MFA Musical Director Curriculum Development

Sharjah Performing Arts Academy; United Arab Emirates; On-site; AED 200,000 - 300,000; Part time

Job summary

A leading performing arts academy in the UAE is seeking a part-time Musical Director for Curriculum Development. This role involves designing four Musical Direction courses for postgraduates, collaborating with faculty on assessments, and ensuring a dynamic, industry-relevant curriculum. The ideal candidate will have significant experience in theatre and a strong background in teaching. This position offers flexible hours and the chance to be part of a supportive educational environment focused on practical skills.

Benefits

Supportive and collaborative environment

Flexible working hours

Autonomy in work responsibilities

Qualifications

• Significant professional theatre experience as a Musical Director (8-10 years minimum).
• Knowledge of student performance evaluation.
• Ability to work autonomously in a diverse, multinational team.

Responsibilities

• Develop and write Musical Direction courses for postgraduate programme.
• Collaborate on course assessments and feedback processes.
• Ensure alignment with industry standards in curriculum development.

Skills

Musical Direction expertise

Organisational skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Collaborative skills

Feedback provision

Project management

Flexible approach to education

Education

MFA or PhD in performing arts or equivalent experience

Tools

Office 365 Suite (Excel)

Design software suites

Job description

MFA Musical Director Curriculum Development

University City , United Arab Emirates

Reporting to: Postgraduate Programme Leader

Responsible for:Musical Director Curriculum Development

Works Closely with: Postgraduate Programme Leader, Executive Director, Faculty

Start Date: 1 December 2025

Employment Type:Part Time

Closing date for applications: 10 November 2025

Sharjah Performing Arts Academy is seeking a part-time specialist in MFA Musical Director Curriculum Development.

The role involves developing and writing all four Musical Direction courses within the postgraduate programme, as well as providing recommendations for Projects 2–5.

Reporting to the Programme Leader for Postgraduate Studies at the Academy and ultimately the Executive Director, to ensure they are kept well-informed in their area of responsibility, the MFA Musical Director Curriculum Development shall execute the following tasks and responsibilities:

• Collaborate with the Programme Leader for Postgraduate Studies to develop and write all four Musical Direction courses within the postgraduate programme.
• Collaborate with the Programme Leader for Postgraduate Studies to recommend Project assessment activities for Projects 2-5 on the MFA.
• Prioritizing safe practice will be fundamental, alongside developing and delivering inspiring, innovative teaching that integrates multidisciplinary training, ensuring it remains dynamic and relevant to the industry. Each course will have an average duration of 11 weeks, with details regarding credit hours, contact time, and further information to be shared with you.
• Collaborate with the Programme Leader on all Musical Direction textbook and teaching material choices.
• Organise and develop all assessment activities within the Music Direction concentration classes, in consultation with the Programme Leader.
• Collaborate with the postgraduate faculty to align course assessments through structured feedback processes that support and enhance learning and development for Music Direction courses.
• Incorporate SPAA faculty and administrative input, incurriculumdevelopment.
• Terminal Degree (MFA or PhD) or demonstrate and verify equivalent industry or professional experience, or additional qualifications in professional performing arts education.
• Significant professional theatre experience as a Musical Director (8 - 10 years minimum), with a focus on Musical Theatre.
• Must be trained in specialist knowledge of Musical Direction (including current design software suites).
• Previous experience with providing feedback.
• Knowledge and insight into student performance evaluation.
• Experience with research and scholarly activity, including practice as research.
• Capable of working autonomously and as an integral part of a diverse, multinational team, while exhibiting the emotional intelligence necessary for such environments.
• Ability to work on a flexible schedule, which may include evening and weekend work.
• Excellent organisational, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Ability to work with Office 365 Suite (especially Excel).
• Flexible approach to curriculum development and andragogy to suit the Academy’s dynamic needs, cultural considerations, and to enhance collaborative education delivery.

Sharjah Performing Arts Academy (SPAA) is an independent Academy established by His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah, to address a growing demand in the UAE and MENA region for formal education and quality professional training in the performing arts sector. SPAA is the only performing arts conservatoire in the Middle East and North Africa region, offering undergraduate and graduate degree programmes taught in English. The purpose‑built Academy includes a 432‑seat theatre, two fully equipped studio performance spaces, TV/recording studios, twelve sprung rehearsal studios, 12 singing tutorial spaces, resource library, gymnasium and cafe.

Sharjah Performing Arts Academy specialises in training graduates for work in the international professional performing arts industry. The SPAA faculty are highly experienced practitioners within their respective fields. The focus of the Academy is practical rather than academic. The Academy’s primary goal is to equip graduates with the highest level of practical skills in their field, along with the tools necessary for successfully creating their own work or practice.

• The individual in this position is for ensuring compliance with all SPAA policies and procedures, including the Workplace Health and Safety and Confidentiality policies.
• This position is part-time based at Sharjah Performing Arts Academy, University City, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.
• The Faculty Handbook is an important resource and sets out the expectations and conditions of employment. Prospective candidates for this position can request the Faculty Handbook, which will be sent to them via email.

Note: Candidates offered positions at Sharjah Performing Arts Academy are required to undergo a comprehensive background screening and police check, prior to finalising their employment.

What's great about working at SPAA?

• Join a talented team in a supportive and collaborative environment
• No unnecessary bureaucracy, no pointless tools, and flexible working hours
• Focus on meaningful work with real responsibilities and autonomy
• Enhance your expertise across diverse aspects of the performing arts industry
• Contribute to creating impactful content that supports our community daily
• Embrace real challenges and responsibilities in a dynamic, rapidly evolving academy