Head of Academic Services

Fourth Monkey is an award-winning drama school and creative arts organisation delivering undergraduate and postgraduate performing arts training to an industry-leading standard. With a commitment to artistic and academic excellence, we champion innovation, inclusion, and a bold, holistic approach to education. As we continue to develop and refine our provision, we are seeking a motivated and experienced Head of Academic Services to join our leadership team.

This senior role is critical to the operational and strategic delivery of our academic activity and student support. You will lead a small, dedicated team, ensure robust academic systems are in place, and provide expert guidance across academic quality, compliance, and student services. Reporting directly to the Director of Training and working closely with the Senior Management Team, you’ll take ownership of policies, reporting, and performance metrics across our academic provision.

The successful candidate will have proven leadership in an academic setting, with substantial experience of managing teams and ensuring institutional compliance with Higher Education policies and frameworks, including OfS regulations. You will be passionate about student success and education, with the ability to balance strategic thinking and day-to-day operational delivery.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and manage the Academic Services and Student Services teams, ensuring clear objectives, high standards, and effective performance management.
• Oversee curriculum delivery, assessment procedures, academic integrity, and adherence to regulatory standards across all programmes.
• Implement and manage academic policies and processes in line with institutional goals and external compliance frameworks.
• Monitor performance indicators such as progression, retention, and attainment; produce regular reports for the Senior Management Team.
• Coordinate internal assessment boards, ensuring timely administration of grades and reports.
• Act as a senior liaison with academic partners and support cross-departmental collaboration on student development and quality assurance.
• Contribute to safeguarding practices and student welfare initiatives in partnership with the wider team.

Qualifications & Experience (Required):

• Educated to degree level in education, business administration or a related field.
• Significant experience in academic management or a comparable leadership role within a Higher Education or training environment.
• Strong understanding of HE sector regulations, quality assurance, and academic policy implementation.
• Experience producing and presenting strategic performance reports.
• Skilled in managing people, projects, and administrative systems in a fast-paced environment.

Skills and Attributes:

• Excellent written and verbal communication.
• Strong leadership and people management skills.
• High-level organisational, planning, and analytical skills.
• Confidence with data management and compliance processes.
• Calm, composed, and flexible under pressure.
• Deep commitment to equity, inclusion, and positive student outcomes.

Desirable:

• Knowledge or experience of the performing arts training landscape.
• Familiarity with safeguarding, welfare, and pastoral support in educational settings.
• Interest in Fourth Monkey’s mission and values.

This is a full-time role (40 hours/week), Monday to Friday, with occasional evening or weekend work for which TOIL will be granted. Annual leave is 32 days (including bank holidays). All new staff undertake a 3-month probation period. We offer a competitive salary, a workplace pension scheme, cycle-to-work scheme, and subsidised wellbeing support.

If you are an experienced academic leader looking to make a meaningful impact in an innovative and inclusive arts training environment, we’d love to hear from you.

To apply, please click on the ‘Apply’ button above.

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