The University of Sheffield is a remarkable place to work. Our people are at the heart of everything we do. Their diverse backgrounds, abilities and beliefs make Sheffield a world-class university.

We offer a fantastic range of benefits including a highly competitive annual leave entitlement (with the ability to purchase more), a generous pensions scheme, flexible working opportunities, a commitment to your development and wellbeing, a wide range of retail discounts, and much more. Find out more about our benefits (opens in a new window) and join us to become part of something special.

Overview

Education Development Services (EDS) brings together teams who support students and academics to develop skills and enhance their pedagogical practice. Within EDS, The Academic Skills team provides a range of opportunities for all students from all disciplines to develop their underpinning academic and study skills.

The Academic Skills Adviser (International Students) leads on specific activities which enable international students to fulfil their academic potential. You will contribute to the delivery and development of high quality online and face-to-face activities and learning resources which meet the needs of overseas students. An established English Language professional, you will have specialist knowledge within learning or educational development, particularly in relation to challenges faced by international students studying in the UK Higher Education sector. You possess highly effective communication skills which enable you to build and maintain a network of contacts and collaborative relationships at all levels, working directly with students and with the staff who teach and support them.       

Main duties and responsibilities

• Lead on areas of the 301 service offer relating to supporting international students with their academic skills, with a focus on transitions and success in UK Higher Education
• Design and deliver workshops and provide 1-1 support for students through 301’s study skills guidance services, with a particular focus on the needs of international students at all levels
• Support the recruitment, training, and line management of the team of PGR students working as fixed-term 301 Tutors
• Ensure the core Academic Skills programme is cognisant of and responsive to the needs of international students
• Provide guidance to staff as part of the Elevate staff development programme, with a specific focus on the development of guidance for supporting international students within their disciplinary context
• Contribute to the development of high quality online resources to complement 301’s face-to-face academic skills support services
• Undertake research into the efficacy of the 301’s academic skills development activities, in particular its role in improving outcomes for international students
• Play an active role in the promotion of the service to internal and external audiences (including University Open Days), working closely with other relevant student-facing services

• Carry out other duties, commensurate with the grade and remit of the post

Person Specification

Our diverse community of staff and students recognises the unique abilities, backgrounds, and beliefs of all. We foster a culture where everyone feels they belong and are respected. Even if your past experience doesn't match perfectly with this role's criteria, your contribution is valuable, and we encourage you to apply. Please ensure that you reference the application criteria in the application statement when you apply.

Essential criteria

• TEFLQ status as recognised by the British Council (e.g. DELTA or equivalent or CELTA + relevant MA) (assessed at application)
• Appropriate teaching experience, ideally including English for Academic Purposes (EAP) (assessed at interview)
• A good understanding of the wider context of the Higher Education (HE) sector, specifically in relation to challenges faced by international students (assessed at interview)
• Experience of designing, delivering and evaluating academic skills development activities (online and face-to-face) for students in Higher Education (assessed at interview)
• A high level of digital literacy, including experience of working with Microsoft Office, Google applications, websites, and digital learning tools (e.g. Blackboard) (assessed at interview)
• Ability to provide advice, guidance and signposting to students on matters relating to their academic study (assessed at interview)
• Effective communication skills with the ability to adapt approach to suit a variety of audiences (assessed at interview)
• A proven ability to use initiative and judgement to work effectively during busy periods of the academic year, being able to prioritise both own workload and that of others (assessed at interview)
• Ability to lead initiatives within and beyond own team, whilst working collaboratively with stakeholders (assessed at interview)

Desirable criteria

• Experience of managing and motivating staff to achieve high performance at both individual and team level (assessed at interview)

Further Information

Grade: 7

Salary: £38,249 to £46,735 per annum, with potential to progress to £51,039 through outstanding contribution

Work arrangement: Full-time - Open-ended - Hybrid (at least 60% on campus)

Line manager: Academic Skills Manager

Direct reports: PGR 301 Tutor(s)

Our website: https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/saas

For informal enquiries about this job contact Matthew Martin, Academic Skills Manager: on m.j.martin@sheffield.ac.uk

Next steps in the recruitment process

It is anticipated that the selection process will take place week commencing 7 July 2025. This will consist of an interview and an activity.  We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage on the week commencing 30 June. If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process you can contact April Dawson on a.dawson@sheffield.ac.uk

Our vision and strategic plan

We are the University of Sheffield. This is our vision: sheffield.ac.uk/vision (opens in new window).
 

What we offer

• A minimum of 41 days annual leave including bank holiday and closure days (pro rata) with the ability to purchase more.
• Flexible working opportunities, including hybrid working for some roles.
• Generous pension scheme.
• A wide range of discounts and rewards on shopping, eating out and travel.
• A variety of staff networks, providing opportunities for social interaction, peer support and personal development (for example, Race Equality, LGBT+, Women’s and Parent’s networks).
• Recognition Awards to reward staff who go above and beyond in their role.
• A commitment to your development access to learning and mentoring schemes; integrated with our Professional Services Shared Skills Framework
• A range of generous family-friendly policies
  • paid time off for parenting and caring emergencies
  • support for those going through the menopause
  • paid time off and support for fertility treatment
  • and more

More details can be found on our benefits page: sheffield.ac.uk/jobs/benefits (opens in a new window).

We are a Disability Confident Employer. If you have a disability and meet the essential criteria for this job you will be invited to take part in the next stage of the selection process.

Possession of a criminal record is not an automatic bar to employment at the University of Sheffield. We recognise the value of steady employment in the rehabilitation process and examine each case in its own right. More information can be found on our Information for candidates page:- sheffield.ac.uk/jobs/candidates (opens in a new window).

Closing Date : 17/06/2025 

We are a research university with a global reputation for excellence. Our ideas and expertise change the world for the better, making a real difference to society. We know that when people come together with different views, approaches and insights it can lead to richer, more creative and innovative teaching and research and the highest levels of student experience. Our University Vision (www.sheffield.ac.uk/vision) outlines our commitment to building a diverse community of staff and students that recognises and values the abilities, backgrounds, beliefs and ways of living for everyone.