Digital Academy Lead (18 months fixed term contract)

Job description

Service: IT, AV & Technical Resources

Full time, 1.0FTE (18 Months Fixed Term Contract)

Closing date: 11th October 2026

Interview date: w/c 2nd November 2026

Visa Sponsorship is not available for this role. Candidates who apply for this role must already hold the legal right to work in the UK.

To ensure your application form does not corrupt, please do not include any umlauts, accents or other diacritical marks within your application form.

Job Description

Job Description

Job title: Digital Academy Lead

Reports to: Chief Information Officer

Service: IT, AV and Technical Resources

Grade: RU08

Main purpose of the job: The Digital Academy Lead is responsible for developing and delivering the University's digital capability, AI literacy and technology enablement agenda for staff and students. The post holder will lead the creation of a University-wide Digital Academy that supports the effective adoption of digital technologies, artificial intelligence, data skills and modern ways of working, ensuring that the University community is equipped to thrive in an increasingly digital and AI-enabled world. With a key focus on the embedding of the New Futures student employability programme for AI skills, the role will drive improvements in digital confidence, productivity, employability and innovation by designing and delivering targeted learning programmes, communities of practice, skills frameworks and engagement initiatives that support the University's emerging Digital, Data and Technology Strategy. Working collaboratively across academic schools, professional services, careers, teaching and learning, and Digital Services, the post holder will champion responsible AI adoption, support digital transformation initiatives and Support activity that helps develop students digital and AI competencies sought by employers. The Digital Academy Lead will act as a key advocate for digital innovation, fostering a culture of continuous learning, experimentation and responsible technology use across the institution.

Main duties and responsibilities: 1. Support and coordinate the development of the Digital Academy, including structured learning

opportunities for staff and students in digital skills, artificial intelligence, data literacy and emerging

technologies

2. Contribute to the development and maintenance of digital capability frameworks that help identify

relevant skills, behaviours and competencies for staff and students to succeed in a modern digital and

AI-enabled environment. 3. Contribute to and support AI literacy and adoption. Lead initiatives that improve understanding and

responsible use of artificial intelligence across the University, ensuring staff and students are equipped to use AI tools effectively, ethically and safely

4. Enhance Student Employability. Work with Careers, Academic Schools and relevant partners to support the inclusion of digital and AI skills in employability-related activity.

5. Support Academic Digital Capability. Work with academic colleagues to identify opportunities to incorporate digital and AI skills development into student learning experiences, where appropriate

6. Deliver Staff Digital Development Programmes. Develop and deliver training programmes, workshops, coaching and resources that improve staff confidence and capability in the use of digital platforms, AI tools and productivity technologies.

7. Establish Communities of Practice. Support and facilitate Digital Champion, AI Champion and community of practice networks to encourage knowledge sharing and peer learning.

8. Co-ordinate development of Learning Resources and Digital Content. Create, commission and curate engaging digital learning content, online resources, guides, toolkits and self-service materials that support scalable skills development.

9. Measure and Report Digital Capability Outcomes. Support the development and use of evaluation measures to assess learning participation, user feedback, skills development and technology adoption

10. Promote Responsible and Ethical Technology Use. Champion digital inclusion, accessibility, responsible AI practices, data literacy and ethical technology use across all Digital Academy activities.

11. To undertake any other requirements commensurate with the seniority of the post/as required by the head of department

Person Specification The Person Specification focuses on the knowledge, skills, experience and qualifications required to undertake the role effectively. Please ensure that your application demonstrates how you meet the essential criteria.

Requirements E/D Criteria

Education and Qualifications

Essential

• Degree or equivalent professional qualification in Learning and Development, Education, Digital Education, Learning Technology, Information Technology, Business, Organisational Development, Careers and Employability, or a related discipline; or significant practical experience in learning and development, digital capability, educational technology, change management or organisational development.

• Evidence of continuing professional development in digital skills, artificial intelligence, learning and development, educational technology, organisational change or higher education.

• Demonstrable commitment to maintaining current knowledge of emerging digital technologies, AI tools and future workforce skills.

Desirable

• Master's degree in Education, Digital Education, Learning Technology, Artificial Intelligence, Organisational Development, Business or a related discipline.

• Qualification or certification in AI, data literacy, coaching, instructional design, learning and development or change management.

• Teaching, training or facilitation qualification.

Knowledge and skills

Essential

• Strong understanding of digital skills, digital literacy and technology adoption within complex organisations.

• Knowledge of artificial intelligence technologies and their practical, ethical and responsible application in education and the workplace.

