Job Advert: Course Manager – Garden Design (Part-Time)

Location: Bloomsbury Campus, London
Contract Type: Permanent
Hours: 17.5 hours per week (0.5 FTE)
Salary: £28,500 – £32,000 per annum pro rata (FTE)
Closing Date: Midnight on Sunday, 17 August 2025

West Dean College of Arts and Conservation is a renowned centre for excellence in creative education, offering a distinctive model of hands-on learning in the arts, conservation, and design. With its main campus in the beautiful South Downs and an exciting new site in Bloomsbury, London, West Dean provides a unique and inspiring setting for students and staff alike.

We are currently seeking an experienced and motivated Course Manager for the Garden Design Diploma to join our growing School of Design at our London campus.

About the Role

As Course Manager, you will play a central role in ensuring the smooth operation and ongoing success of the Diploma in Garden Design. Working closely with the Course Leader and reporting to the Head of School, your responsibilities will include:

• Planning and managing the day-to-day running of the Diploma course

• Coordinating tutor schedules, arranging cover, and handling bookings for external speakers and visits

• Budget planning and issuing purchase orders in line with the course budget

• Monitoring student attendance and engagement, maintaining course marks and records

• Providing logistical and administrative support for studio preparation, materials, and assessment documentation

• Acting as a point of contact for student enquiries when tutors are unavailable

This role is ideal for someone highly organised, with a passion for education and an interest in garden design.

Key Responsibilities

• Coordinate all operational aspects of the Diploma Garden Design programme

• Maintain accurate course documentation, timetables, and teaching schedules

• Support teaching staff with administrative needs, including preparation of handouts, assessments, and student records

• Facilitate tutor and student communication, ensuring timely updates on course matters

• Act as a liaison between academic staff and support teams, including technical resources and student services

• Uphold College policies around student engagement, academic integrity, and health & safety

• Assist with events, open days, and marketing activities relating to student recruitment and public engagement

About You

We’re looking for someone with a strong administrative background and a keen interest in supporting creative education. The ideal candidate will be:

• Proactive, organised, and able to manage multiple priorities independently

• A confident communicator with excellent interpersonal skills

• Collaborative and empathetic, with experience of working in a student-focused environment

• Committed to high standards of professional service and attention to detail

• Comfortable using Microsoft Office and, ideally, familiar with education platforms such as VLEs

Essential Qualifications and Experience

• Undergraduate degree in Garden Design or a related discipline

• Experience managing or supporting academic programmes in a higher education setting

• Proficiency in relevant software tools such as SketchUp, Vectorworks, Adobe Creative Suite, and MS Office

• Working knowledge of budget management and course scheduling

• Excellent record-keeping, planning, and reporting skills

Desirable

• A Postgraduate Certificate in Higher Education (PgCertHE) or Fellowship of the HEA

• Relevant membership of a professional body (e.g. BIID, SBID, RIBA)

• Experience in student support or academic advising

Why Join Us?

At West Dean, you’ll be part of a close-knit community passionate about creativity, craftsmanship, and learning. With small class sizes, a highly collaborative working environment, and a commitment to student success, we offer a rewarding and inspiring place to work. This is a unique opportunity to help shape the future of garden design education in a setting that values both tradition and innovation.

How to Apply

To apply, please submit your CV and a short cover letter via our online application portal.

For more information or to view the full job description, please visit our website.

Closing date for applications: Midnight on Sunday 17 August 2025

We reserve the right to close applications early should a suitable candidate be found.

• Please view the Job Pack Course Manager Garden Design document (opens in a pop up)