Head of Higher Education

The Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) is seeking an exceptional and forward-thinking Head of Higher Education to lead the strategic development of our Higher Education portfolio.

About the role

Reporting to the Deputy Artistic Director - Education, you will provide strategic and academic leadership across the RAD's Higher Education provision, including undergraduate and postgraduate programmes.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Leading the strategic development and growth of the Higher Education portfolio.
• Developing new academic programmes, partnerships and educational opportunities and driving innovation.
• Providing oversight of academic governance, quality assurance and regulatory compliance and using performance data to inform enhancement.
• Championing outstanding student outcomes, progression and academic achievement.
• Providing leadership, management and support to the Higher Education Team and wider organisation.
• Supporting and leading on the development of new research, scholarship and knowledge exchange activity across the organisation. 

About you

You will bring:

• A minimum of a Master’s degree in a relevant field.
• Substantial experience within Higher Education and vocational training, with a strong understanding of contemporary developments across dance and musical theatre to inform institutional strategy.
• Experience of successfully leading programme development, academic innovation and organisational change.
• An established national or international research profile.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.

You will be someone who:

• Leads with kindness, integrity and respect.
• Inspires trust and confidence through authenticity and professionalism.
• Brings enthusiasm, curiosity and fresh thinking to challenges and opportunities.
• Champions artistic excellence while remaining open to innovation.
• Is adaptable and resilient, helping others navigate change with confidence.

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 Tuesday, 10th November 2026. Successful candidates invited to the second round will be interviewed on Friday, 20th 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, with facilities such as the Café and Library onsite. 

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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