Kaplan – Head of Academic Resources, London
Read the full job description here. Apply here by 31 March 2021
Who we are & what we stand for
We design and deliver world-leading professional assessments. In 2018, we were appointed as the independent assessment organisation for the new Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) which will be introduced in 2021. This will become the sole route to qualifying as a Solicitor of England and Wales.
As an employer, we work hard to make sure this a great place where everyone has an opportunity to succeed, regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion or other belief, marital status, pregnancy or parenthood. If you require any adjustments, or additional support within the recruitment process, please contact us directly and we’ll do our best to help.
How you’ll help us succeed
You’ll help us to deliver world-leading assessments by leading the team that manages exam content production and delivery for the SQE assessments. Your background as a qualified solicitor will be critical to ensuring the quality and accuracy of assessment delivery.
Responsibilities
Your role will include:
Assessment Content
- Business owner of the item development and banking software. Develop an excellent understanding of Pearson VUE’s Exam Developer platform to ensure that we are maximising the benefits of this and any other software used in the process.
- Working with the Academic Team to implement efficient and effective question writing and question bank management processes to support the efficient creation of quality questions and assessments, with a focus on security and confidentiality throughout.
- Overseeing and being responsible for the production and final checking of assessments to a very high level of accuracy.
Assessment Delivery
- Own the relationship with Interact, ensuring they are delivering to their contractual obligations and ensuring a constant pipeline of quality Actors and Facilitators. Working with the Academic Team, address any performance related matters as required.
- Develop and implement the recruitment strategy for freelance Assessors, Markers and Question Writers, in line with our projected candidate numbers, ensuring that we have a sufficient and diverse bank of people available at all times.
- Manage the coordination of activities in the run-up to and following assessment windows, including but not limited to the development of the assessments, booking of and payment to freelancers, training, calibration and marking.
Quality Assurance and Continuous Improvement
- With guidance from the academic and psychometric teams develop and implement quality assurance processes in respect of freelancers and casual workers, including the onboarding process, ongoing training and mentoring, and performance measurement. These should relate to both academic and psychometric aspects of their work
- Work closely with the Academic Heads to devise and implement processes to quality assure and review questions on an ongoing basis, including overseeing updating to reflect changes in the law and amendment of questions as determined by these processes.
Leading your team
- Build, develop and maintain a focused, effective and empowered team
- Involve the team and engage them with our vision, goals & KPIs to create success
- Keep the team updated about our performance, progress and news, and inspire them to make a difference and continuously improve
- Lead the team in completing Kaplan’s cyclical and day-to-day management processes, including goal setting, performance and development
- Accurately complete all cyclical budgeting and forecasting exercises
You’ll also carry out other duties, within the broad scope and spirit of your role, as requested by your manager. Our business is continuously evolving, so your job description will evolve too.
What you will bring
- A qualified solicitor of England and Wales with sufficient knowledge of the areas of the functioning legal knowledge and the skills in the SQE to discuss issues with subject specialists.
- An understanding of assessment methodology in the context of a high stakes professional assessment, or an ability to learn this quickly and in depth.
- Strong attention to detail, organisation and time management skills
- Ability to work with a very high level of accuracy
- Experience of managing exam question banks in the context of a large scale high stakes professional assessment (Desirable)
- Experience of project and process management (Desirable)
- Experience of leading teams (Desirable)
- Proven ability of working in a demanding and changing environment and delivering successful results
- Ability to efficiently identify and mitigate risks
- Proactive approach to problem solving
- Ability to communicate clearly with internal and external stakeholders
- Dedication to continuous improvement
- Willingness to be flexible and work within the business required hours
What you can expect
A competitive salary & clear pay structures, progression paths, and a comprehensive benefits package. You’ll be joining a great place, driven by a shared purpose, where everyone can succeed and build a brighter future together.
Read the full job description here. Apply here by 31 March 2021