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- Tasks: Lead the RBO Schools programme, enhancing its reach and impact in arts education.
- Company: Join the Royal Ballet and Opera, a prestigious arts organisation at the iconic Royal Opera House.
- Benefits: Enjoy a creative work environment with opportunities for professional growth and impactful community engagement.
- Why this job: Make a difference in arts education while working with passionate teams and inspiring young minds.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership experience in education or cultural sectors, with a passion for ballet or opera.
- Other info: Applications close on 5th September 2025; interviews start the following weeks.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Job Description
The Royal Ballet and Opera (RBO) is a world-leading arts organisation, based largely in the Royal Opera House – one of the world`s most celebrated theatres. The RBO is home to The Royal Ballet, The Royal Opera and The Orchestra of the Royal Opera House.
As an organisation we are well known for the world-class ballets and operas that we stage in our theatres and in cinemas and streaming platforms across the world. Our mission is to inspire imagination, ignite emotion and make the extraordinary for everyone.
Learning and Participation (L&P) is central to RBO`s mission of making the extraordinary for everyone. Our work in schools and communities up and down the country is driven by our free, curriculum linked programmes give children the chance to be creative, experiencing high quality arts education throughout their school lives. In the face of the squeeze on the arts in schools and the lack equity in arts education geographically and economically, RBO Schools demonstrates our purposeful commitment to change. We currently engage over 1,500 school across the nation with a programme that is distinctive in its vision and scale and underpinned by research. We invest in teacher development for system change, drive innovation through digital learning and build a network of partnerships across the country and high levels of advocacy.
To help with our commitment to growth we are looking to hire a Head of RBO Schools, who will be part of the leadership team within L&P working closely with the Director of Learning and Participation to lead the RBO Schools programme, continuously improving its reach, quality and impact in line with the Strategy to meet the Delivery Plan KPIs
The ideal individual will need to be able to demonstrate key skills in the following areas:
- Substantial experience working as a Senior Leader in the education / cultural sector with strong understanding of the landscape and evidence of making impact and demonstrating a comprehensive understanding of good practice
- Strong leadership skills with ability to influence, inspire and motivate a skilled team
- Excellent strategic planning skills with the ability to prioritise, define goals and plan effectively to effect change
- Strong ability to build and sustain impactful partnership with multiple stakeholders
- Experience of scaling projects for impactful growth with entrepreneurial approach
- A passion for and some knowledge of opera and / or ballet and commitment to widening access to the artforms
A full job description and RBO information pack can be found on the RBO website via the 'Apply' link. To be considered, all applications must be received through the RBO recruitment portal.
Closing date for applications: 8am, 5th September 2025
First round interviews – w/c 20th September 2025
Second round interviews – w/c 29th September 2025
Head of RBO Schools - Learning and Participation employer: ROYAL BALLET AND OPERA
Contact Detail:
ROYAL BALLET AND OPERA Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of RBO Schools - Learning and Participation
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the current landscape of arts education in schools. Understanding the challenges and opportunities within this sector will help you articulate how your experience aligns with RBO's mission during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the cultural and educational sectors. Attend relevant events or webinars to connect with individuals who may provide insights or even referrals that could strengthen your application.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully led teams and scaled projects in previous roles. Highlighting measurable outcomes will demonstrate your ability to drive impactful growth, which is crucial for this position.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your passion for ballet and opera by engaging with the art forms. Attend performances, participate in discussions, or volunteer with related organisations to deepen your understanding and convey your commitment during the interview process.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of RBO Schools - Learning and Participation
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the responsibilities and expectations for the Head of RBO Schools position. Highlight your relevant experience in education and cultural sectors.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to reflect the skills and experiences that align with the requirements listed in the job description. Emphasise your leadership experience, strategic planning abilities, and any relevant partnerships you've built.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for opera and ballet, as well as your commitment to widening access to the arts. Use specific examples from your past experiences to demonstrate how you meet the key skills outlined in the job description.
Follow Application Instructions: Ensure you submit your application through the RBO recruitment portal as specified. Double-check that all required documents are included and that your application is submitted before the closing date.
How to prepare for a job interview at ROYAL BALLET AND OPERA
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
As a candidate for the Head of RBO Schools, it's crucial to highlight your substantial experience in senior leadership roles within the education or cultural sector. Be prepared to discuss specific examples where you've made a significant impact and how your understanding of good practices has shaped your approach.
✨Demonstrate Strategic Planning Skills
The role requires excellent strategic planning abilities. During the interview, articulate how you prioritise goals and plan effectively to drive change. Share instances where your strategic decisions have led to successful outcomes, particularly in educational or cultural initiatives.
✨Emphasise Partnership Building
Building and sustaining impactful partnerships is key to this role. Be ready to discuss your experience in collaborating with various stakeholders. Highlight any successful partnerships you've developed and how they contributed to project growth and community engagement.
✨Express Your Passion for the Arts
A genuine passion for opera and ballet is essential. Use the interview as an opportunity to convey your enthusiasm for these art forms and your commitment to widening access. Share any relevant experiences that demonstrate your dedication to arts education and community involvement.
