Head of Department in Beaconsfield

First established in 1971, the National Film and Television School (NFTS) has evolved to become a leading global institution, developing some of Britain and the world's top creative talent in film, television and games. It is widely acknowledged to be the top school of its kind in the UK and one of the best internationally, being named as one of The Hollywood Reporter's top international film schools for over a decade. The NFTS is a registered charity (313429).

We are currently recruiting for a Head of Department to oversee our Masters level course 'The Business of the Creative Industries' and our Certificate course 'The Business of Film, TV and Games'. Both courses attract talented students and leading contributors from the UK and internationally. They are designed to develop the entrepreneurial, executive, and leadership capabilities of people working across the creative industries, combining rigorous analytical training with a highly collaborative learning environment.

The ideal candidate will be an experienced business professional from the creative industries, who is committed to supporting entrepreneurial and executive career development in film, television and games. Some previous experience of teaching and learning is preferred. Applicants need to be excellent communicators possessing strong interpersonal skills and a passion for student learning.

At the NFTS, people are at the heart of what we do. We’re an inclusive employer and are committed to equality of opportunity and building a culturally diverse workforce. We are committed to being an anti-racist organisation and to increasing our representation of staff from Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities. We strongly encourage applications from all backgrounds.

Purpose of role: The Head of Department provides academic and professional leadership for both courses, ensuring they remain relevant, ambitious, and responsive to the needs of industry. The role combines hands-on teaching with curriculum ownership, student support, budget oversight, and active engagement with the school's wider academic community and external partners.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Leadership and Teaching: Lead and teach on both the MA and Certificate courses, delivering sessions across core subject areas and providing one-to-one tutorial support to students. Oversee the teaching programme as a whole, including the scheduling and quality of specialist teaching by visiting tutors and other staff. Monitor and review each student's progress, attending review meetings and providing rigorous, constructive feedback at every stage of their course. Support students in aligning their creative ambitions with their business and career goals, investing time and energy in their individual development. Play a leading role in preparing students for life after the school, equipping them with the networks, skills, and confidence to achieve their intended career destinations.
• Curriculum and Quality: Take ownership of ongoing curriculum review and development, ensuring both courses remain current, industry-relevant, and intellectually demanding. Maintain and develop a roster of visiting tutors, keeping records up to date and planning course schedules and activities to a high standard. Contribute to student selection processes, including interviews or application review, to ensure the school attracts talented and motivated participants.
• Collaboration and Partnerships: Engage proactively with colleagues across other NFTS departments to develop shared teaching, workshops, and cross-course initiatives that benefit students. Build and maintain positive relationships with industry partners, ensuring the department works collaboratively with the screen sector to create opportunities, relevance, and real-world engagement for students. Represent the department positively within the school and beyond, fostering a culture of collaboration, ambition, and mutual respect.
• Marketing and Profile: Work proactively with the school's Marketing team to promote the courses effectively, representing them at open days, outreach events, taster days, and other recruitment activities. Act as an ambassador for the courses, and the NFTS, to prospective students, industry partners, and the wider creative and academic communities.
• Budget and Administration: Review and manage the departmental budget in collaboration with the school Management Accountant, maintaining responsible budgetary control within agreed limits. Carry out associated administrative tasks in a timely and organised manner, consistent with the smooth running of the courses.
• Health and Safety: Take responsibility for the Health and Safety of all persons engaged in Department activities, including students, staff, tutors, suppliers and volunteers, and report any H&S matters arising in your department to the Management Team and H&S Manager as required/appropriate. Working with the Curriculum Coordinator, ensure that all persons engaged by the Department are H&S competent as persons who will be working with and may be responsible for students as young persons. Ensure that a Risk Assessment is carried out, approved and implemented in any project or workshops.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

This role requires an experienced business professional from the creative industries, preferably educated to Master's level or with HEA fellowship, who is committed to supporting entrepreneurial and executive career development in film, television and games. The courses attract talented students and leading contributors from across the UK and around the world. Leading the courses therefore requires a passion for diverse perspectives and for helping individual voices to flourish. An interest in, and commitment to, delivering courses that speak equally to the games, film and television industries is also essential.

A key part of the role is supporting students to connect their creative and business ambitions with the talents of the collaborators they work alongside. During their time at the NFTS, students develop not only their analytical and technical skills but also their interpersonal and leadership abilities. Supporting this growth often requires a significant investment of time and attention from the Head of Department.

Our graduates are expected to bring energy, ambition and leadership to their careers as they move into the industry.