Creative Arts Head Of Department

Job Purpose:

As the Head of Department at ALA, you will lead your department in fulfilling the academy's mission and vision. You will set a strategic direction for your department, collaborate with other heads of department, and lead a team of faculty to design, develop, and continuously improve the curriculum and educational outcomes programming within your discipline. Your role will involve providing leadership and management within your department, ensuring alignment with the academy's educational objectives and fostering a culture of excellence in teaching and learning.

ALA aims to cultivate a community where faculty members can continuously learn, grow, and develop professionally. As a head of department, you will champion the learning needs of your faculty, supporting their growth and development to enhance the quality of teaching and learning in your department year after year.
As a Head of Department, you will be committed to collaborating with other heads of department and the broader community to create a vibrant and inclusive environment that celebrates diversity and empowers every individual to reach their full potential. Together, we uphold the values of integrity, excellence, compassion, curiosity, diversity, and humility, fostering an environment where each student feels valued, supported, and inspired to make a positive impact in their communities and beyond. As an Instructional Leader, we will look to you to model and champion this ethos in the department and the community.

As the Head of Creative Arts and Events at ALA, you will lead the charge in creating a vibrant and inclusive environment where creativity flourishes. This includes managing Cambridge A-Level courses, ensuring alignment with ALA's objectives spearheading efforts to improve the learning outcomes, and empowering and inspiring the teachers in your department. Your role extends to nurturing students' holistic development while cultivating an environment for creative immersion beyond classrooms. Additionally, you will be responsible for coordinating extracurricular activities and the music program, fostering community building and cultural celebration through engaging campus events that reflect ALA's diversity. As the steward of Creative Arts and Events, you will champion a culture of creativity and excellence, inspiring students to explore their passions and contribute meaningfully to the community, thereby fostering artistic innovation and cultural exchange.

Key tasks and responsibilities:

Strategic Objectives

• Define a clear and aspirational vision for arts education that aligns with the mission and values of the Academy, promoting creativity, excellence, and holistic development among students.
• Work collaboratively with other Heads of Department to engage in interdisciplinary research, articulate the Academy's pedagogical approach, and share best practices that enhance teaching and learning across all disciplines.
• Cultivate a pedagogy and learning culture within the department that prioritizes continuous improvement, innovation, and reflection, aiming to enhance the quality of learning experiences and outcomes for students.
• Implement strategies and initiatives aimed at improving student outcomes, including academic achievement, engagement, and personal growth, ensuring that all students have the opportunity to reach their full potential.
• Provide opportunities for professional development and growth for faculty members, supporting their ongoing learning and skill development to enhance teaching effectiveness and promote excellence in education.
• Advocate for the success and well-being of students, ensuring that their individual needs, aspirations, and talents are recognized, supported, and celebrated within the department and the broader Academy community.

Events

Event Planning and Coordination:
• Develop event plans for key events throughout the academic year, including Taalu (cultural celebration), Umuzi Creative Arts Festival, concerts, research symposiums, and graduation ceremonies.
• Collaborate with relevant stakeholders, including faculty, staff, students, and external partners, to define event objectives, themes, and logistics requirements.
• Create detailed timelines, budgets, and checklists to ensure smooth event execution and adherence to deadlines.

Logistics and Operations Management:
• Coordinate all logistical aspects of events, including venue selection, catering, equipment rental, transportation, and accommodation arrangements.
• Liaise with vendors, contractors, and service providers to secure necessary resources and services for events, and ensure cost-effectiveness.
• Oversee set-up, signage, registration, and other operational aspects of events to ensure a seamless and professional experience for participants.

Event Execution and Supervision:
• Lead event implementation efforts, overseeing the work of the event, and student committees to ensure tasks are completed on time and according to plan.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for event-related inquiries and issues, resolving problems and addressing concerns as they arise.
• Monitor event proceedings to ensure adherence to schedule, program flow, and safety protocols, adjusting as needed to ensure a successful outcome.

Collaboration and Stakeholder Engagement:
• Work closely with academic departments, student organizations, and community partners to integrate events into broader educational initiatives and campus programming.
• Cultivate partnerships to secure financial resources and in-kind contributions for events, maximizing impact and sustainability.

Departmental Management
• Convene Team Meetings - Coordinate departmental affairs and ensure progress towards objectives through regular meetings.
• Monitor Student Progress - Analyze assessment data and feedback to identify areas for improvement and adjust teaching practices accordingly.
• Promote Continuous Improvement - Cultivate a culture of innovation and ongoing enhancement within the department.
• Problem-Solving Orientation - Proactively refine systems and processes to optimize departmental effectiveness.
• Provide Leadership and Guidance - Offer direction and support to teaching staff, fostering a collaborative and supportive environment.
• Evaluate Performance - Conduct performance evaluations, setting clear expectations and goals aligned with departmental objectives.

