HEAD OF PROGRAMME: ANIMATION. Appointment Details

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1 HEAD OF PROGRAMME: ANIMATION Appointment Details

2 THE ROYAL COLLEGE OF ART 1

3 The Royal College of Art is the only entirely postgraduate institution of university status devoted to research and knowledge exchange, teaching and practice in art, design, communication and humanities. In 2015/16 the College will have some 1550 students registered for MA, MPhil and PhD degrees. There are over 400 permanent academic, technical and administrative staff, with around 800 visiting lecturers. The College is located on two sites in Central London, in South Kensington and Battersea. The main campus in South Kensington includes among its neighbours Imperial College London, the Victoria & Albert Museum, the Royal College of Music, the Natural History Museum and the National Museum of Science and Industry. The Battersea Campus has been expanding rapidly with the opening of the Dyson building in 2012, which hosts the School of Fine Art, as well as InnovationRCA, the knowledge exchange and commercialisation centre of the RCA. Battersea will expand further in autumn 2015 with the opening of the Woo building which will host two of the four programmes of the School of Material Ceramics & Glass, and Jewellery & Metal in purpose designed new studios and workshops. Ranked as the world s #1 university of art and design in the 2015/16 QS world university rankings, the College has an august history in art and design education, numerous eminent graduates and a remarkable record of graduate employment. The Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) recognises the small, specialist institution status of the College through its exceptional funding stream. Truly a leader in its field, its excellence in teaching and research has been consistently recognised as being of the highest standing. The REF 2014 results cemented the RCA's position as the UK s leading university of art and design, with its research gaining more 4* ratings than any of its specialist competitors. Crucially the College is ranked as the most research intensive art and design research environment to be found in the UK. 2

4 THE SCHOOL OF COMMUNICATION 3

5 The School of Communication offers three programmes that engage with design on multiple levels, with a strong culture of innovation, experimentation and debate. The two-year MA Animation programme is located in the Stevens Building at the Kensington campus, as well as research degrees at MPhil and PhD level that range across the theoretical and practice-led, and which explore the boundaries of knowledge in the discipline and beyond. It is intended that the programme will develop closer links with other programmes in the School and across the College, and will seek to expand the intellectual and interdisciplinary bases for Animation in the 21st Century. It is the College s ambition to build on the programme s position as the UK s leading course for innovation and craft in contemporary Animation, connecting all media in making and distribution. The programme has high application rates from outstanding candidates worldwide, and it is expected that the new head of programme will be able to attract the highest quality applicants while contributing to planned growth in the School of Communication. The head of programme will also ensure that the programme is identified for its growth and success in research and knowledge exchange, both in terms of staff successes and research degree supervisory completions, and in securing competitive external funding, within the College s strategic plan commitment of growth in research and research degrees. The programme is underpinned by a committed staff of active practitioners and researchers involved in animation film-making, and is run on an auteur-filmmaker model by a highly experienced and skilled academic team, supported by visiting tutors of a very high calibre, and an outstanding team of technical experts. 4

