Head of Academic Language and Learning

TESOL International Association; Manchester; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A national education organization in Manchester seeks a professional to lead the English Language Proficiency Framework implementation at UKMC. The role involves managing the Academic Language & Learning Hub and designing assessments to ensure student proficiency. Candidates are required to have a postgraduate qualification in a related field and expertise in English for Academic Purposes (EAP). This full-time position offers an opportunity to contribute to teaching excellence and student success in a forward-looking institution.

Qualifications

• Fellowship or Senior Fellowship of Advance HE is desirable.
• Experience managing a learning centre or writing lab is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Lead the implementation of the UKMC English Language Proficiency Framework.
• Design and oversee the UKMC Diagnostic English Language Test.
• Manage the Academic Language & Learning Hub.
• Maintain the Language Assessment Handbook.
• Develop staff development sessions on English proficiency assessment.

Skills

Expertise in English for Academic Purposes (EAP)

Academic writing development

Language assessment understanding

Curriculum integration knowledge

Experience in academic English support interventions

Education

Postgraduate qualification in Applied Linguistics, TESOL, Academic Literacy, or related field

Job description

Job Responsibilities

• Lead institution-wide implementation of the UKMC English Language Proficiency Framework, ensuring alignment with OfS Condition B4.2(d) and QAA FHEQ levels 3-6.
• Design, oversee, and refine the UKMC Diagnostic English Language Test, ensuring all students are appropriately assessed on entry.
• Establish and manage the Academic Language & Learning Hub (ALL Hub): small group workshops, writing lab, online resources, and 1:1 tutorial pathways.
• Maintain and regularly update the Language Assessment Handbook, ensuring guidance remains inclusive, consistent, and aligned with assessment policy.
• Develop and deliver staff development sessions (annually and on-demand) for lecturers, SSTs, and markers on assessing English proficiency, moderation, and feedback.
• Monitor and report on student referrals, attendance, and progress through structured action planning and tutorial pathways.
• Facilitate moderation training and sampling exercises across campuses to ensure consistent application of the Technical Proficiency in English criterion.
• Track diagnostic data, staff training participation, and assessment trends to inform annual compliance and enhancement reports to the Academic Board.
• Collaborate with Course Directors and Heads of Department to ensure discipline-specific integration of English proficiency support and assessment expectations.
• Provide subject-level consultations and support to departments undergoing programme validation, review, or enhancement.

Essential Criteria

• Postgraduate qualification in Applied Linguistics, TESOL, Academic Literacy, or related field.
• Demonstrated expertise in English for Academic Purposes (EAP) and/or academic writing development in higher education.
• Experience designing and delivering academic English support interventions at undergraduate and/or postgraduate level.
• Strong understanding of language assessment, moderation, and curriculum integration.
• Familiarity with OfS B4.2(d), QAA FHEQ descriptors, and inclusive assessment practice

Desirable Criteria

• Fellowship or Senior Fellowship of Advance HE.
• Experience managing a learning centre, writing lab, or academic literacy programme.
• Knowledge of multilingual learner support, inclusive feedback, and diagnostic testing development.
• Track record of contributing to institutional quality enhancement or academic policy design.

Why Join UKMC?

You will be part of an ambitious and forward-looking institution that values teaching excellence, creativity, and student success. You will have the opportunity to shape a practice-led, industry-focused curriculum, inspire the next generation of professionals.

UKMC offers a supportive environment with opportunities for academic development, research, and collaboration with validating university partners.

Job Type: Full-time

Work Location: In person