Strategic Head of Law – Academic Leadership & Programme Development for Online Higher Education at Kaplan Open Learning (Remote with Travel to Leeds)

About Kaplan Open Learning – Pioneering Online Higher Education

Kaplan Open Learning stands at the forefront of digital higher education, delivering world‑class undergraduate and postgraduate law programmes to a diverse, global learner community. Partnering with leading UK universities, we blend rigorous academic standards with cutting‑edge technology, creating immersive virtual classrooms, vibrant multimedia resources, and a supportive learning ecosystem. Our mission is to transform lives and careers by providing flexible, industry‑aligned education that empowers students to thrive in a rapidly evolving legal landscape.

Why This Role Is a Game‑Changer

As the Strategic Head of Law, you will shape the future of legal education within a vibrant, rapidly growing organisation. You will lead a dedicated team of Programme Managers and Coordinators, influence curriculum design, uphold academic excellence, and champion innovative pedagogical approaches that cater to online learners. This senior leadership position offers you the platform to make a lasting impact on thousands of students, while furthering your own professional trajectory within a globally recognised brand.

Key Responsibilities – Driving Excellence Across the Law Faculty

• Strategic Leadership: Define the vision, goals, and strategic roadmap for the Law department, aligning them with Kaplan’s broader mission and market trends.
• Curriculum Development & Innovation: Oversee the continuous review, updating, and enhancement of undergraduate and postgraduate law programmes, ensuring they remain current, relevant, and compliant with accreditation standards.
• Academic Quality Assurance: Implement rigorous quality‑assurance processes, monitor student outcomes, and lead periodic reviews in collaboration with external examiners, tutors, and industry experts.
• Team Management & Development: Directly line‑manage Programme Managers, Coordinators, and adjunct tutors; conduct regular performance reviews, provide coaching, and foster a culture of continuous professional development.
• Student Experience Champion: Analyse feedback from learners, tutors, and support staff; design and implement initiatives that enhance engagement, satisfaction, and graduate employability.
• Pedagogical Excellence for Online Delivery: Lead the adoption of innovative teaching methodologies (e.g., flipped classrooms, problem‑based learning, virtual simulations) tailored to the digital environment.
• Collaboration & Partnerships: Build and nurture relationships with partner universities, professional bodies, and industry stakeholders to enrich curriculum relevance and expand placement opportunities.
• Research & Thought Leadership: Contribute to scholarly discourse through research, publications, and conference participation, positioning Kaplan as a thought leader in online legal education.
• Operational Oversight: Manage departmental budgets, resource allocation, and compliance with regulatory requirements, ensuring efficient and effective programme delivery.
• Project Initiatives: Lead special projects such as new programme launches, digital platform upgrades, and cross‑faculty collaborations, delivering results on time and within scope.

Essential Qualifications – Foundations for Success

• Doctorate (PhD) in Law or a closely related discipline, OR a Master’s degree (e.g., LLM) with substantial senior‑level experience in higher education or legal practice.
• Minimum of 7–10 years of progressive experience within higher education, including proven academic leadership, curriculum design, and programme management.
• Demonstrated record of teaching excellence at the undergraduate or postgraduate level, with a strong understanding of online pedagogy.
• Solid experience in managing multidisciplinary teams, fostering collaboration, and driving performance improvement.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to engage diverse stakeholder groups.
• Advanced IT proficiency, especially with Learning Management Systems (LMS), virtual classroom tools, and analytics platforms.
• Eligibility to work in the United Kingdom; willingness and ability to travel to the Leeds office as required.

Preferred Experience & Attributes – What Will Set You Apart

• Experience working within an online‑only university or a major distance‑learning provider.
• Professional qualifications such as being called to the Bar, admission as a solicitor, or equivalent legal practice credentials.
• Evidence of successful curriculum innovation, such as the introduction of MOOCs, micro‑credentials, or competency‑based assessments.
• Track record of securing external funding, research grants, or industry partnerships.
• Familiarity with regulatory bodies (e.g., QAA, OfS) and accreditation processes specific to legal education.
• Demonstrated commitment to widening participation, diversity, and inclusion within higher education.