6 THE ROLE OF HEAD OF PROGRAMME: ANIMATION 5

7 Reporting to the dean and associate dean, also working closely with colleagues in the school of communication, particularly the heads of programme for Information Experience Design and Visual Communication, and the school of communication research leader, the head of programme will provide academic leadership, and will take responsibility for academic direction, teaching and learning, research, and management of the resources of the programme and staff, in liaison with the dean and associate dean. The head of programme will lead on establishing an academic philosophy and vision for the programme closely aligning it with the mission and strategic plan of the College, continuing to develop and refresh it. The head of programme will build upon the significant reputation and achievements of the programme, ensuring it grows in stature and international profile, and forges successful creative and academic links with other programmes within and beyond the College. As member of the school leadership team, the head of programme is expected to produce research outputs eligible for inclusion in future research audits at a minimum 3* quality level as defined in REF2014, and to lead, where appropriate, collaborative externally funded research projects with colleagues in the programme and across the School and College. It is expected that the head of programme is of the status of a principal investigator (and minimum of co-investigator) on external research grant applications. The head of programme will be informed about current issues and developments in higher education, and will be up to date with current animation practice and research nationally and internationally. S/he will ensure that the programme is informed by changes in design practice, education, and the wider socio-political environment, and that it leads academic innovation in these areas. In addition to promoting the work of the programme, both nationally and internationally, the head of programme will communicate and represent the interests of the programme within the School and College as a whole, and facilitate the possibilities for collaboration and to further links with other schools. The head of programme will also work across the RCA contributing to planning, management, development and communication at institutional level through participation in College committees, and will be responsible for staffing, financial management, curriculum, and quality assurance and enhancement. Fundraising, through earned external income and discretionary income is a key part of the role. The head of programme, working with support from the development and alumni relations office, will be required to generate external funding for the programme, faculty research and knowledge exchange, and for bursaries and scholarships for both MA and research students. 6

8 Critical to success is the role in leading recruitment in line with College targets set annually by Senate. The ability to direct the MA Programme, and MPhil and PhD research degrees, and make an individual contribution to the academic work of the programme, based on proven disciplinary expertise, particularly through teaching, supporting learning and supervising research, is also important. A head of programme is expected to balance their range of responsibilities between teaching, research and knowledge exchange, management and external relations. The head of programme is expected to provide leadership across this range of responsibilities, adjusting the balance within the academic cycles and College and School priorities. Across the following areas of focus and delivery, the head of programme is expected to: Recruitment undertake effective recruitment, to ensure that sufficient offers to study are made to high quality candidates at MA and MPhil/PhD level, to achieve College recruitment targets agreed annually by Senate; ensure an appropriate balance is achieved in recruitment of home, European Union and international students, at both master s and research degree level, in alignment with College targets; undertake, and support the dean in any appropriate recruitment activities that may be required, in line with the College strategic plan and recruitment strategy. Teaching and learning ensure that appropriate learning, teaching and assessment strategies, curriculum content and organisation are employed for the programme of study and are communicated effectively to students; propose and initiate developments which improve the effectiveness of learning, teaching and assessment and which maintain the currency of the curriculum, and which are introduced in a timely fashion with appropriate consultation and scrutiny; encourage innovation in content and delivery, and to support pedagogical innovation in line with developments in higher education. Research and knowledge exchange contribute to, and ensure delivery of, research plans and objectives agreed with the dean and school research leader, in liaison with the RCA Research and Knowledge Exchange Office and in line with the College strategic plan; ensure that research and KE projects undertaken by staff are aligned with College strategic objectives, at a volume and level of quality to contribute to future REF exercises and external funding targets; to articulate links between research, knowledge exchange and learning and teaching to ensure that the curriculum reflects, and student experience benefits directly from, advances in the discipline through research; actively engage in and proactively support staff in competitive external research grant applications to Research Councils UK, charities, industry and creative arts funding bodies, as a contribution to the school of communication s research income target; identify appropriate external partners for collaboration in research and knowledge exchange, and develop and submit joint or multi-partner funding applications; actively undertake research, and ensure eligibility for submission to future research audits at 3*/4* levels. (REF2014 quality levels). 7

