Vice Principal; Music

Department RBC:
Music Location Royal Birmingham Conservatoire Salary £81,836 to £92,593per annum Permanent Post Type Full Time Release Date 23 July 2026 Closing Date 23.59 hours BST on Sunday 23 August 2026 Interview Date Thursday 27 August 2026 Reference RBC
26007

Please note: this opportunity is only available to current employees of the University

At Birmingham City University, we are a diverse and inclusive learning community of over 31,400 students from more than 120 countries. We aim to become an exemplar anchor institution, creating and sharing knowledge for a better and more inclusive society. We are committed to providing a transformational educational experience, supporting world-class research, and fostering a collaborative and supportive working environment for our staff.

Recognised as one of the UK’s Top 250 employers (Financial Times & Statista), we pride ourselves on being a place where colleagues feel valued, supported, and able to grow their careers while contributing to the success of our students and communities.

Our student demographic reflects the rich cultural and ethnic diversity of Birmingham itself, with a significant proportion of students from minoritised ethnic backgrounds and the majority of our home students coming from the West Midlands. This diversity is a strength, and it calls for a workforce that is equipped to challenge deficit narratives and thinking - those assumptions that position students from underrepresented groups as lacking rather than recognising their assets, strengths and potential.

By embracing this perspective, we aim to create an environment where all students and colleagues can thrive, and where our work contributes positively to the social, cultural and economic life of Birmingham and beyond.

Royal Birmingham Conservatoire (RBC) is seeking an exceptional and visionary leaderfrom among its existing staff to join our senior management team as a second Vice Principal (Music), sharing the role with the existing postholder who is reducing their hours. This position provides an exciting opportunity to play a pivotal role in the strategic direction, academic leadership and day-to-day management of one of the UK's leading conservatoires.

Working closely with the Principal and existing Vice Principal (Music), you will provide academic and operational leadership across the Conservatoire, ensuring an outstanding student experience while supporting innovation, excellence and growth within our vibrant community.

Together with the existing Vice Principal (Music), you will:

• Contribute to the strategic leadership and development of Royal Birmingham Conservatoire as a member of the Senior Management Team.
• Lead academic planning, operations, and key institutional projects in consultation with the Principal and Senior Management Team.
• Champion a student-centred culture that delivers an exceptional learning experience.
• Manage Heads of Departments and Directors of Studies (Music) and advise on the appointment of Visiting Tutors.
• Drive innovation in teaching and learning through the development and review of pedagogic strategies.
• Coordinate the Conservatoire's academic calendar and oversee academic processes.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with the wider University, Faculty colleagues, and external partners.
• Chair and participate in committees, course boards, and strategic decision-making groups.
• Undertake teaching, assessment, auditioning, and examining activities as required.
• Represent the Conservatoire at University level and deputise for the Principal and other Vice Principal (Music) when necessary.

While there will be some overlap and sharing of responsibilities with the existing Vice Principal (Music), we intend that the focus of this postholder’s portfolio will encompass management of various operational aspects within Music, including recruitment, scholarships, course marketing, attendance monitoring and timetabling. In addition, it will also include oversight of international activity across the Conservatoire (including Acting).

We’re seeking a dynamic and inspirational leader with:

• Significant management and…