The Pauline Quirke Academy of Performing Arts (PQA) is a national network of performing arts academies, providing outstanding extracurricular training in Comedy & Drama, Musical Theatre and Film & Television for students aged 4 - 18.
The Head of Stage and Screen will lead teaching and learning, creative content, productions and performance opportunities across the network. Championing PQA's student-led, project-based learning approach, the role will drive high-quality educational experiences that support student engagement, progression and retention.
Leading the Stage and Screen team, the postholder will oversee learning resources, creative content, training and performance opportunities aligned to PQA's learning framework, Our Learning Approach.
Reporting to the Director of Student Experience, the Head of Stage and Screen will be a member of PQA's Senior Management Team.
Key Responsibilities:
· To shape and deliver the strategic vision for Stage and Screen, ensuring all activity aligns with PQA's educational philosophy, student experience objectives and wider business priorities.
· To lead and manage the Stage and Screen Team, fostering a positive and collaborative culture whilst representing the department on the Senior Management Team.
· To champion and embed PQA's learning framework (Our Learning Approach) across HQ and the wider network through the development of training, resources and support for Principals and teachers.
· To lead the quality assurance and continuous improvement of teaching and learning across the network, ensuring Stage and Screen functions support Principals in delivering high-quality learning experiences and meaningful student outcomes.
· To ensure Stage and Screen initiatives positively contribute to student engagement, progression and retention across the network.
· To ensure that content for student-led, project-based learning remains relevant, engaging and diverse through the breadth of projects offered across the network.
· To develop partnerships that enhance the student experience, strengthen PQA's reputation and create opportunities for the network.
· To lead the Productions and Events function, including the strategic development of PQA's West End experience and the creation of high-quality performance opportunities across the network.
· To manage departmental budgets, objectives and KPIs, ensuring resources are allocated strategically and business plan priorities are achieved.
· To continually assess and monitor the risk management and safeguarding elements of all HQ-run productions, projects and events.
· To be the point of escalation for any Stage and Screen related complaints.
· To complete ad hoc duties as and when required.
What Success Looks Like
Success in the role will be demonstrated through strong adoption of Our Learning Approach, continued improvement in teaching and learning quality, high levels of engagement, progression and retention, successful delivery of productions, projects and events, and effective leadership of the Stage and Screen team.
Essential Skills/Experience:
· Significant leadership experience within education, performing arts, productions, events or a related sector.
· Experience of leading organisational change and embedding new initiatives across multiple stakeholders.
· A proven track record of leading, coaching, developing and mentoring a high performing team.
· Strong strategic thinking, problem-solving and decision-making skills, with the ability to operate effectively at both strategic and operational levels.
· Excellent communication, interpersonal and organisational skills.
· Ability to inspire and motivate Principals, teachers and teams across a geographically dispersed network.
· An innovative and forward-thinking approach to teaching and learning, underpinned by a commitment to continuous professional development and a passion for the performing arts and young people.
· A developed understanding of all safeguarding, legal, and health and safety requirements.
· Experience in managing a team of creatives or directing and producing shows.
· A positive, flexible and service-focused approach, with the ability to resolve challenges and complaints in a calm and professional manner.
· Able to effectively build and manage supplier relationships.
· Proficiency with Microsoft Office, including Word and Excel.
· Ability and willingness to work unsocial hours including evenings and weekends from time to time.
· Full UK driving licence.
Desirable skills and experience:
· Teaching experience.
· Digital learning and development environments.
· Experience of a franchise or licensing environment.
· Professional industry training in performing arts and/or professional experience in theatre productions, technical and stage management.
· Experience of developing or implementing digital learning resources, platforms or training solutions.
To apply, please send your CV and cover letter to [email protected]
Pay: £50,000.00-£55,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Company pension
- Cycle to work scheme
- Free parking
- On-site parking
- Private medical insurance
Application question(s):
- Are you able to work from the office at HP10 9TY three days per week?
- Are you able to work evenings and/or weekends when required?
- Do you have the right to work in the UK?
- What is your current notice period?
Work Location: Hybrid remote in High Wycombe HP10 9TY
