Academic Lead ; MPA

Academic Lead for Future Students (MPA)

Final date to receive applications: 3 July 2026

Department: School of Music & Performing Arts

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Bath, Somerset
- Newton Park

Compensation: Grade Ac4S
- Starting from £58,226 rising to £61,760 per annum

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 on recruitment, admissions and communications – championing the School’s distinctive creative offer to prospective students, partner institutions and the wider public.

As our Academic Lead for Future Students, you will play a pivotal role in driving student recruitment, admissions, communications and academic leadership across our School. Working at the heart of the School Leadership Team, you’ll help attract and support the next generation of talent across Music and Performing Arts.

In this influential role, you will:

• 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.

This is an exciting opportunity for an ambitious academic leader to make a lasting impact on student success, institutional growth and the future of creative education.

• A good first degree in a relevant discipline.
• Significant experience of working 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.

For further information on the essential and desirable skills we’re looking for, please refer to the attached Job Description.

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. Please note that our default position is to appoint into the lower end of the range, unless there are exceptional circumstances.

Interview Date - 16th July

Staff Benefits

We offer a wide range of great benefits at BSU, including

• 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 – 41–46 days depending on the role (Full Time) – more details here:
• Family friendly policies including hybrid working, flexible work environment, on‑site nursery, and a sector‑leading enhanced maternity scheme.
• Employee Assistance Programme which offers 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, have a look at our rewards page:

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.