At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and drive the DEI strategy for the music publishing industry, influencing real change.
- Company: Join the MPA, a key player in promoting equity in British music.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 28 days holiday, pension contributions, and hybrid working.
- Other info: We value diverse backgrounds and offer support throughout the recruitment process.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact on diversity and inclusion in the music industry.
- Qualifications: Proven DEI leadership experience and strong project management skills required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
About Us
The MPA works on behalf of its wide-ranging membership to protect and enhance the rights of the music publishers and creators at the heart of British music’s extraordinary cultural and economic success story. We protect and enhance the rights of music publishers and creators, and we are committed to making the industry more equitable, representative and inclusive. The MPA also owns and operates two subsidiary businesses MCPS and PMLL (together known as The MPA Group).
The Role
This is a high-profile, externally facing role with real influence. The Head of DEI will own and drive the MPA’s external-facing DEI strategy for the benefit of the music publishing industry - working with members, industry partners, Government bodies, and the UK Music Diversity Taskforce. Internally, the post-holder will act as a subject matter expert to the HR Director, ensuring alignment between the MPA’s external DEI strategy and its internal people practices, culture and policies.
What You'll Do
- Strategy and Industry Leadership
- Evolve and deliver the DEI strategy in line with Board and DEI Committee direction, setting clear outcomes and KPIs to drive meaningful, measurable progress across the music publishing industry.
- Lead a data-driven baseline analysis of the DEI landscape within music publishing, using findings to inform strategy and provide the foundation for measuring progress against agreed targets.
- Prepare monthly updates for MPA member newsletters and blogs, and present progress reports to the MPA Board and relevant committees.
- Maintain up-to-date awareness and best practice across every protected characteristic under the Equality Act 2010, ensuring the MPA and its members remain informed and ahead of developments.
- Programmes and Initiatives
- Take ownership of the MPA's established DEI programmes - including the NXT-Gen Scholars annual programme - ensuring their continued development, quality and impact.
- Maintain and facilitate the DEI Employee Networks, ensuring meetings are purposeful, inclusive and connected to the broader strategy.
- Lead and deliver DEI training across the MPA Group, designing and facilitating sessions for staff, Boards and Committees through in-person workshops, specialist guides and digital content.
- Design and administer annual DEI surveys to monitor progress against agreed targets and inform strategic decision-making.
- Member Engagement and External Relations
- Engage, influence and advise MPA member companies on strategies to improve DEI, travelling to meet publishers across the UK as required.
- Work collaboratively with UK Music and partner organisations across the broader music and creative industries to influence and support sector-wide DEI initiatives.
- Contribute to the MPA's engagement with Government and national bodies on DEI policy, influencing outcomes and keeping abreast of best practice.
- Attend social and evening engagements in support of the MPA's DEI work, representing the organisation with confidence across a range of industry settings.
- Data, Insight and Governance
- Lead an ongoing programme of DEI data collection and analysis, maintaining a governance framework that tracks commitments, measures impact and communicates progress transparently to members and stakeholders.
About You
We are looking for an experienced, evidence-led DEI leader who combines strategic vision with hands-on delivery, and who builds collaborative relationships as readily as they challenge systems.
You’ll bring:
- Significant experience leading DEI strategy in complex, multi-stakeholder environments - including membership organisations, external partners and governance bodies.
- A track record of moving organisations from intent to measurable impact, with the confidence to challenge power structures, hold difficult conversations and navigate competing interests with integrity.
- Proven ability to apply an intersectional framework to programme design and data analysis.
- Strong working knowledge of the Equality Act 2010 and equalities law, with experience addressing systemic barriers rather than surface-level metrics.
- Exceptional influencing skills and the ability to build trust and engage at Board, Government and industry level.
- Proven track record delivering complex, concurrent programmes with strong project management and prioritisation skills.
- Experience working with data and people analytics to measure and communicate impact.
Desirable:
- Experience within music, media, another creative industry, or a membership/trade body environment.
- Familiarity with the UK Music Workforce Diversity Survey and sector-specific DEI frameworks.
Package
- Competitive salary (dependent on experience).
- 28 days holiday plus bank holidays.
- Pension contribution.
- Critical Illness and Income Protection Insurance.
- Death in Service benefit (after 2 years).
- Hybrid working model.
Our Commitment
We are committed to building an inclusive workplace that reflects the diversity of the creators and communities we serve. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, identities and experiences. Reasonable adjustments are available throughout our recruitment process - please let us know what you need and we will work with you.
Closing Date: 6 May 2026
Head of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in Belfast employer: Music Publishers Association (UK)
The MPA is an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment within the music publishing industry. With a strong commitment to employee growth, the MPA offers competitive benefits, including a hybrid working model, generous holiday allowance, and comprehensive insurance coverage, all while promoting a culture of collaboration and innovation. Working at the MPA not only allows you to influence meaningful change in the industry but also provides opportunities to engage with a wide range of stakeholders, making it a truly rewarding place to build your career.
Contact Details:
Music Publishers Association (UK) Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in Belfast
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the music industry. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to folks on LinkedIn. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your passion for DEI! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to highlight your commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Share your experiences and ideas on how you can make a real impact in the music publishing world.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the MPA and its initiatives. Understand their current DEI strategies and think about how you can contribute. Bring fresh ideas to the table and demonstrate your knowledge of the industry’s challenges and opportunities.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our mission. So, hit that apply button and let’s make a difference together!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in Belfast
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know Your Stuff:Before you start writing, make sure you understand the DEI landscape and the MPA's mission. Tailor your application to show how your experience aligns with our goals and values.
Be Authentic:Let your personality shine through! We want to see the real you, so don’t be afraid to share your unique perspective and experiences that have shaped your approach to DEI.
Show Your Impact:Use specific examples to demonstrate how you've driven DEI initiatives in the past. Highlight measurable outcomes and how you've influenced change in previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Music Publishers Association (UK)
✨Know Your DEI Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the latest trends and best practices in diversity, equity, and inclusion. Brush up on the Equality Act 2010 and be ready to discuss how it impacts the music publishing industry. This shows you’re not just knowledgeable but also genuinely passionate about making a difference.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past roles where you’ve successfully led DEI initiatives. Highlight measurable outcomes and how you navigated complex stakeholder environments. This will demonstrate your ability to drive real change and influence others.
✨Engage with Questions
Come armed with thoughtful questions that show your interest in the MPA’s current DEI strategies and future goals. Ask about their existing programmes and how they measure success. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the role aligns with your values.
✨Be Authentic
In a role focused on inclusivity, being genuine is key. Share your personal journey and what drives your commitment to DEI. Authenticity resonates well and can set you apart from other candidates, making a lasting impression on the interviewers.