Subject Leader – Books & Bindings
Location: West Dean College, West Sussex
Contract: Permanent
Hours: 18 hours per week (0.4 FTE) usually worked over 2 days
Salary: £18,000 per annum (Full time equivalent of £45,000 per annum)
Join West Dean College
West Dean is a unique place to work, combining internationally recognised education in arts, design, craft and conservation with award-winning gardens, historic collections and a working estate in the South Downs National Park.
We are looking for an established bookbinder, book artist or maker with a reputation for high-quality professional practice.
The role
Working closely with the Head of School and fellow Subject Leaders, you will play a key role in the day-to-day organisation, delivery and continued development of the curriculum. You will contribute to teaching, assessment, curriculum planning and programme development, helping to ensure an engaging and high-quality learning experience for our students.
You will provide academic guidance and tutorial support, coordinate visiting lecturers and specialist contributors, and build strong professional relationships both within the College and across the wider Books & Bindings sector.
The role will also involve contributing to student recruitment activities, quality assurance, external engagement, Health & Safety, resource planning and the organisation of relevant study visits.
About you
You will be an established bookbinder, book artist or maker with a reputation for high-quality professional practice. You will combine creativity, design capability, material knowledge and technical excellence with a passion for teaching and developing students.
You will have a BA or equivalent Level 6 qualification, or equivalent experience, alongside demonstrable professional practice and a creative legacy in Books & Bindings.
You will have extensive experience of teaching, assessment and administration within Further or Higher Education, with a strong understanding of practical and creative book bindings, including relevant history and theory.
You will have strong organisational and administrative skills, be confident using IT and Microsoft Office, and understand best practice within workshops and Health & Safety requirements. Experience of quality assurance and Virtual Learning Environments would be desirable.
You will be a professional and confident communicator, able to build positive working relationships with students, colleagues and external contacts. You will be able to work independently, manage competing priorities and remain effective under pressure, while contributing positively to a collegial team environment
Why join West Dean?
This is an exciting opportunity to lead and shape a specialist subject area within one of the UK's most distinctive creative and cultural education environments.
You will join a community that values creativity, craftsmanship, sustainability and inclusivity, while helping to support and inspire the next generation of practitioners.
How to apply
If you are passionate about Books & Bindings and would like to play a leading role in delivering an exceptional student experience, we would love to hear from you.
Please apply via our careers site or contact the recruitment team for further information.
Deadline for applications: 13 September 2026
