nurture the next generation of filmmakers. During 2017, films created at the school had over 200 festival entries, screening films globally. The list spanned Cannes, Venice, Tribeca, Clermont-Ferrand International Film Festival, The BFI London Film Festival, Edinburgh, Encounters, Oscars, and Sundance.

With around 220 full-time students, from over 30 countries, we are a dynamic hub for high-quality filmmaking activity, preparing creative storytellers for the world’s screen industries. We offer three full-time MA programmes, a PhD Film by Practice, and a full calendar of short courses.

The School is committed to collaborative practice-based learning and produces over 180 films every year. The result is a dynamic and intensive film environment which creates global networks for life. Every role within LFS plays a key part in shaping future creative professionals, impacting on the future of the global creative industries.

The School recently turned 60, and with a planned move to a new home, LFS is on the verge of a new chapter in its history. It’s an exciting time to join us.

London Film School is a non-profit educational charity with Greg Dyke as its Chairman of the Board and Gisli Snaer as its Director.