Director of Education

Memcom Executive; Gloucester; Hybrid; GBP 65,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious educational charity in the UK seeks a Director of Education to lead the development of its Education, Distinctions, and Qualifications portfolio. The ideal candidate will possess significant senior experience in education, strong leadership capabilities, and a strategic mindset. Hybrid working is offered along with 25 days annual leave, pension contributions, and RPS membership among other benefits. This role is designed for a collaborative leader passionate about photography and education.

Benefits

25 days annual leave

Pension

RPS membership

Cycle-to-work scheme

Access to community workspace

Qualifications

• Significant senior experience in education, training or qualification frameworks.
• Strong leadership and culture-building skills.
• Confident navigating and modernising legacy systems.

Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver a cohesive strategy for Education, Distinctions and Qualifications.
• Oversee the creation and delivery of workshops, courses, and online learning.
• Lead the implementation of the RPS's new Distinctions Framework.
• Build strong relationships with Assessors and streamline Distinctions processes.
• Provide inspiring leadership to the Education and Distinctions team.
• Manage budgets, forecasting and operational delivery.
• Collaborate with volunteers, Special Interest Groups, Regional Hubs, and external partners.
• Act as an ambassador for the RPS at events.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Commercial awareness

Relationship building

Job description

Director of Education, Royal Photographic Society (RPS)

Location: Bristol (Hybrid, 1-2 days per week onsite)

Salary: £65,000-£70,000

Our client, the Royal Photographic Society (RPS), is an internationally respected educational charity and membership organisation committed to advancing the art and science of photography. They are now seeking an exceptional Director of Education to lead a new, strategically important area within their Senior Leadership Team.

This brand new role offers an exciting opportunity to shape and grow the RPS's Education, Distinctions and Qualifications portfolio‑developing a modern, innovative and commercially sustainable offer that strengthens member value and positions the RPS as a global home for photographic learning and recognition.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver a cohesive strategy for Education, Distinctions and Qualifications aligned to the organisation's mission and long‑term plans.
• Oversee the creation and delivery of workshops, courses, online learning, CPD and structured pathways, ensuring consistently high quality and learner experience.
• Lead the implementation of the RPS's new Distinctions Framework, ensuring it remains credible, accessible and commercially effective.
• Build strong relationships with Assessors and streamline Distinctions processes to create a modern, engaging member journey.
• Provide inspiring leadership to the Education and Distinctions team, fostering collaboration, accountability and a positive culture.
• Manage budgets, forecasting and operational delivery while exploring new revenue opportunities.
• Collaborate with volunteers, Special Interest Groups, Regional Hubs and external partners across education, industry and the arts.
• Act as an ambassador for the RPS at events and support the promotion of programmes in partnership with Marketing and Membership colleagues.

Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate will bring significant senior experience in education, training or qualification frameworks, along with strong leadership and culture‑building skills. They will be commercially aware, strategically minded and confident navigating and modernising legacy systems. An interest in photography or visual arts is highly desirable. This role suits a compassionate, collaborative leader who thrives in a small, hands‑on environment.

Benefits

Hybrid working, 25 days annual leave plus Christmas closure, pension, RPS membership, cycle‑to‑work scheme, laptop, and access to the vibrant HERE Bristol workspace.

Apply today and we will be in touch to share the full JD should your background match the role requirements.