9 Management of staff be responsible, in consultation with the dean (and for senior appointments, the Pro-Rector (Academic)), for the recruitment of staff in the programme; manage and appraise their performance at least annually enabling staff to become more effective in their roles through personal and professional development; manage staff activities efficiently, effectively and proactively to ensure appropriate balance of staff activity in teaching, research, scholarship, knowledge exchange, quality enhancement, and development; ensure that staff undertake appropriate professional development to ensure currency, continuous improvement, and attainment of recognised qualifications in learning and teaching and in research supervision; to plan effectively to ensure capacity is able to meet demand in this area; support and, where appropriate direct, staff in the planning, conduct, delivery and public dissemination of high quality research; delegate responsibility for these activities where appropriate (and permitted by College regulations) and monitor the effectiveness of such arrangements. Resource management liaise with information, learning and technical resources (ILTS) over workshop, IT and library and learning resources provision, planning and maintenance, and work with the ICT and technical services coordinators, the technical services manager and, where appropriate, head of technical services and head of ICT ensuring effective and efficient matching of workshop and digital facilities to MA, MPhil and PhD, and staff research requirements; liaise with the dean and technical services manager in the effective programming of access to technical resources and workshops, and the timetabling of inductions, demonstrations, and projects; manage and monitor the use of facilities and the deployment of available resources to the benefit of the students, and in line with the established policy and strategy of the school leadership team; ensure that annual and other cycles of resource planning and space allocation are conducted in a timely and proactive fashion, particularly in support of student recruitment; ensure that facilities and resources are used by staff and students in accordance with appropriate regard for health and safety and in accordance with relevant regulations. Student progress and welfare implement College systems for enabling, supporting and monitoring students academic progress and personal welfare, and ensure students are directed to them as needed; establish systems which ensure effective feedback from students on the quality of their learning or research experience is integrated into quality enhancement plans. Examinations participate in student assessments, to chair admissions and examinations boards (or delegate to senior tutor as appropriate) and to ensure that there is compliance with the College regulations for the constitution and conduct of admissions and examinations boards; provide all results and records required by the College in a timely manner, and to attend meetings as required by the College to report and discuss the outcomes of examinations. 8

10 Quality assurance and enhancement ensure the programme s alignment with the College s systems for academic quality and standards assurance (for example in the preparation of programme annual review documents, appointment of external examiners and internal moderators, leading preparation for, and participation in, periodic validation events); support proactive engagement, including that of staff, with enhancement of student learning opportunities and the student experience; attend as an observer, and where appropriate to become a member of, College committees responsible for admissions, progression, examination, and academic standards. Information and documentation ensure the accuracy, reliability and consistency of any printed or electronically published information about the programme and its activities intended for the students, staff or public, including annual reviews, prospectus entries, staff profiles, research reports. Internal liaison and communication liaise with other staff within the School and the College for the purpose of sharing good practice and promoting interdisciplinary activity for the benefit of students; ensure the dissemination of information about the programme within the College and to ensure the dissemination of information from School and College sources within the programme. External liaison and collaboration lead the programme s external relations, in alignment with the College s strategies for recruitment, internationalisation, marketing, research and knowledge exchange; maintaining and developing contacts and collaboration with other institutions, public bodies, funding organisations, commerce and industry to the benefit of the programme and its students; review regularly, and at minimum on an annual basis, the effectiveness of any formal collaborations with other institutions or external partners, and ensuring satisfaction of all partners, and to liaise with the dean and pro-rectors as appropriate; refer draft agreements for international student exchanges, or faculty exchanges/residencies, to the pro-rector (academic) for approval. 9

11 PERSON SPECIFICATION 10

12 The RCA is seeking a recognised academic leader in the field of Animation with an international reputation supported by a portfolio of films, screenings, academic research and publications. The successful candidate will be critically informed and ambitious for the work of the College in developing the Animation programme and graduates internationally, and will also understand the changing nature of higher education in an international and UK context. They will have an energy and enthusiasm for the student experience, and be able to work well across teams within the RCA and the School of Communication. The new head of programme will have the ability to provide energetic leadership and professional vision in a demanding academic environment. It is expected that the candidate will have a combination of skills and experience acquired in both academic and professional contexts which provide the competence to fulfil the managerial, teaching and research aspects of the role. It is expected that the appointed candidate will be eligible to apply for consideration for the title of reader or professor, which may be awarded on successful completion of probation under the College s annual readership and professorial appointment process. The head of programme should also be able to demonstrate: Essential criteria a degree or higher degree, in a relevant design discipline; significant contribution to Animation and/or practice in an international context; proven record of research excellence and impact, and commitment to, through productions, publications or equivalent, the advancement of learning and/or the application of knowledge in his or her specialised discipline; demonstrable portfolio of successfully completed animated films; proven track record of industrial collaborations and/or proven track record of leadership in animation consultancy; knowledge of international animation; experience of teaching in higher education; experience of academic and financial management; experience of one or more of the following: fundraising/sponsorship/successful grant applications; experience of staff management; commitment to equal opportunities and diversity. 11

