Head of Professional Qualifications

The Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) is a global leader in dance education, delivering qualifications, teacher education and professional development opportunities to learners around the world. As we continue to grow and diversify our educational portfolio, we are seeking an ambitious and innovative Head of Professional Qualifications to lead the development of our professional qualifications offer.

This senior leadership role offers the opportunity to shape the future of qualifications across dance, musical theatre and the wider performing arts, ensuring our portfolio remains relevant, robust, inclusive and responsive to the needs of learners, employers and the wider sector.

About the role

Reporting to the Deputy Artistic Director - Education, you will provide strategic leadership for the RAD's professional qualifications portfolio, including the RAD Awards and future regulated qualifications.

You will lead qualification development, innovation, quality assurance and regulatory compliance while identifying new opportunities for growth, partnership and market engagement. Working with colleagues across the organisation and external stakeholders, you will help position the RAD as a leading and influential provider of professional qualifications in dance and the performing arts.

• Leading the strategic development, regulatory compliance, quality assurance and delivery of the professional qualification’s portfolio.

• Driving innovation in qualification design, assessment and curriculum development, identifying new qualification pathways, and growth opportunities.

• Building relationships with awarding organisations, regulators, employers and sector partners.

• Using learner data, sector intelligence and emerging practice to inform portfolio development.

• Leading, developing and empowering teams, fostering a culture of excellence, collaboration and improvement.

• Championing excellence, learner achievement and professional progression.

About you

We are seeking a highly motivated educational leader with the ability to balance strategic vision with operational excellence and deliver results.

• A Master’s degree and demonstrable leadership experience within qualifications, vocational education, higher education or a related environment.

• Strong understanding of qualification development, assessment and quality assurance.

• Experience working within regulated education and compliance frameworks.

• A proven ability to develop new initiatives, drive improvement and respond to changing sector needs.

• Excellent relationship-building, communication and stakeholder engagement skills.

• Demonstrable knowledge and expertise of dance, musical theatre and the wider performing arts sector.

• Leads with warmth, professionalism and a genuine commitment to supporting and developing others.

• Brings enthusiasm, positivity and a growth mindset, motivating and inspiring colleagues to achieve shared goals.

• Builds strong, trusting relationships and works collaboratively across teams, departments and external stakeholders.

• Demonstrates innovation and adaptability, seeking opportunities to enhance provision while remaining resilient and solutions-focused in a changing environment.

• Champions artistic excellence, inclusion in organisational culture, valuing diverse perspectives and maintaining high standards while embracing change.

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 Thursday, 12th November 2026. Successful candidates invited to the second round will be interviewed on Thursday, 19th 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.

Vacancy Type

Permanent/Full Time

Salary

£50,000 - £52,000 p.a.

Application Deadline

Friday, November 6, 2026