Director of Online and Digital Learning

The University of Surrey is a global community of ideas and people, dedicated to life-changing education and research. 

We are ambitious and have a bold vision of what we want to achieve - shaping ourselves into one of the best universities in the world, which we are achieving through the talents and endeavour of every employee.  

Our culture empowers people to achieve this aim and to collectively, and individually, make a real difference.  

The role

The University of Surrey is a leading teaching and research UK Higher Education institution, ranked 12th in the recent Complete University guide. The University currently has a small online provision but an ambition to grow this considerably. We want our reputation for world-leading teaching and research to reach a global audience of lifelong learners.

The Director of Online and Digital Learning will lead the development and delivery of the University of Surrey’s high-quality online learning portfolio, addressing both individual and business needs. This includes overseeing Surrey Online Learning (SOL) and driving strategic partnerships with regional, national, and international businesses to increase student numbers and generate income against agreed financial targets.

In addition, the Director of Online and Digital Learning will lead the Digital Learning Team in positioning the university at the forefront of UK higher education through the innovative use of digital technologies and generative AI (GenAI) to enhance teaching, learning, and student experience.

About you

We’re looking for a senior leader with extensive experience in developing and implementing IT and Digital strategies to support and underpin the Digital learning agenda and organisational goals. You should have knowledge of contemporary issues in the fields of GenAI, distance education, online/blended learning, and learning analytics, with experience of provision in some or all of these areas. The ideal candidate will have excellent knowledge of the global online learning market and how it’s evolving as well as in-depth knowledge of the HE Sector and key challenges.

Applications are welcome from candidates with either an academic or professional services background. Experience as a senior academic with expertise in online education, and/or a strong understanding of learning technologies and digital infrastructures is highly desirable.

What we can offer

The University of Surrey is located on a beautiful, leafy campus in Guildford, just 30 miles from London, and benefits from excellent rail, air, and road connections. With the buzz of student life and superb working facilities, the campus offers an inspiring, innovative, and diverse environment. 

In addition to salary, you will receive a generous annual leave entitlement, a defined benefit pension scheme (USS), access to world-class leisure facilities on campus, a range of travel schemes, and supportive family friendly benefits including an excellent on-site nursery.

Further Information

To apply please submit your CV and a cover letter outlining your suitability for the role.

For an informal conversation about the role with Prof Eunice Ma, Pro-Vice-Chancellor Education, please contact Kate Lascelles via k.lascelles@surrey.ac.uk  

Interviews will be held on campus 5th June 2025.

The University of Surrey is committed to providing an inclusive environment that offers equal opportunities for all.  We place great value on diversity and are seeking to increase the diversity within our community and particularly encourage applications from under-represented groups, including people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic groups and people with disabilities.