Director of Music Education

JR United Kingdom; Norwich; Remote; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A mission-driven organization is seeking a Director of Music Education to shape professional development in music across England. This role involves designing CPD content, leading a team, and ensuring equitable access to high-quality music education. Candidates should have significant experience in music education leadership and a strong commitment to national educational improvement. The position offers flexible working arrangements and comprehensive benefits including annual leave and private medical insurance.

Benefits

25 days annual leave + bank holidays

Private Medical Insurance & Healthcare Cash Plan

Work from anywhere globally (up to 8 weeks)

Qualifications

• Significant leadership experience in music education and CPD design.
• Experience working in a school or system leadership setting.
• Proven ability to design and deliver impactful subject-specific CPD.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and curation of music CPD content.
• Champion a vision for music professional development.
• Monitor, evidence, and report on programme progress.

Skills

Leadership in music education

CPD design

Strong organizational skills

National-level stakeholder engagement

Education

Degree-level qualification or relevant professional training

Masters or PhD level qualifications

Job description

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Location: Remote-flexible (with travel across England, approx. 30–40%)

Contract Type: 12-month fixed term (contingent on contract award)

Hours: 37.5 hours per week (part-time working may be considered)

Apply by: 06/09/2025

Hiring Managers: Gordon Carvern and Rose Fisher-Robins

Help shape the future of drama education - where it’s needed most.

At Etio, we help governments and institutions around the world improve education at scale. Formerly the government services arm of Tribal Group, our work is grounded in evidence, experience, and impact. From strategic planning and workforce development to benchmarking and reform, we deliver solutions that strengthen education systems and improve learning outcomes.

About the Role

We’re looking for a credible, committed leader in music education to step into a nationally significant role within a new DfE-funded programme.

As Director of Music Education, you’ll be responsible for designing, commissioning, and curating world-class professional development in music for teachers at every career stage, across all school settings in England.

You’ll work as part of the senior leadership team, shaping programme strategy, overseeing high-quality CPD content, and leading delivery through hubs, networks, and partnerships. Crucially, you’ll ensure national reach while championing equity, inclusion, and local impact.

If you’re passionate about music education, confident working nationally, and excited to help shape the creative arts landscape for schools in England - we’d love to hear from you.

You will:

• Lead the design, creation, commissioning, and curation of music CPD content
• Champion a vision for music professional development that improves teaching and student learning outcomes
• Draw on national and international research and practice to ensure excellence in CPD delivery
• Work as part of the senior leadership team to meet KPIs, SLAs, and commercial targets
• Build and lead a team of CPD professionals to deliver programme goals
• Ensure reach and resonance, working through hubs, networks, and partners
• Innovate delivery models, including hybrid, peer-to-peer, and collaborative approaches
• Embed robust evaluation and quality assurance in all aspects of delivery
• Monitor, evidence, and report on programme progress and impact
• Represent Etio in national and regional settings, influencing key stakeholders

What You’ll Bring

• Degree-level qualification or relevant professional training
• Significant leadership experience in music education and CPD design
• Experience working in a school or system leadership setting
• Proven ability to design, deliver, and quality assure impactful subject-specific CPD
• Strong organisational and time management skills
• Skilled communicator, confident in national-level stakeholder engagement
• Experience leading CPD designers and trainers
• Established network of cultural organisations relevant to music and the arts
• Ability to innovate, influence, and drive effective system-wide change
• Self-motivated, collaborative, and comfortable in dispersed or remote teams
• Masters or PhD level qualifications, or equivalent research experience
• Knowledge of national CPD hub models and school leadership frameworks
• Experience leading national-scale education reform programmes
• Familiarity with DfE policy and prior policy influencing experience
• Strong connections with organisations that promote cultural arts in schools
• Awareness of international best practice in music and creative arts education

Who We Are

? Etio is a mission-driven organisation providing expertise to improve education systems and outcomes.

? We work in partnership with the Department for Education and sector leaders to deliver high-quality national programmes that raise standards and strengthen the profession.

We know our people are our greatest strength. That’s why we offer a flexible, supportive culture and benefits that let you do your best work – and take care of your wellbeing too.

• 25 days annual leave + bank holidays (with the option to buy more)
• Private Medical Insurance & Healthcare Cash Plan
• Enhanced family-friendly policies
• "Work from anywhere" globally (up to 8 weeks)
• Cycle to Work & Electric Car Scheme

Accessibility and Adjustments

We’re committed to an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. If you need us to make adjustments so you can show your best self during the application or selection process, just let us know. We’re happy to support you.