Head of Learning Content & Partnerships

We are currently recruiting a Head of Learning Content & Partnerships on a permanent contract.

The role is hybrid, combining home based working with occasional travel to our Oxford Hub.

To apply, please send a CV and cover letter (including details on your current salary) to HRsupport@actuaries.org.uk by noon on Tuesday 22 November 2022. 

Purpose of the job

Contributes to the development of the Engagement and Learning Group’s strategic objectives, leading specifically on the following operational areas:

• Content and Quality Standards of the IFoA’s professional qualifications
• Development of the IFoA’s Career-Long Learning offer to members
• Relationships with other professional bodies
• The IFoA’s global university accreditations
• Audit of pre-qualification member work experience
• The IFoA’s relationships with third-party learning providers
• Management and professional development of the teams delivering these functions

Dimensions

The Head of Learning Content & Partnerships has 8 direct reports and oversees the work of 5 indirect reports, directly managing a budget of £1m to £2m.

The post-holder has direct budgetary responsibility for contracts with third-party commercial service providers, value £120k.

The role leads on the development of around 23 subject syllabuses and Core Reading alongside 69 assessment papers, which must meet the competency standards associated with each of the IFoA’s qualifications.

The post-holder is responsible for the quality monitoring of around 50 accredited universities and a significant number of other recognised partners who deliver programmes of study which lead to exemptions towards IFoA qualifications.

Over 3,000 exemption applications are processed by the team every year, with around 30% requiring significant specialist review.

Principal accountabilities

Responsible for the effective leadership, design, and operational delivery of the following areas of the IFoA’s qualifications and Career-Long Learning:

Content & Standards

• Curriculum & Syllabus Development
• Learning Resources (learning providers/practice boards)
• Examination Setting
• Competency Frameworks
• Qualification Standards
• Third Party Providers
• Personal & Professional Development (PPD)) Standards
• CERA Treaty Requirements

Quality

• Policies & Regulations
• PPD Sign Off
• Exemptions
• University Accreditation Processes and Quality Control
• University Graduate Tracking and Graduate MI
• Management & Support of Independent Examiners
• Relationships with other professional bodies

Responds to sector and statutory developments, undertaking research, analysing data, and producing reports to support effective decision making within the IFoA.

Maintains in-depth knowledge of good practice and developments in the Higher Education and professional body sectors to inform policy and service development, and regulation.

Works closely with the Head of Quality and Assessment and other senior managers in developing strategies and optimum planning for relevant audits and reviews (e.g. Financial Reporting Council).

Responsible for the development and performance management of the Learning Content & Partnerships Team.

Represents the IFoA externally and internally in line with the seniority of the role and the needs of the business.

Carries out other duties as may be required, from time to time or on a regular basis, in accordance with the IFoA’s needs and seniority of the role.

Main contacts

Internal

• Head of Quality and Assessment
• Head of Professional Communities
• Head of Finance and Operations
• Head of Assessment
• Quality Manager
• Assessment Delivery Team
• Qualification, Assessment & Delivery Team
• Engagement and Learning Team
• General Counsel team
• Communications Team

​​​​​​​External

• Independent Board Officers
• Financial Reporting Council
• Other relevant Professional Bodies
• Senior University representatives
• Third-Party Contractors and Partners
• Principal Examiners
• Module Teams
• Independent Examiners

Decisions

• Budgetary decisions up to the level outlined in the IFoA Financial Manual and agreed with the Head of Quality and Assessment.
• Operational decisions regarding aspects of the IFoA’s learning programme with implications for revenues of £10m.
• Key decisions on project work – implications for projects with budgets of typically up to £120k.
• Operational decisions related to partnerships with significant implications for the IFoA’s reputation.

The post-holder needs to objectively analyse alternative solutions to their managerial challenges and demonstrate good judgement in deciding when to escalate issues on the basis of their potential reputational risk to the IFoA; in such circumstances working up options for decision at a more senior level.

The post-holder is expected to spend considerable time researching and analysing external good practice before developing proposals which ensure that the content of the IFoA’s qualifications and its Career-Long Learning remains in line with contemporary market expectations and maintains long-term public interest standards.

The post-holder’s work needs to effect change to processes and procedures which will enhance the candidate experience in all areas of academic quality, assessment, and communications.

Complexity

The post holder must identify and implement early and targeted interventions to improve key operational outcomes, without causing disruption to complex ongoing business. This can include working to persuade key stakeholders who are not employees of the IFoA to change their behaviours and processes. Handled inappropriately the latter could lead to significant reputational and operational difficulties for the IFoA

The post holder must prepare communications appropriate for different audiences on matters potentially involving legal and/or personal issues.

The post holder must analyse and interpret complex data; identifying and summarising the information required to manage and develop relevant aspects of the IFoA’s Learning strategy. 

The post holder must think and plan within a strategic context, constantly reviewing and realigning team objectives to meet both the short- and long-term objectives of the IFoA.

Impact

The work of the Learning Content & Partnerships Team:

• directly impacts the member-experience of around half our total membership globally
• contributes to revenue generation approaching half that of the IFoA
• ensures the qualifications awarded are rated as one of the top two member benefits by the wider IFoA membership
• provides assurance to the IFoA’s external oversight body that those acquiring the IFoA’s qualifications and undertake our Life-Long Learning have met the required standards and meet our public interest obligations
• Development of the IFoA’s Career-Long Learning offer is identified as an important and growing benefit by our 33,000 members.

Any errors arising from the work of the Team are extremely high profile, attracting attention from a wide range of high-level stakeholders.

Skills, knowledge and experience

Essential

• A higher degree preferably in a management-related subject, such as an MBA, or equivalent experience.
• Proven track record within a Learning and Development environment at senior level.
• Proven people management skills, with demonstrable experience of recruiting, developing and inspiring colleagues to fulfil their full potential and deliver results.
• Budgetary experience at the scale of the operation.
• A demonstrated ability to influence people and outcomes at senior levels.
• Experience of managing networks of senior internal and external stakeholders outwith  one’s formal direct line-management.
• Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to interact with a wide range of people from different backgrounds and cultures, flexible, and having a high tolerance of ambiguity.
• Excellent writing/presentation skills: the ability to write policy papers, prepare presentations, and to present coherently fact-based analysis to a wide range of external and internal influencers.
• Excellent analytical skills: a quick and questioning mind; skilled at analysis of both quantitative and qualitative data, able to summarise and create recommendations for action.
• Proactive, imaginative and a flair for problem solving.
• Strong self-motivation and drive, with excellent organisational skills appropriate to the complexity and scale of the role’s work.
• Judgement, integrity, and commitment to continuous improvement consistent.

Desirable

Senior management experience within a professional body or higher education provider.

Values and Behaviours

The role holder will require to demonstrate each of the IFoA’s values: member-focused; action-orientated; forward-and-outward-looking; and team-driven.

• Member-focused: Deeply understand and deliver what members value. Provide a meaningful member experience through service, expertise and appreciation 
• Action-oriented: Set and pursue clear priorities to gain meaningful results, strive to be agile and effective in our actions
• Forward- and outward-looking: We’re always looking to be bold and improve, innovate and take the next step. Thoughtful about what best serves our members and the public interest, striving to continuously improve. Embrace new ideas and ways of working
• Team-driven: We work in partnership, advancing together as one IFoA. Work across boundaries in support of our shared purpose. Openly share resources, information and time

Additional Information

Ability to travel on a regular basis – including internationally.