Head of Year (Undergraduate)

Join the WaterBear team and help shape the future of music education

WaterBear is a leading college of music with campuses in Brighton and Sheffield, alongside a thriving global online community. Known for innovation, creativity, and industry collaboration, we offer a fresh, flexible approach to higher education in music.

As we continue to grow—expanding towards 2,000+ students across multiple locations—this is an exciting time to join our dynamic education team and play a key role in delivering an outstanding student experience.

About the role

We are looking for an experienced and inspiring Head of Year (Undergraduate) to lead and support a cohort of students through a specific stage of their degree.

This is a key leadership role within the undergraduate team, combining academic oversight, pastoral care, and creative mentoring. You will play a central role in helping students develop their artistic identity, achieve academic success, and prepare for sustainable careers in the music industry.

Working closely with Heads of Department, Programme Officers, and the wider education team, you will ensure the smooth delivery of the programme while fostering a collaborative and inclusive learning environment.

Full-time (35 hours per week)

What you’ll be doing

• Acting as the main point of contact for students within your year group, providing academic, pastoral, and professional guidance
• Supporting student progress, engagement, wellbeing, and achievement
• Leading the day-to-day delivery of the degree at your designated level, including teaching coordination and assessment processes
• Undertake a small teaching commitment (up to 1 day per week) contributing to the delivery of high-quality classroom practice
• Working closely with academic teams to ensure learning outcomes are met
• Overseeing and maintaining high-quality curriculum content and VLE resources
• Monitoring attendance, engagement, and performance, and intervening where required
• Supporting student development in creative practice, collaboration, and industry readiness
• Contributing to curriculum development, quality assurance, and assessment processes
• Coordinating student activities such as showcases, workshops, and industry events
• Line managing Programme Officers (where applicable)
• Maintaining accurate records and reporting on student progression and KPIs

What we’re looking for

Essential:

• Degree in music or a related field (e.g. performance, production, composition)
• Experience teaching or supporting students in a higher education or music education setting
• Strong understanding of the contemporary music industry
• Excellent communication, mentoring, and interpersonal skills
• Ability to motivate and support students from a wide range of backgrounds
• Highly organised with strong attention to detail
• Confident working independently and proactively
• Commitment to inclusion, diversity, and student wellbeing

Desirable:

• Professional experience as a musician, producer, or industry practitioner
• Experience contributing to student showcases, performances, or studio-based work
• Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy (or willingness to work towards)
• Experience supporting neurodiverse students or those with c needs

Why join WaterBear?

• Be part of an innovative, fast-growing music college
• Work with passionate students and industry-connected professionals
• Play a key role in shaping student journeys and creative futures
• Enjoy a supportive culture focused on wellbeing and work-life balance
• Access ongoing professional development, coaching, and training

Ready to apply?

If you’re passionate about music education, student development, and helping the next generation of artists thrive, we’d love to hear from you.

Apply now by sending a cover letter and CV via the 'Apply' button above (e:jobs@waterbear.org.uk)

Closing Date: 15.07.26 - all applications to be submitted before 16:30.