13 Desirable criteria experience of programme management and quality assurance and enhancement frameworks in Higher Education, and possession of a recognised qualification in learning and teaching in higher education; experience of doctoral supervision including one of: possession of a research degree; research degree supervision to successful completion; successful completion of a recognised research degree supervision qualification; a successful track record of securing competitive research grant income and/or industrial sponsorship and funding. 12

14 APPOINTMENT PROCESS AND HOW TO APPLY 13

15 The head of programme: animation will be appointed by a selection panel chaired by the pro-rector (academic). An executive search exercise is being undertaken by Perrett Laver in parallel with the public advertisement of the post. Perrett Laver will assist the selection panel in the discharge of its duties, both to assist in the assessment of candidates against the requirements of the role and to identify the widest possible field of candidates. Applications should consist of a full academic CV and a covering letter, with narrative text describing the nature and achievements in your research, and wider leadership or managerial responsibilities held and achievements therein. The deadline for applications for this post is 12pm (BST) on Thursday, 3rd September 2015 and you should upload your application at quoting reference The selection panel will agree a shortlist in mid-september Shortlisted candidates will then be invited to attend a formal interview in early October The final appointment is subject to satisfactory references. 14

16 EMPLOYEE BENEFITS SUMMARY Pension Holiday The College operates the Superannuation Scheme of the University of London (SAUL) Career Revalued Benefits (CARE) pension scheme. The College will contribute a sum equal to 13% (16% from April 2016) of your salary while you pay 6%. Six weeks (30 days) paid leave per annum plus Bank and Public holidays normally observed in England and Wales. Travel season ticket loan Childcare voucher scheme Life cover Cycle to Work scheme Enhanced maternity and adoption pay Enhanced paternity pay Enhanced sick pay Part-time staff will be entitled to the pro rata equivalent. Interest-free loans are available for staff to purchase annual season tickets. Childcare vouchers can enable parents to pay for childcare from pre-tax and national insurance income. Active members of the SAUL pension scheme automatically receive life cover. A lump sum of four times your salary, together with a refund of your contributions and a 2/3 pension for your dependent/spouse, will be payable should you die before retirement whilst in employment. The College promotes a greener approach to travel by encouraging the use of a bicycle as transport to and from work, and supports the Government s Cycle to Work scheme. Qualifying employees are entitled to enhanced maternity/adoption pay: 26 weeks full pay, 13 weeks Statutory Maternity/Adoption Pay. This compares to the statutory provision of 90% of average pay for 6 weeks followed by Statutory Maternity/Adoption Pay for 33 weeks. Qualifying employees are entitled to two weeks paternity leave entitlement at full pay. This compares to the statutory provision of two weeks pay at the statutory rate. Occupational sick pay is offered after six months service of three months full pay/three months half pay. 24/7 confidential Staff and their household members have access to a free, external support confidential support service for work, financial, legal, family and personal problems, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Professorships and readerships Occupational Health Events Library The College awards professorships or readerships to academic staff based on published criteria through an annual application process. Any award is subject to successful completion of probationary period, which is normally one year from first appointment. Occupational Health support for staff of the College is provided by Imperial College s Occupational Health Service at their South Kensington Campus. All staff are welcome to attend exhibitions, lectures and private views held by academic schools and programmes. All staff are welcome to join the College Library. 15