Academic Lead - School of Music and Performing Arts

The Academic Lead for Future Students plays a pivotal role in securing the long‑term growth and vitality of the School of Music and Performing Arts. This role leads recruitment, admissions and communications – championing the School's distinctive creative offer to prospective students, partner institutions and the wider public.

Working at the heart of the School Leadership Team, you will help attract and support the next generation of talent across Music and Performing Arts.

• Lead and develop innovative undergraduate and postgraduate recruitment strategies.
• Drive application growth, conversion and equitable access for prospective students.
• Champion the School's external profile, ensuring compelling and impactful communications across all channels.
• Provide leadership and line management within a designated area of the School, supporting colleagues to thrive and develop.
• Contribute to the strategic direction of the School as a key member of the Leadership Team.
• Maintain an active teaching and scholarly profile, bringing academic credibility and sector insight to the role.

• A good first degree in a relevant discipline.
• Significant experience in higher education, with demonstrable expertise in student recruitment, admissions or marketing.
• Experience of data analysis and using insight to inform strategic decisions.
• Demonstrable ability to lead, manage and develop a team effectively.
• Understanding of the creative industries landscape, particularly music, performance and production sectors.

Salary Grade Ac4S – starting from £58,226 rising to £61,760 per annum. The salary range shows the potential maximum pay progression in addition to any annual inflationary increase to your pay. Our default position is to appoint into the lower end of the range, unless there are exceptional circumstances.

• Generous pension scheme (Local Government Pension Scheme / Teacher's Pension Scheme). This is a defined benefit pension scheme which pays members a secure income for life, post‑retirement.
• Enhanced paid leave – 41 to 46 days depending on the role (Full Time). More details at
• Family‑friendly policies including hybrid working, flexible work environment, on‑site nursery, and a sector‑leading enhanced maternity scheme.
• Employee Assistance Programme offering access to on‑demand GP appointments, wellbeing support and advice, and access to counselling.
• Transport schemes including Electric Vehicle Scheme and Cycle to Work.
• Wide range of discounts and financial benefits accessed through an easy‑to‑use app.

For further details about all our staff benefits, see