Director of Curriculum

Director of Curriculum

Full time: 35 hours per week

Responsible to: The School Director

Salary: In the region of £75,000 p/a

Permanent role

Location: National Film & Television School, Beaconsfield

For over 50 years, the National Film and Television School (NFTS) has developed some of Britain and the world’s leading creative talent. Widely regarded as the UK’s top school of its kind and among the very best internationally, the NFTS has been recognised with both a BAFTA for Outstanding British Contribution to Cinema and the Queen’s Anniversary Prize for Higher and Further Education.

The School’s philosophy of ‘learning by doing’ drives the most comprehensive range of behind-the-camera courses of any film school worldwide. Always evolving to meet industry needs, recent additions such as Intimacy Coordination, AI, new Apprenticeships and the Creator Incubator equip students to thrive across an expanding spectrum of genres and mediums.

We are seeking an outstanding Director of Curriculum to lead and manage the delivery and enhancement of our programmes. Reporting to the School Director and, as part of the Management Team, you will shape the future of our curriculum and ensure the highest standards of teaching and student experience.

This is not a teaching role. The emphasis is on leadership and problem-solving: from developing new courses and embedding cutting-edge industry practice, to supporting Course Leaders and addressing student or course-related issues when required.

The successful candidate will bring substantial Higher Education experience, proven leadership in teaching and learning, and a passion for film, television and/or games. Exceptional communication skills and the ability to influence at every level are essential. This is a unique opportunity to make a lasting impact at one of the world’s most celebrated film, television and games schools.

For further information about this role and information on how to apply please visit our website via the button below.

The closing date for applications will be 30th October 2025.

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 organization and to increasing our representation of staff from Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities. We strongly encourage applications from all backgrounds.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Responsible to: The School Director

Purpose of the role:

The Director of Curriculum plays a pivotal role in shaping the NFTS student experience. They lead the design and development of new and existing courses, champion innovation and R&D, and ensure our curriculum remains world-class and industry-focused.

This is not a teaching role: the emphasis is on leadership, problem-solving and driving excellence across all aspects of learning and teaching and research.

Working closely with the Director and the Registrar, the post holder will also step in on course and student-related issues when needed, ensuring the highest standards of delivery and support. As a member of the School’s Management Team, they will help set the direction of one of the world’s leading film, television and games schools.

Core duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Supporting the Director in delivery of the School’s learning and teaching priorities, with specific reference to continually enhancing the results of student satisfaction surveys and the Graduate Outcomes survey.
• Overseeing the efficient operation of the curriculum, including the MA and MFA Programmes, Certificate and Diploma Courses, liaising closely with the Director to guarantee high standards of delivery.
• Leading on the design, development and approval of new courses and course modules in collaboration and consultation with teaching staff across the School.
• Leading the development and implementation of the School’s Learning, Teaching and Enhancement Strategy and Research, Innovation and Knowledge Exchange Strategy in support of sharing good practice across the NFTS.
• Playing a lead role in the assessment of students at Progress Reviews and facilitating the External Examiner process.
• Promoting and ensuring excellent, innovative and inspiring teaching, including the effective use of peer collaboration and feedback; professional induction, training and development; course evaluation; dissemination of good practice; encouragement of innovation.
• Enhancing the curriculum through contributing to the development and implementation of innovative learning and teaching practices.
• Contributing to devising and implementing innovative and effective learning and teaching practices, and ensuring the School’s applied research knowledge base is woven into learning and teaching.
• Supporting better collaboration between teaching departments. Being aware of statutory, governmental and professional body requirements to ensure the delivery of academic quality in line with relevant benchmarks and fulfilment of the School’s Conditions of Registration with the Office for Students.
• Working with the Director to expand the School’s course portfolio through the development of provision which utilises new modes of delivery including blended learning and apprenticeships.
• Taking responsibility, when directed by the Director, for resolving course and student-related operational issues. This may include: managing or reallocating teaching when a tutor is unavailable, responding to student concerns or queries, and supporting Course Leaders / Heads of Department in addressing problems affecting delivery.
• Leading the School’s research and development activity, fostering a culture of scholarship and innovation across departments, and ensuring emerging industry practices and technologies are embedded within the NFTS curriculum. Other duties as required by the Director.

Person specification

Qualifications:

• A Master’s degree or Doctorate
• A record of relevant CPD that reflects commitment to updating and enhancing learning and teaching
• HE teaching qualification or Fellowship of the HEA

Knowledge and experience:

• A passion for film, television and games and an advanced understanding of the sector landscape and its challenges and opportunities.
• A demonstrable commitment to the equality, diversity and inclusion objectives of the School.
• Academic credibility and expertise in leading on teaching and learning in film, television and/or games higher education.
• Deep understanding of widening participation and an ability to gain positive outcomes for student achievement, retention, progression, and employability for students from under-represented and disadvantaged groups in higher education.
• Leadership and management of successful initiatives that enhanced the quality of teaching.
• Proven experience of curriculum development in higher education, preferably at postgraduate level, with a track record of leading innovation and change.
• Managing academic standards and a developed understanding of quality assurance processes.
• Experience of leading research and development activity, promoting scholarship and innovation in learning and teaching.
• Experience of working as part of a senior leadership team and an understanding of higher education governance structures and processes.
• Strategic awareness of higher education and a sound understanding of national and international trends and innovations in learning and teaching, and awareness of the funding environment and current and emerging government policy.
• Sound financial management of the curriculum.
• Experience of resolving operational issues affecting courses and students, including staff absence and student concerns.