Associate Director of Short Courses and External Engagement

Shape the future of one of the UK’s most distinctive cultural and educational institutions.

West Dean is a place like no other. Internationally recognised for creativity, art, craft, design and conservation, it is home to one of the UK’s largest and most renowned short course programmes, specialist higher education, historic gardens, a major visitor offer, and the stewardship of an extraordinary estate and collections.

At the heart of our mission is a belief that making makes a better world.  Founded on the radical vision of Edward James, West Dean today nurtures technical skill, critical inquiry, and the transformative power of making.  Our impact is far-reaching: more than 250,000 learners engaged in short courses, graduates working in leading museums and studios worldwide, and two distinctive campuses in Sussex and London.

The role

This newly configured senior leadership role offers an exceptional opportunity for an ambitious and imaginative individual to drive growth and impact at West Dean.

The Associate Director of Short Courses and External Engagement will lead the transformation of our flagship short course programme.  Already one of the largest in the UK, the programme has the potential to achieve even greater reach and financial strength.  Your challenge will be to refresh and diversify the offer, unlock new markets, and ensure it is positioned as a national leader in creative education.

Alongside this, you will provide strategic leadership across marketing, student recruitment, partnerships, and brand development.  This is about shaping how West Dean is seen and experienced, raising our profile nationally and internationally, and creating the conditions for sustainable growth.  The role oversees the Short Courses, Marketing, Student Recruitment and External Engagement teams, reports to the Vice-Principal, and contributes regularly to the Executive Leadership Team.

What we are looking for

We are seeking an ambitious, creative and commercially astute leader who combines entrepreneurial drive with cultural sensitivity.  You will bring:

• A proven record of delivering growth, innovation and financial results, ideally in education, culture or the creative industries.
• Senior leadership experience in marketing, brand development, or market growth.
• Strong financial acumen and the ability to set and deliver stretching targets.
• Outstanding communication, influencing and partnership-building skills.
• The ability to inspire diverse teams and align activity to organisational goals.

Experience of adult learning, short courses, CPD, or a comparable programme is desirable, as is knowledge of the arts, cultural or heritage sectors.  Above all, you will be motivated by the opportunity to shape the next chapter of West Dean’s story, strengthening our financial sustainability while staying true to our mission and values.

Why join us

This role offers the chance to make a transformative impact on a historic institution with an exciting future. You will be based primarily at our beautiful Sussex campus, with its historic house, nationally significant gardens, and unique creative environment.

Closing date: 29 October 2025. 

Interviews will take place week commencing 10 November 2026

West Dean values diversity and aspires to be a fully inclusive and representative employer. We strongly encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds.

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