About Birmingham City 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.
Role Summary
Royal Birmingham Conservatoire is looking to appoint a Head of Young RBC, to be responsible for leadership and co-ordination of all its activities with young people under 18, including its thriving Junior Department and Learning & Participation programme. This is a new strategic role, to replace the long-serving Head of RBC Juniors Tim English, who retires at the end of September.
The Head will work alongside colleagues in the Juniors and L & P teams to deliver an exciting and inclusive programme of activities, and will add to these some new provision in theatre and musical theatre. They will work alongside RBC’s Heads of Department and Events team to maximise our reach and reputation within the arts education sector, in order to support our recruitment activities and growth ambitions. They will also be responsible for safeguarding across RBC.
We are looking for an experienced strategic leader, with creative flair and strong managerial, communication and people skills. If appointed, you will play a pivotal role in RBC’s senior leadership team, reporting to the Principal Stephen Maddock. You will join a conservatoire that is riding high, having achieved outstanding results in recent sector surveys of student experience and employability. And you will be at the heart of the creative scene in one of the UK’s largest and most exciting cultural centres.
Please note that the salary offered is the starting point of the grade. There is the opportunity to progress through the incremental scale, subject to the University's pay progression arrangements, as well as any annual cost of living (inflationary) pay awards that may be agreed. Please note that neither incremental progression nor annual pay awards are guaranteed.
Shape the future of young performers at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire.
We are seeking an inspiring and experienced leader to head Young RBC, leading our talented team to deliver outstanding music and acting opportunities for children and young people.
In this strategic leadership role, you will:
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Lead and develop RBC Juniors, providing direction and support to staff and coordinators.
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Drive the development of innovative programmes for young musicians and actors.
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Work closely with colleagues across the Conservatoire to support recruitment, performance opportunities and student progression.
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Build strong partnerships with schools, arts organisations and external stakeholders.
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Support fundraising initiatives and help widen access through bursaries and financial support.
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Manage budgets, set targets and oversee the financial performance of the department.
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Lead on safeguarding for all under-18 activities and ensure compliance with relevant policies and legislation.
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Represent the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire within Birmingham City University and at external events.
About You
You will bring:
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Extensive experience within the music education sector and a strong understanding of pathways into conservatoire education.
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Proven leadership and people management experience.
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Knowledge of safeguarding and working with children and young people.
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Experience of leading strategic projects and driving positive change.
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Strong financial and budget management skills.
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Experience of developing partnerships and securing external funding.
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The ability to collaborate effectively, influence others and inspire high performance.
Experience within higher education, conservatoires, theatre or the wider West Midlands would be advantageous.
Join Us
This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in shaping the future of the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, supporting the next generation of talented young performers.
If you are passionate about music and arts education and are ready to make a lasting impact, we would love to hear from you.
Further Information
If you are excited by the opportunity to help shape the future of the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire we would love to hear from you.
For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Stephen Maddock at [email protected]
The appointed candidate will normally be employed through our subsidiary company, BCU Support Services Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Birmingham City University. Appointees with prior LGPS membership who wish to re-enter the scheme may do so and will be employed directly by the University.
Why work for us
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Work–life balance – Generous leave and hybrid working (role dependent).
- Career development – Opportunities to grow, develop and progress your career.
- Reward and wellbeing – Competitive pay, pension, a health cash plan, wellbeing support and a wide range of staff benefits.
- Inclusive culture – A supportive, diverse environment where everyone belongs.
Visa Sponsorship
This role may be eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker visa route, subject to meeting the relevant criteria. For further information, please visit: https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa
