Head of Professional Qualifications

The Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) is seeking an ambitious and innovative Head of Professional Qualifications to lead the development of our professional qualifications offer.

About the role

Reporting to the Deputy Artistic Director - Education, you will provide strategic leadership for the RAD's professional qualifications portfolio, including the RAD Awards and future regulated qualifications.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Leading the strategic development, regulatory compliance, quality assurance and delivery of the professional qualification’s portfolio.
• Driving innovation in qualification design, assessment and curriculum development, identifying new qualification pathways, and growth opportunities.
• Building relationships with awarding organisations, regulators, employers and sector partners.
• Using learner data, sector intelligence and emerging practice to inform portfolio development.
• Leading, developing and empowering teams, fostering a culture of excellence, collaboration and improvement.
• Championing excellence, learner achievement and professional progression.

About you

You will bring:

• A Master’s degree and demonstrable leadership experience within qualifications, vocational education, higher education or a related environment.
• Strong understanding of qualification development, assessment and quality assurance.
• Experience working within regulated education and compliance frameworks.
• A proven ability to develop new initiatives and drive improvement.
• Excellent relationship-building, communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Demonstrable knowledge and expertise of dance, musical theatre and the wider performing arts sector.

You will be someone who:

• Leads with warmth and professionalism.
• Brings enthusiasm, positivity and a growth mindset.
• Builds strong, trusting relationships and works collaboratively.
• Demonstrates innovation and adaptability, seeking opportunities to enhance provision while remaining resilient and solutions-focused in a changing environment.
• Champions artistic excellence and inclusion in organisational culture.

To apply

Please apply through our RAD Careers website with your CV and a covering letter explaining why you are interested in the role and how your experience aligns with the requirements of the position.

First-round interviews will be held on Thursday, 12th November 2026. Successful candidates invited to the second round will be interviewed on Thursday, 19th November 2026.

Why work for us?

We are passionate about providing a positive workplace culture. Our accessible London (Wandsworth / Battersea) studios and offices are conveniently located.

Benefits include 25 days paid holiday (pro rata) plus bank holidays and a birthday day off, a contributory pension, Perkbox discounts, life assurance, WeCare and a health cash plan, wellbeing support and free in-house movement classes.

Due to the nature of the RAD’s work, the successful candidate will be required to have an Enhanced Disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service. Applications which do not include a full employment history, and reference details will not be taken forward to the shortlisting stage.

All colleagues are required to promote and safeguard the welfare of children they are responsible for, or come into contact with, and to adhere to and ensure compliance with the RADs Safeguarding Policy at all times.

We encourage and welcome applications from people with a disability, people from minority ethnic backgrounds, and people from the LGBTQIA+ community.  

Please let us know if you have any access needs for the interview.

Applicants must have the right to work in the UK and bring relevant documents if invited to attend an interview. We are unable to sponsor people under the Skilled Worker scheme.

No agencies please.

Closing date: 06^th November 2026 23:45

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