Short Course Coordinator

Short Course Coordinator
Salary: £24,278 per annum
Hours: Full-time, 35 hours per week (Monday–Friday, with one Saturday per month, time off in lieu)
Location: West Dean College, near Chichester (on-site)

About West Dean College
West Dean College is internationally recognised for excellence in creative arts, crafts, conservation, and education. Set within the South Downs National Park, the College offers a unique learning environment that brings together historic collections, outstanding teaching facilities, and a vibrant creative community.

The Short Course programme is one of the largest and most prestigious of its kind in the UK and plays a vital role in the College’s reputation and financial sustainability. Thousands of learners engage with the programme each year, drawn by the quality of teaching, breadth of subjects, and exceptional learning experience.

About the Role
The Short Course Coordinator plays a central and highly influential role in the successful delivery of the Short Course programme. This role is pivotal in ensuring courses are professionally coordinated, tutors are well supported, and students receive a consistently high-quality experience.

Working closely with the Short Course Leader, Programmers, tutors, and colleagues across the College, you will take ownership of the operational coordination of Short Courses from initial planning through to delivery and follow-up. You will act as a key point of contact, ensuring clear communication, smooth logistics, and timely resolution of issues.

This is a varied and fast-paced role that requires strong organisational skills, sound judgement, and a confident, proactive approach.

Key Responsibilities
Course Coordination

• Coordinate the day-to-day delivery of Short Courses, ensuring all administrative, logistical, and practical arrangements are in place.
• Act as the central operational contact during live courses, responding promptly to issues and escalating where appropriate.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date course information across relevant systems and documentation.

Tutor Support and Administration

• Support the onboarding and ongoing administration of tutors, including right-to-work checks, contracts, and documentation.
• Maintain effective working relationships with tutors, ensuring they feel informed, supported, and engaged.
• Communicate course viability decisions, schedules, and feedback clearly and professionally.
• Process tutor payments accurately and in line with internal procedures, working closely with Finance and People teams.

Student Experience

• Provide high-quality support to students before, during, and after their courses, responding to queries and resolving issues.
• Manage student feedback and contribute to continuous improvement of the Short Course experience.
• Support disability disclosures and reasonable adjustments, liaising with relevant teams to ensure appropriate arrangements are in place.

Operational Logistics

• Coordinate practical arrangements including room bookings, workshop requirements, equipment, models, and course materials.
• Work collaboratively with academic and support teams to ensure teaching spaces are prepared and courses run smoothly.
• Undertake occasional on-site checks during live courses to ensure quality and address any issues.

Continuous Improvement

• Contribute to the development and improvement of systems, processes, and communications relating to Short Courses.
• Support the refinement of tutor information packs, guidance, and administrative processes.
• Use feedback and data to identify trends and opportunities for improvement.

Working Pattern
This is an on-site role based at West Dean College. You will work 35 hours per week, Monday to Friday, with a requirement to work one Saturday per month as part of a rota. Time off in lieu will be provided.

About You

• You will be an organised, confident, and proactive individual who enjoys working with people and managing multiple priorities. You will bring:
• Experience in a coordination, administration, or programme support role within a complex or customer-focused environment.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to build effective relationships with a wide range of stakeholders.
• Excellent organisational skills and attention to detail.
• The ability to handle sensitive information with discretion and professionalism.
• Confidence using IT systems and databases, including Microsoft Office applications.
• An interest in education, creative arts, or cultural organisations would be an advantage but is not essential.

Why Join West Dean?
This is an exciting opportunity to take on a meaningful and visible role within a highly respected institution. You will contribute directly to the delivery of a flagship programme, work within a collaborative and supportive team, and develop your skills in coordination and programme delivery — all within a truly inspiring environment.

How to Apply
Please apply, submitting a CV and supporting statement outlining your suitability for the role.
West Dean College is committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion and welcomes applications from all backgrounds.