Head of Learning & Teaching Innovation

Reports to: Chief Academic and Innovation Officer (CAIO)
Location: Hybrid Marconi House Dublin 2 (3 days a week)

Purpose

To lead the design and delivery of the Colleges strategic framework for innovation in learning teaching and assessment ensuring clear measurable improvement in educational quality student experience and academic effectiveness.

The Role

The Head of Learning & Teaching Innovation will lead the Colleges work to modernise and enhance learning teaching and assessment through evidence-based innovation and the intelligent use of technology. The role will drive the design and delivery of a structured outcome-focused framework that improves the consistency quality and distinctiveness of the DBS learning experience.

It combines academic credibility with practical delivery - ensuring new ideas are implemented evaluated and embedded across the College. The post holder will work closely with Academic Directors the Learning & Teaching Enablement team the Portfolio Performance Manager and other academic and professional units to ensure innovation strengthens both academic standards and the student experience.

This role focuses on strategic and pedagogic innovation not on the operational delivery of learning and teaching support services. The post holder will work closely with the Learning & Teaching Enablement Manager to ensure that new approaches are implemented effectively and sustainably across the College.

The Person

You are a senior academic innovator who combines strategic vision with delivery discipline. You understand the opportunities of AI and emerging technologies but also the practical realities of programme development validation and regulatory compliance.

You are credible with academics and professional colleagues alike - able to translate new ideas into tangible improvements that enhance how the College teaches assesses and supports its students. You thrive in collaboration communicate with clarity and conviction and take ownership for ensuring innovation leads to real institutional impact.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership and Framework Delivery

• Lead the Colleges strategy for innovation in learning teaching and assessment.

• Develop and lead on the rollout of a DBS Learning Experience.

• Define priorities milestones and success measures aligned to strategic goals.

• Translate vision into coordinated accountable projects across the College.

• Align innovation with governance quality and regulatory frameworks.

• Report progress and impact to the CAIO and DBS Senior Leadership Team.

AI and Emerging Technology

• Drive adoption of AI and digital tools that enhance teaching assessment student support and programme design.

• Oversee pilots in areas such as AI-enabled feedback adaptive learning and academic integrity.

• Develop clear guidance on ethical and effective use of AI.

• Build staff capability and confidence in digital and AI literacy.

• Ensure sustainable scalable integration of successful innovations.

Programme Development and Quality Alignment

• Ensure innovation aligns with QQI and other regulatory requirements.

• Embed innovative practice in programme design validation and revalidation.

• Collaborate with Academic Directors and Programme Development to modernise curricula and assessment.

• Promote Universal Design for Learning authentic assessment and experiential pedagogy.

• Maintain expert knowledge of QQI standards and academic best practice.

Collaboration and Engagement

• Build strong relationships across academic and professional teams to deliver joined-up innovation.

• Partner with Learning & Teaching Enablement Creative Studios IT and Student Support on implementation.

• Engage Academic Directors and Schools in shaping innovation priorities.

• Represent the College in national and international networks on teaching learning and AI.

• Establish external partnerships that inform and enhance College practice.

Evaluation and Impact

• Lead evidence-based evaluation of innovation projects and their outcomes.

• Develop performance indicators and track institutional benefit.

• Gather and analyse feedback to refine practice.

• Produce clear reports and recommendations for senior committees.

• Ensure effective pilots become embedded College policy.

Capability and Culture

• Strengthen staff capability in innovation digital learning and assessment design.

• Promote a culture of creativity reflection and accountability.

• Share examples of effective practice across Schools.

• Embed innovation in CPD and faculty development.

• Help define a consistent high-quality DBS learning experience.

Key Outcomes

• A coherent measurable framework for learning teaching and assessment innovation.

• Demonstrable improvement in teaching quality assessment practice and student experience.

• Successful adoption of AI and technology-enhanced learning in core academic activity.

• Alignment of innovation with QQI and College quality standards.

• Strong collaboration between Schools and academic support teams.

• Increased staff capability and confidence to innovate effectively.

Person Specification

Required Skills and Experience

• Masters qualification in a relevant discipline.

• At least five years experience in higher education including significant involvement in programme development management review or revalidation.

• Demonstrable academic leadership experience with a track record of improving learning teaching or assessment quality.

• Strong understanding of academic regulations quality assurance and validation requirements ideally within a QQI context.

• Proven ability to integrate innovation and technology into academic practice including AI or digital learning tools.

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to influence and collaborate across diverse teams.

• Evidence of commercial awareness and understanding of the operating environment of a private higher education institution.

• Analytical and evaluative approach using evidence and insight to inform decisions and measure impact.

• Proven ability to deliver multiple projects to a high standard in a dynamic environment balancing creativity with rigour.

• Strong alignment with the Colleges values and commitment to high standards of academic integrity inclusivity and student experience.

Preferred Skills and Experience

• PhD or progression towards completion.

• Teaching and Learning qualification.

• Experience of framework-level programme development and delivery within the Irish higher education sector.

• Proven ability to lead innovation in learning teaching or assessment at institutional or school level.

• Experience in using or developing AI-driven tools for student engagement feedback or learning analytics.

• Record of contributing to sector dialogue or research on educational innovation.

• Ability to inspire and motivate colleagues to adopt new approaches and deliver change confidently.

Pay & Benefits

The salary for this role is DOE.

• Free Internal Courses;

• Discounted Fees for Family Members;

• Life Assurance & Disabilities Cover;

• Sports & Social;

• Employee Assistance Programme;

• Employee Discount Scheme;

• Paid sick leave;

• Death-In-Service Benefit.

This job description is a guide to the work the post holders will initially be required to undertake. It may be amended from time to time to meet changing circumstances by mutual agreement. It is expected that the post-holders and their manager will review the job description regularly.

Pay Frequency:

All appointments are subject to providing proof of eligibility to work in Ireland on full time basis (upon being invited to interview). Please refer to our privacy policy here: DBS Privacy Notice for Candidates.

This job description is a guide to the work the post holder will initially be required to undertake. It may be amended from time to time to meet changing circumstances by mutual agreement. It is expected that the job description will be reviewed regularly by the post-holder and their manager.

DBS is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex race disability age sexual orientation gender reassignment religion or belief marital status or pregnancy and maternity. If you require any adjustments or additional support within the recruitment process please contact us directly.