Head of Performing & Creative Arts

Theartgorgeous; Milano; On-site; EUR 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Lunch on campus

IB training

Professional development

Job summary

ISM in Milan, part of Inspired Education Group, seeks an innovative Head of Performing & Creative Arts to lead the school’s Arts faculty from August 2026, shaping a rich, creative curriculum for students from early years through the IB Diploma.

You will oversee Music, Drama, Visual Arts, and related disciplines, drive high teaching standards, manage budgets, and cultivate partnerships with Milan’s cultural institutions to enrich student learning.

Qualifications

• Degree in an Arts discipline with a recognised teaching qualification.
• Substantial experience teaching Arts at secondary level, including exam classes.
• Proven leadership experience within a faculty or department.
• Strong understanding of IB frameworks (PYP, MYP, DP).

Responsibilities

• Lead and inspire the Performing & Creative Arts faculty across all age groups.
• Oversee curriculum design, development, and implementation across PYP, MYP, and DP Arts.
• Ensure high standards of teaching and learning, supporting staff development and professional growth.
• Foster interdisciplinary collaboration between arts subjects and other curriculum areas.
• Monitor student progress and achievement, ensuring assessments align with IB standards.
• Teach a reduced timetable in your area of expertise, including IB Diploma level.
• Promote student engagement in co-cultural arts opportunities such as productions, concerts, exhibitions, and competitions.
• Develop links with external cultural institutions, artists, and performance opportunities in Milan.
• Manage departmental budgets, resources, and specialist facilities effectively.
• Contribute to whole-school leadership initiatives and professional learning communities.

Skills

Leadership

IB familiarity

Curriculum development

Intercultural collaboration

Education

Arts degree

Teaching qualification

Job description

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Inspired Education is the leading global group of premium schools, with a portfolio of 121 premium private schools spanning 6 continents which utilise proven educational practices from every corner of the globe, ensuring over 95,000 students receive a world-class learning experience from Kindergarten to Year 13.

In 28 countries, Inspired schools are individually developed and anchored in the vibrant cultures of their respective locations. They collectively form an international family of schools that nurtures each student’s academic and personal development in a progressive, dynamic, and innovative learning environment.

By joining our award-winning team of over 13,000 employees, you can work in state-of-the-art facilities alongside industry-renowned educators and leaders in some of the world’s most desirable locations. We invest heavily in our team members who enjoy industry-leading professional development, exceptional career opportunities, and mobility across our group.

ROLE SUMMARY

We are seeking an innovative and inspirational Head of Performing & Creative Arts to lead our whole-school faculty from August 2026. This exciting leadership position covers Music, Drama, Visual Arts, and related disciplines, offering the chance to shape a rich, creative curriculum from the early years through to the IB Diploma Programme (DP).

OUR SCHOOL

Founded in 1958, ISM caters for approximately 1000 students from more than 60 nationalities. Our new campus opened in September 2013, incorporating a theatre, swimming pool and a full-size gymnasium as well as specialist classrooms, labs, libraries, arts and music areas. All of our sections are fully authorised for International Baccalaureate (IB) programmes – Primary Years Programme (PYP) from Kindergarten to Grade 6; Middle Years Programme (MYP) from Grades 7 to 11; Diploma Programme (DP) in Grades 12 and 13. ISM is the most established IB world school in Italy and has an excellent record of results in the Diploma. Wi-Fi is enabled throughout the campus to support the school’s 1:1 learning project, with every student having access to a personal tablet or laptop.

The school is one of several very successful Italian schools belonging to ISE (International School of Europe) which in turn are part of Inspired, a worldwide network of premium schools. To begin to get a feel for our educational offering and Core Values, we encourage candidates to explore our website at www.ism-ac.it. More information about the IB’s programmes can be found at www.ibo.org.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead and inspire the Performing & Creative Arts faculty across all age groups.
• Oversee curriculum design, development, and implementation across PYP, MYP, and DP Arts.
• Ensure high standards of teaching and learning, supporting staff development and professional growth.
• Foster interdisciplinary collaboration between arts subjects and other curriculum areas.
• Monitor student progress and achievement, ensuring assessments align with IB standards.
• Teach a reduced timetable in your area of expertise, including IB Diploma level.
• Promote student engagement in co-cultural arts opportunities such as productions, concerts, exhibitions, and competitions.
• Develop links with external cultural institutions, artists, and performance opportunities in Milan.
• Manage departmental budgets, resources, and specialist facilities effectively.
• Contribute to whole-school leadership initiatives and professional learning communities.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE WILL HAVE:

• Degree in an Arts discipline (Music, Drama, Visual Arts, or related field) with a recognised teaching qualification.
• Substantial experience teaching Arts at secondary level, including exam classes.
• Proven leadership experience within a faculty or department.
• Strong understanding of, or willingness to train in, IB frameworks (PYP, MYP, DP).
• EU passport or valid permit allowing work and residence in Italy.
• Experience leading an Arts faculty within an IB or international school.
• Experience coordinating large-scale performances, productions, or exhibitions.
• Experience working in multicultural or international environments.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• Nationally competitive salary and benefits, including taxation advantages.
• Relocation assistance and settling-in support.
• Daily cooked lunches provided on campus.
• Ongoing official IB training and professional development.

The successful candidate will be expected to begin in August 2026.

SAFEGUARDING STATEMENT

Inspired Education Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff, volunteers and other third parties to share this commitment. Safer recruitment practices and pre-employment background checks will be undertaken before any appointment is confirmed.