Head of Higher Education

Please apply for this role through the RAD's recruitment portal at: https://radar.ciphr-irecruit.com/Applicants/vacancy

The Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) is one of the world's most influential dance education organisations, with a global community spanning more than 80 countries. As we continue to evolve our educational offer and broaden our impact, we are seeking an exceptional and forward-thinking Head of Higher Education to lead the strategic development of our Higher Education portfolio.

This is an exciting opportunity to shape the future of higher education within a globally recognised arts organisation, ensuring our programmes remain innovative, academically rigorous and responsive to the changing needs of students, the performing arts sector and the wider creative industries.

About the role

Reporting to the Deputy Artistic Director - Education, you will provide strategic and academic leadership across the RAD's Higher Education provision, including undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. You will play a pivotal role in shaping future growth, developing new partnerships and programmes, strengthening academic quality and governance, and ensuring the student experience remains at the heart of everything we do.

Working closely with colleagues across the organisation and external partners, you will translate emerging trends, industry developments and educational innovation into opportunities that strengthen the RAD's position as a leading provider of higher education in dance and the performing arts.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Leading the strategic development and growth of the Higher Education portfolio.
• Developing new academic programmes, partnerships and educational opportunities and driving innovation in curriculum design, learning and teaching, alongside building stakeholder and external relationships.
• Providing oversight of academic governance, quality assurance and regulatory compliance and using performance data to inform enhancement.
• Championing outstanding student outcomes, progression and academic achievement.
• Providing leadership, management and support to the Higher Education Team and wider organisation as required to drive excellence across the wider business and sector.
• Supporting and leading on the development of new research, scholarship and knowledge exchange activity across the organisation.

About you

We are looking for an experienced academic and collaborative leader who combines strategic thinking with a genuine passion for dance education and student success.

You will bring:

• A minimum of a Master’s degree in a relevant field.
• Substantial experience within Higher Education and vocational training, with a strong understanding of contemporary developments across dance and musical theatre to inform institutional strategy.
• Experience of successfully leading programme development, academic innovation and organisational change and developing successful partnerships.
• An established national or international research profile with the ability to implement and nurture wider research opportunities.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.

You will be someone who:

• Leads with kindness, integrity and respect, fostering an environment where people can do their best and is enthusiastic in the success of students, colleagues and the wider dance community.
• Inspires trust and confidence through authenticity and professionalism and values collaboration and actively builds positive relationships across teams and disciplines.
• Brings energy, curiosity and fresh thinking to challenges and opportunities.
• Champions artistic excellence while remaining open to innovation and new approaches alongside balancing strategic thinking and a hands-on approach to delivery.
• Is adaptable and resilient, helping others navigate change with confidence and encourages diverse perspectives and develops an inclusive culture where everyone feels valued.

To apply

Please apply through our RAD Careers website with your CV and a covering letter explaining why you are interested in the role and how your experience aligns with the requirements of the position.

First-round interviews will be held on Tuesday, 10th November 2026. Successful candidates invited to the second round will be interviewed on Friday, 20th November 2026.

Why work for us?

We are passionate about providing a positive workplace culture. Our accessible London (Wandsworth / Battersea) studios and offices are conveniently located, with facilities such as the Café and Library onsite.

We offer 25 days paid holiday (pro rata) plus bank holidays and a birthday day off, contributory pension scheme, access to the Perkbox discounts platform, life assurance, WeCare scheme and a health cash plan including access to 24/7 online GP, counselling, an Employee Assistance Programme, health assessments and other wellbeing resources and perks and in-house free movement classes.

Due to the nature of the RAD’s work, the successful candidate will be required to have an Enhanced Disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service. Applications which do not include a full employment history, and reference details will not be taken forward to the shortlisting stage.

All colleagues are required to promote and safeguard the welfare of children they are responsible for, or come into contact with, and to adhere to and ensure compliance with the RADs Safeguarding Policy at all times.

We encourage and welcome applications from people with a disability, people from minority ethnic backgrounds, and people from the LGBTQIA+ community.

Please let us know if you have any access needs for the interview.

Applicants must have the right to work in the UK and bring relevant documents if invited to attend an interview. We are unable to sponsor people under the Skilled Worker scheme.

No agencies please.

Pay: £50,000.00-£55,000.00 per year

Work Location: Hybrid remote in London SW11