• Understanding of learning design principles and adult learning methodologies.

• Knowledge of digital capability frameworks and skills development approaches.

• Understanding of graduate employability, future workforce skills and the impact of digital technologies on employment.

• Ability to design, implement and evaluate learning and capability- building programmes.

• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data and evaluate outcomes.

• Ability to develop learning materials for multiple delivery channels and audiences.

• Knowledge of accessibility, inclusion and digital equity principles.

• Ability to lead and coordinate work across multiple stakeholders without direct line management authority.

• Strong project planning, prioritisation and organisational skills

• Ability to identify risks, barriers and dependencies and develop appropriate mitigation plans.

• Experience of managing projects involving multiple teams or stakeholder groups

Desirable

• Knowledge of higher education sector priorities, challenges and opportunities relating to digital transformation and AI.

• Knowledge of Google Gemini, Microsoft 365, Copilot, learning platforms and emerging AI-enabled productivity tools.

• Understanding of change management and adoption methodologies.

• Knowledge of skills frameworks such as Jisc Digital Capability, SFIA or similar sector approaches.

• Understanding of curriculum enhancement and digital pedagogies

Work experience

Essential

• Experience of designing and delivering learning, training, capability- building or development programmes.

• Experience of leading projects or initiatives that promote digital skills, technology adoption or organisational change.

• Experience of engaging stakeholders across multiple teams and disciplines.

• Experience of delivering workshops, facilitation sessions, presentations and learning events.

• Experience of creating learning resources, toolkits, guides or digital learning content.

• Experience of evaluating the effectiveness of learning interventions through measures and outcomes.

• Experience of supporting behavioural and cultural change initiatives.

Desirable

• Experience within higher education, education, skills, employability or workforce development environments.

• Experience of implementing digital capability, AI literacy or technology adoption programmes.

• Experience of working with careers and employability teams.

• Experience of supporting curriculum enhancement or digital education initiatives.

• Experience of developing communities of practice, champion networks or peer learning communities.

• Experience of working with external employers, technology vendors or sector bodies.

Communication skills

Essential

• Excellent presentation and written communication skills with the ability to produce high-quality guidance, reports, presentations and learning materials.

• Excellent verbal communication and presentation skills.

• Ability to communicate complex digital and AI concepts clearly to non- technical audiences.

• Strong facilitation and workshop delivery skills.

• Ability to engage and influence a range of stakeholders

• Strong relationship-building and networking capabilities.

• Ability to inspire confidence and enthusiasm for digital innovation and skills development.

Desirable

• Experience of creating promotional, engagement or awareness campaigns.

• Experience of developing online learning content and multimedia resources.

Other requirements

Essential

• Commitment to the University's values, culture and strategic objectives.

• Commitment to improving student outcomes, employability and lifelong learning.

• Passion for digital innovation, AI and the opportunities they create for education and society.

• Commitment to equality, diversity, inclusion and accessibility.

• Commitment to responsible and ethical use of digital technologies and artificial intelligence.

• Ability to work flexibly and collaboratively across organisational boundaries.

• Demonstrable enthusiasm for continuous learning and professional development.

Desirable

• Active participation in professional or sector networks relating to digital education, AI, employability or learning technologies.

• Interest in emerging technologies and future trends affecting education and employment.

Additional Information • The appointment is offered on a fixed term and full time basis immediately, subject to references

• The appointment is usually made at the bottom of the range. Where a candidate's current total remuneration already exceeds the bottom point, consideration will be given to the level of skills, experience and profile that the candidate is bringing to the role. The total remuneration of other staff doing the same or similar work within the department who have similar skills, experience and profile should also be taken into account.

• The University operates service-led hybrid working arrangements which may allow for 3 days in the office and 2 days working from home although peak times might require flexibility and any hybrid arrangement will be determined by the service and in agreement with the line manager.

• This appointment will not require a DBS check

• The annual leave entitlement is 30 days p.a., additionally there are 3 - 4 days for the University's operational efficiency initiatives at Christmas

• Your normal hours of work will be between 35-40 hours per week, plus a lunch break of one hour each day, with a full professional commitment expected entailing working flexibly beyond core hours if required

• The University of Roehampton is committed to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

• Set in a beautiful 54 acre parkland campus, the University has an attractive range of benefits and you can find out more about them here. In addition Professional Services/Support staff on grades up to RU7, may access the Local Government Pension Scheme; and on grades RU7 and above may access The University's Defined Contribution Retirement Savings Group Personal Pension Plan, provided by Royal London.

Job description prepared by: Chief Information Officer Date: August 2026