Head of School - Music

BIMM University; Brighton; On-site; GBP 62,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days holiday per year (FTE)

SMART pension

Comprehensive benefits package

Job summary

BIMM University in Brighton is seeking a visionary Head of School – Music to lead academic, operational and commercial success at campus level. You will guide curriculum, staff, and external partnerships to deliver an industry-relevant student experience.

You will report to the Dean of Music and drive improvements in outcomes, quality assurance and governance while managing budgets and recruitment of Lecturers and Course Leaders.

Qualifications

• Significant leadership and management experience within higher education.
• Strong subject expertise and industry engagement within Music.
• Experience leading curriculum development and teaching excellence.
• Proven track record of improving student outcomes.
• Experience leading academic teams to high performance.
• Understanding of quality assurance and regulatory frameworks.
• Ability to balance strategy with operational delivery using data.
• Experience leading change and measurable improvements.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• Strong commercial awareness with budget management.

Responsibilities

• Lead the strategic direction, performance and development of the School in line with Faculty and University priorities.
• Provide leadership and support to Course Leaders and Lecturers, fostering accountability and collaboration.
• Oversee curriculum delivery, quality assurance and enhancement activities to ensure an excellent student learning experience.
• Drive improvements in student outcomes, including continuation, completion, progression, graduate success and student satisfaction.
• Use data and insight to monitor academic, operational and financial performance, identifying priorities and actions.
• Work with Student Services, Academic Services and Campus Operations to deliver a consistent student experience.
• Lead Lecturer recruitment and professional development of academic staff.
• Support student recruitment activities and engagement initiatives.
• Develop and maintain partnerships with industry and external organisations.
• Contribute to governance, quality assurance and regulatory processes.
• Oversee budget planning and resource management for the School.

Skills

Leadership

Music expertise

Curriculum development

Quality assurance

Budget management

Stakeholder engagement

Data-driven decisions

Education

Postgraduate qualification

Job description

Head of School – Music

Increase your chances of an interview by reading the following overview of this role before making an application.

Location: Brighton

Salary: £62,400 – £70,000 per annum

At BIMM University, we're more than just an educational institution; we're a vibrant community dedicated to nurturing creativity and empowering students to reach their full potential. With campuses across the UK, Ireland, and Germany, we offer a diverse range of courses in modern music, performing arts, filmmaking and creative technology. Our commitment to excellence in creative arts education sets us apart, providing students with the knowledge, skills, and opportunities they need to succeed in their chosen fields.

About The Role

As Head of School – Music, you will lead the academic, operational and commercial success of the University's Music provision at campus level. Reporting to the Dean of Music, you will provide strategic leadership for the School, ensuring students receive a high-quality, industry-relevant learning experience while maintaining strong academic standards and outcomes.

You will lead a team of Course Leaders and Lecturers, oversee curriculum delivery and enhancement, and work closely with colleagues across the University to create an inclusive and supportive environment for both students and staff. As the senior representative for Music on campus, you will also play a key role in building external partnerships, supporting student recruitment, and contributing to the continued growth and success of the School.

What You’ll Do

• Lead the strategic direction, performance and development of the School in line with Faculty and University priorities.
• Provide leadership and support to Course Leaders and Lecturers, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration and continuous improvement.
• Oversee curriculum delivery, quality assurance and enhancement activities to ensure an excellent student learning experience.
• Drive improvements in student outcomes, including continuation, completion, progression, graduate success and student satisfaction.
• Use data and insight to monitor academic, operational and financial performance, identifying priorities and implementing actions that drive improvement.
• Work closely with Student Services, Academic Services, Campus Operations and other professional services teams to deliver a consistent and positive student experience.
• Lead Lecturer recruitment and contribute to the ongoing development of academic staff, promoting teaching excellence and professional growth.
• Support student recruitment activities, including open days, auditions, outreach events and applicant engagement initiatives.
• Develop and maintain partnerships with industry, employers and external organisations that enhance opportunities for students and strengthen the School's profile.
• Contribute to governance, quality assurance and regulatory processes, ensuring compliance with University’s policies and sector requirements.
• Oversee budget planning and resource management for the School, ensuring investment is aligned to teaching, learning, assessment, student outcomes and the School's strategic objectives.

What You’ll Bring

• Significant leadership and management experience within higher education.
• Strong subject expertise and industry engagement within Music, supported by a postgraduate qualification or equivalent professional experience.
• Experience leading curriculum development, quality enhancement and teaching excellence within a higher education setting.
• A proven track record of improving student outcomes, academic quality and the overall student experience.
• Experience leading, developing and supporting academic teams to deliver high performance and positive outcomes.
• A strong understanding of higher education quality assurance, governance and regulatory frameworks.
• The ability to balance strategic thinking with operational delivery, using data and evidence to inform decisions.
• Experience of leading change, implementing improvement initiatives and delivering measurable results.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills, with the ability to work effectively with students, colleagues, industry partners and external stakeholders.
• Strong commercial awareness, with experience managing budgets, resources and financial performance within a complex organisation.
• Interviews are expected to take place on Monday, 21st and/or Tuesday, 22nd September.

Why BIMM University

We are a values-led organisation, meaning our core values underpin all that we do:

Believe in Everyone, Challenge the Norm, Grow Together, Do The Right Thing, Own It.

In addition to joining a committed and dedicated team, you will have access to:

• 25 days holiday per year (FTE)
• SMART pension
• A comprehensive benefits package

We continually strive to create a culture of inclusivity so that we truly represent our diverse communities. We particularly welcome applications from people of colour who are underrepresented in our organisation.

We are committed to promoting the safety and welfare of our students therefore, all successful applicants are required to complete a basic DBS disclosure. Depending on the role, you may be required to complete an enhanced check / enhanced check with barred list if required by statute and internal policy.