Head of Curriculum: Art & Design
Are you a visionary leader ready to shape the future of art and design education?
At Newcastle College, we are seeking an exceptional Head of Curriculum (Art & Design) to lead one of the most vibrant and ambitious areas within our Digital & Creative Industries faculty. This is a career-defining opportunity to drive strategic growth, innovation, and excellence across a multidisciplinary curriculum spanning art, fashion, ceramics, interiors, and architecture.
As a senior leader, you will set the vision, direction, and culture for the department, ensuring that our curriculum is not only outstanding in quality, but also deeply connected to industry, responsive to regional skills needs, and future-focused.
You will play a critical role in positioning Newcastle College as a leading provider of creative education, developing talent that fuels the North East's creative economy and beyond.
You will lead a high-performing team of Assistant Heads, lecturers, and specialist staff to:
* Define and deliver a compelling curriculum vision and strategy aligned to local, regional, and national priorities
* Drive excellence in teaching, learning and assessment, ensuring all learners achieve their full potential
* Develop a coherent, industry-informed curriculum offer that prepares learners for employment, higher study, and freelance careers
* Lead curriculum innovation and growth, identifying new opportunities in response to emerging creative and digital trends
* Embed a culture of high expectations, accountability, and continuous improvement
* Ensure strong financial performance, balancing quality with sustainable growth and effective resource management
You will also lead the department's contribution to college-wide strategic priorities, acting as a key member of the leadership team and an ambassador for the creative industries.
This role extends far beyond the classroom.
You will:
* Build and sustain high-impact partnerships with employers, creative organisations, and industry leaders
* Position the department as a hub for creative collaboration, innovation, and talent development
* Engage with schools, community organisations, and regional stakeholders to grow the pipeline of future creatives
* Champion opportunities for students to engage in live briefs, exhibitions, competitions, and enterprise activity
* Respond proactively to Local Skills Improvement Plans (LSIPs) and wider policy priorities
Your leadership will ensure that our provision is not only relevant-but influential across the region.
We are looking for an inspirational and strategic leader who:
* Has a strong background in art and design disciplines (e.g. fashion, interiors, ceramics, architecture or fine art)
* Brings proven experience of leading teams and delivering strategic outcomes
* Has a track record of driving quality improvement and curriculum excellence
* Demonstrates strong commercial and financial awareness, including curriculum planning and budget management
* Is highly effective in building partnerships and influencing stakeholders
* Has a deep commitment to student success, inclusion, and widening participation
* Is passionate about developing future creative talent and shaping industry‑ready graduates
You will be a visible, values-driven leader‑able to inspire teams, challenge thinking, and create an environment where both staff and students thrive.
At Newcastle College, we are proud to invest in our creative disciplines, with industry-standard facilities and a strong reputation for innovation and collaboration.
You will be joining a faculty that:
* Champions STEAM and cross‑disciplinary collaboration
* Works closely with industry partners and employers
* Delivers high‑profile events, exhibitions, and live projects
* Is committed to developing work‑ready, confident, and creative graduates
This is an opportunity to lead a department that is ambitious, outward‑facing, and central to the region's creative future.
EMPLOYEE BENEFITS
NCG is a great place to work, with a whole host of benefits such as:
* Generous Annual Leave
* Flexible Working
* Student Discount
* Government Pension Schemes
* Cycle to Work
* Employee Assistance Programme
For more information, please see our website - Our Benefits
NCG VALUES
Our values are not just about what we do, but also how we do things. Shaped by our colleagues, customers and learners, they set the standard of how we should behave, how we work together and give us the opportunity to make the right decisions based on the values we all share.
* Being both inclusive and diverse
* Trusting and respecting our communities
* Taking ownership whilst working collaboratively
* Inspiring excellence and curiosity
For further detail about our Values and Strategy, please visit our website - Values and Strategy
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