Deadline for applications: Noon, Monday 8 November 2021
Sound and Music is the national charity for new music. Our vision is to create a world where new music and sound prospers, transforming lives, challenging expectations and celebrating the work of its creators.
The Head of Education is a key leadership post within the organisation. The role encompasses responsibility for all aspects of the organisation’s education work relating to children and young people. It also forms part of Sound and Music’s senior management team, who under the leadership of the Chief Executive are responsible for overseeing the organisation’s programme of activity, strategic development, external profile and a positive and productive organisational culture.
The postholder should have exceptional skills, networks and experience in music education including composing and musical creativity, in formal and informal contexts, across different genres, and at every educational stage for children and young people. They will need to have proven ability in working as part of a team to problem-solve, creating and nurturing internal and external relationships, and a demonstrable commitment to diversity and inclusion in their work to date.
Sound and Music has a highly regarded, well established education programme and the postholder will be passionate not only about ensuring high quality delivery but also its continuing improvement and evolution. Over the coming 3-5 years the Head of Education will drive forward some newer initiatives, including the development of an Alliance for Composing in Music Education (a commitment we made at the launch of the Can Compose report in November 2019); embedding the input of youth voice into our programmes; the expansion of Minute of Listening; and the further development of place-based partnerships via Go Compose. The postholder will also contribute to wider organisational development as we develop a business plan for 2023-26.
The broad remit of the role means that working collaboratively, building and nurturing teams and partnerships are essential. Sound and Music is moving to a hybrid working model with a mix of in person and remote working, so we welcome applications from anywhere in the UK.
The post holder will support Sound and Music’s commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion, contributing to a culture of respect and collaboration in the organisation’s internal and external activities.
Timeline
Monday 8 November 2021, noon – Deadline for applications
Wednesday 10 November, 5pm – Deadline for letting applicants know if shortlisted or not
Tuesday 16th November – First round interviews via Zoom
Friday 19th November – Second round interviews (via Zoom tbc)
For the first round, applications will be shortlisted and interviews held by Susanna Eastburn MBE (Chief Executive, Sound and Music) and Philip Flood (Director, Sound Connections).
A small number of applicants will be invited for a second interview which will be with Susanna together with two of Sound and Music’s Trustees (Jo Thomas and Sam Palmer)
All applications will be treated in the strictest confidence.
If you are invited to interview, you will be asked to prepare a short presentation (without powerpoint or other software) sharing your perspectives on the key findings of Sound and Music’s Can Compose report, and how you would like to take them forward.
If you have questions about the role or the process, please contact Wendy Attewell, Sound and Music’s HR consultant, on wendy.attewell@soundandmusic.org.
Download the full job description below:
Head of Education Job Description .pdf
Head of Education Job Description .doc
Apply on Airtable here