Core Skills & Competencies – The Toolkit for Impact

• Strategic Thinking: Ability to envision long‑term goals, anticipate market shifts, and develop actionable plans.
• Leadership & People Management: Motivating teams, delegating effectively, and cultivating high‑performing cultures.
• Analytical Acumen: Interpreting student data, performance metrics, and trend analyses to inform decision‑making.
• Project Management: Skilled in Agile or PRINCE2 methodologies, ensuring projects are delivered on time and within budget.
• Digital Literacy: Proficiency with LMS platforms (e.g., Blackboard, Moodle), video conferencing suites, and data‑visualisation tools.
• Communication & Influencing: Clear articulation of complex ideas, persuasive advocacy for resources, and effective stakeholder engagement.
• Quality Assurance: Knowledge of internal and external audit processes, with a keen eye for continuous improvement.
• Ethical Judgment & Integrity: Upholding academic standards, safeguarding student welfare, and maintaining compliance with legal frameworks.

What We Offer – Competitive Compensation, Benefits & Perks

Kaplan Open Learning recognises that attracting top talent requires more than a salary. Our comprehensive package includes:

• Competitive Salary: £45,000 per annum, commensurate with experience, plus annual performance‑based increments.
• Hybrid/Remote Working: Flexible home‑office arrangements combined with occasional visits to the Leeds hub for collaboration and strategy sessions.
• Generous Annual Leave: 28 days (pro‑rated for part‑time) to promote work‑life balance.
• Professional Development Fund: Budget allocated for conferences, certifications, and further study to nurture your career growth.
• Discounted Kaplan Courses: Substantial reductions for you, your partner, and family members on a wide range of educational programmes.
• Health & Well‑Being Support: Medicash Health Cash Plan, 24/7 confidential helpline, and employee assistance programmes.
• Pension Scheme: Employer contributions that help you build a secure financial future.
• Family‑Friendly Policies: Enhanced maternity, paternity, adoption, and shared‑parental pay—well above statutory minimums.
• Recognition & Rewards: Regular employee awards, peer‑recognition platforms, and celebratory events.

Career Development & Growth – Your Path Forward

Joining Kaplan Open Learning means entering a dynamic ecosystem where ambition is nurtured and career trajectories are accelerated. As Head of Law, you will:

• Gain exposure to senior executive decision‑making and strategic planning across the organisation.
• Lead high‑visibility projects that shape the future of online legal education globally.
• Access mentorship from seasoned academic leaders and industry experts.
• Potentially progress to broader senior roles such as Director of Academic Services, Dean of Faculty, or Vice‑President of Learning Innovation.
• Benefit from a culture that celebrates continuous learning, encouraging you to pursue research, publish, and present at international conferences.

Work Environment & Culture – A Community of Innovators

Kaplan Open Learning champions a collaborative, inclusive, and forward‑thinking workplace. Our core values—integrity, excellence, empathy, and innovation—guide every interaction. As part of our team you will experience:

• Inclusive Culture: A commitment to diversity, where voices from all backgrounds are heard, respected, and valued.
• Supportive Leadership: Open‑door communication with senior management, fostering transparency and shared purpose.
• Technology‑Driven Environment: Access to state‑of‑the‑art virtual classrooms, analytics dashboards, and collaborative platforms.
• Community Engagement: Regular virtual coffee chats, peer‑learning circles, and social events that build camaraderie across geography.
• Work‑Life Harmony: Flexible scheduling, generous leave policies, and a focus on mental health and wellbeing.

Application Process – How to Take the Next Step

Ready to shape the future of legal education? Follow these steps to submit your application:

• Prepare Your Materials: Update your CV and craft a compelling cover letter that highlights how your experience aligns with the essential and preferred criteria.
• Submit Online: Upload your documents through our recruitment portal before the closing date of 30 September 2023. Early applications are encouraged as we may close the role once a suitable shortlist is identified.
• Selection Stages: Shortlisted candidates will be invited to a video interview with the hiring panel, followed by a practical case study or presentation to assess strategic thinking and leadership style.
• Offer & Onboarding: Successful applicants will receive a formal offer, followed by a structured onboarding programme that introduces you to key stakeholders, systems, and the Kaplan culture.

Equal Opportunity & Commitment to Diversity

Kaplan Open Learning is an equal‑opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are dedicated to building an inclusive workforce. Applications are welcomed from candidates of all ages, races, genders, sexual orientations, disabilities, religions, and backgrounds. If you are a disabled applicant and would like to be considered under the Guaranteed Interview Scheme (GIS), please indicate this in your application.

All successful candidates will undergo the appropriate background checks, which may include an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, as well as verification of right‑to‑work in the United Kingdom. International applicants may be required to provide a police clearance from their home country.

Take the Leap – Join Our Visionary Team Today

At Kaplan Open Learning, you will lead a dynamic community of learners, drive educational innovation, and advance your career within a globally respected brand. If you are passionate about law, dedicated to academic excellence, and eager to make a meaningful impact, we want to hear from you.

Apply now and become a catalyst for change in the world of online legal education.