Financial Management
• Work with the Director of Teaching and Learning to develop and manage the departmental budget effectively, ensuring resources are allocated efficiently to support teaching, learning, research, and other departmental activities.
• Estimate expenses for supplies, equipment, and materials needed for departmental activities
• Monitor spending against approved budgets, ensuring financial accountability and adherence to constraints.
• Review and approve purchase requests, reimbursements, and invoices, ensuring accuracy and compliance with policies.
• Regularly analyze financial reports to identify cost-saving opportunities and inform budget adjustments.

Teaching and Learning
• Tailor instruction to meet student's educational needs, including personalized planning and marking of assignments according to school policy.
• Establish appropriate, realistic yet challenging expectations for student learning, taking into account their prior knowledge and achievements.
• Assess, record, and report on student attendance, progress, and development, including writing letters of recommendation as required by the school.
• Ensure a high-quality learning experience that meets both internal and external quality standards.
• Utilize a variety of delivery methods to stimulate learning appropriate to student needs and syllabus demands.
• Track student progress and utilize data and evidence of best practices to inform teaching and learning strategies.
• Maintain discipline according to school procedures and promote good practices regarding punctuality, behaviour, appearance, and work standards.

Advisory
• Conduct engaging and constructive weekly advisory lessons and lunch sessions, fostering a supportive and inclusive advisory culture. Perform weekly advisory check-ins to monitor advisees' academic and personal growth. Effectively participate in COP meetings, demonstrating empathy and proactive support for advisees. Write comprehensive advisory comments and provide prompt assistance in cases of disciplinary concern.
• Guide and support students in the development of their thesis projects, and rigorously evaluate and grade thesis presentations.

Person Specification:

Essential

Behaviours
• Demonstrating strong leadership skills to inspire and motivate a team while fostering a collaborative and inclusive work environment that upholds the values and ethos of the school.
• Bringing innovative ideas and creative solutions to advance departmental goals while promoting an emotionally secure, warm, and stimulating environment conducive to learning.
• Exhibiting professionalism and consideration for the well-being of students, with a commitment to safeguarding and promoting their welfare.
•Showing respect for all members of the community, irrespective of position, gender, age, ethnicity, or sexual orientation.

Skills and Knowledge
• A strong background and expertise in arts education, with comprehensive knowledge of curriculum development, instructional methodologies, and assessment practices in visual arts, drama, and music.
• Proficiency in event planning, coordination, and execution, including budgeting, logistics, scheduling, and vendor management, to ensure successful and memorable arts events and performances.
• Strong leadership and management skills to effectively lead a team of educators and event organizers, foster collaboration, and create a supportive and inclusive work environment.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, to effectively convey ideas, instructions, and feedback to students, staff, parents, and stakeholders, as well as to promote arts events and initiatives.
• Exceptional organizational skills to manage multiple projects, deadlines, and resources efficiently, while maintaining attention to detail and quality standards in all aspects of arts education and event management.
• Cultural competence and sensitivity to diversity, with the ability to create inclusive and equitable learning environments that celebrate and respect students' diverse backgrounds, identities, and perspectives.
• Proficiency in relevant software and technology tools for arts education and event management, such as music production software, graphic design tools, and event planning software.
• Basic financial management skills to develop and manage budgets, track expenses, and analyze financial reports related to arts programs and events, ensuring fiscal responsibility and accountability.

Qualifications and Experience
• Fully qualified with an appropriate Arts related education degree, or an Arts Bachelor's degree and a recognised postgraduate qualification in education.
• Teaching experience, including experience leading teams.
• Experience in a school delivering the Cambridge curriculum or equivalent.
• Evidence of relevant and challenging continuing professional development.

Desirable
• Exhibiting resilience and perseverance in the face of setbacks or obstacles, while maintaining a positive attitude and a proactive approach to problem-solving.
• Embracing diversity and cultural differences, and demonstrating sensitivity and awareness towards students from diverse backgrounds and perspectives.
• Applying strategic thinking and long-term planning to advance the goals and objectives of the department while anticipating future trends and opportunities.
• Master's degree or higher in Education or Science-related field; Leadership Training
• Experience as Head of Department (at leading schools on the continent or globally)
• Experience working in a school delivering Cambridge A-Level or International Baccalaureate
• Previous experience working with students for whom English is not their first language.

Start Date: August 2024
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