Principal & Chief Executive
Position: Principal & Chief Executive
Reports to: Board of Directors / Governing Body
Role Purpose
The Principal & Chief Executive provides visionary leadership and strategic direction for the college, ensuring the delivery of outstanding performing arts education while maintaining the organisation’s financial sustainability, academic excellence and industry relevance.
The postholder is responsible for the overall leadership, management and growth of the institution, overseeing academic programmes, operational performance, student recruitment, external partnerships and institutional reputation. The Principal & Chief Executive acts as the public face of the college and is accountable to the Board for the success and future development of the organisation.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership
· Develop and deliver the long-term strategic vision and growth plan for the college.
· Lead the institution in achieving excellence in performing arts education, training and industry engagement.
· Identify opportunities for institutional expansion, new programmes and partnerships.
· Promote a culture of creativity, innovation, inclusion and professional standards across the college.
Academic Leadership
· Ensure the highest standards of teaching, learning and assessment.
· Oversee the design, validation and delivery of degree, diploma and professional training programmes.
· Ensure compliance with academic partners, awarding bodies and regulatory frameworks.
· Lead the college’s quality assurance, enhancement and academic governance processes.
Institutional Management
· Provide overall leadership for the academic, administrative and production teams.
· Lead senior staff including heads of course, creative staff and operational managers.
· Ensure the efficient management of timetabling, productions, facilities and student services.
Student Recruitment and Development
· Lead strategies to recruit talented students nationally and internationally.
· Oversee admissions, auditions and scholarship processes.
· Ensure students benefit from professional training, performance opportunities and industry exposure.
Industry and External Relations
· Build and maintain strong relationships with the professional performing arts industry.
· Represent the college with agents, casting directors, producers, industry partners and alumni networks.
· Promote the college’s profile through showcases, events and media engagement.
Financial Leadership
· Ensure the financial sustainability and responsible management of the institution.
· Work with the Board to oversee budgeting, financial planning and commercial development.
· Identify opportunities for growth, investment, sponsorship and strategic partnerships.
Governance and Compliance
· Ensure compliance with education regulations, safeguarding requirements, immigration sponsorship obligations and health and safety legislation.
· Report regularly to the Board on institutional performance, financial health and strategic progress.
· Lead preparations for external review, academic validation and regulatory oversight.
Person Specification
Essential
· Proven leadership experience within performing arts higher education or the creative industries.
· Strong understanding of higher education quality assurance and academic governance.
· Demonstrated ability to lead organisational development and institutional growth.
· Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills
Desirable
· Experience working with degree-awarding bodies or academic partnerships.
· Experience overseeing international student recruitment and sponsorship licensing.
· Established networks within the professional performing arts industry.