AD Education UK is a growing network of leading creative education institutes in the UK. The group’s institutions are united around strong values and sharing a vision for creativity and innovation within creative media education. With over 40 years of pioneering and sector-leading experience, our graduates can be found throughout the music, film, games and wider creative media sectors, winning prestigious awards and employed within the highest echelons of their respective creative fields. Our market-leading portfolio of schools includes The Institute of Contemporary Music Performance (ICMP) and SAE Institute UK. 

Requirements

ADE UK Academic Manager – Leeds

📍 Location: Leeds
📄 Contract Type: Full-time- 37 hours per week
💰 Salary: Up to £39,896 per annum based on experience
📅 Closing Date: 19th August 2026 (interviews will be commencing shortly, so the advert may close earlier if a successful candidate is appointed)

Are you an experienced academic leader who thrives in creative, student-centred environments? Do you enjoy supporting staff and students to do their best work, and bringing fresh thinking to learning and teaching?

💼 About The Role

We’re looking for an Academic Manager to lead the academic life of our Leeds Campus; someone who is confident in supporting academic staff teams and championing the student experience.

This is an academic leadership role in a small, specialist music and creative media campus where collaboration, flexibility, and care really matter. You’ll work closely with the Campus Manager, programme teams and senior colleagues across the organisation to ensure our teaching is inclusive, our academic integrity is rigorous, and our students are set up to succeed in their studies and creative futures.

Key to our philosophy is the understanding that every student is unique. We have always focused on the needs and potential of individual students, ensuring that the education we provide is tailored and personalised, offering the best chance of success in the competitive and challenging environment of the creative industries.

🌟 What You'll be Responsible for

• Leading the academic delivery and development of a portfolio of programmes on campus.
• Supporting and line managing a team of committed educators and practitioners.
• Overseeing the day-to-day running of learning, teaching and assessment, ensuring quality and consistency.
• Working with colleagues to shape timetables, coordinate assessments, and support external examiners.
• Taking an active role in the wider life of the institution, from assessment boards to graduation.

👤 About you

You’re likely to be someone with experience in academic leadership, comfortable working in a hands-on environments. You’ll have a background in teaching in higher education (ideally in the creative arts or a related area), and a track record of supporting student success. You’ll understand how quality processes work, and know how to make them meaningful.

You’re thoughtful, organised, and a natural collaborator. You believe in inclusive education and want to help shape an academic culture where students and staff can flourish.

✅ We’re especially looking for

• A postgraduate degree (or equivalent professional experience) in a relevant field.
• A teaching qualification or Fellowship of Advance HE.
• Experience in managing academic teams and delivering programmes in HE.
• A clear understanding of quality assurance, curriculum delivery, and academic regulations.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to build relationships across different teams.

For more information please see the job description here

Like much of the creative sector, ADE celebrates diversity and values the power of individuality. We are committed to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment where every student can thrive, regardless of background or experience.

As a key member of our team, you will play a vital role in shaping the future of our students, empowering them to unleash their creativity and achieve their full potential. However, we recognise that barriers still exist in access and success for underrepresented groups. To improve the diversity of our academic team and help close these gaps, we strongly encourage applications from women, as well as individuals from global majority backgrounds and those with disabilities.

Your unique experiences and perspectives are not only welcomed but essential in shaping a more inclusive and representative creative industry.

Closing Date: Wednesday, 19th August 2026 at 11.59pm

Don't miss this opportunity to inspire the next generation of creative talent!

As an equal opportunity employer, we positively encourage applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, or pregnancy and maternity.

Note: ADE is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. ADE is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people and vulnerable adults. Successful candidates will be required to obtain a satisfactory enhanced DBS disclosure.

Benefits

Employee Assistance Programme

Auto-Enrolment Pension Scheme with Royal London Pension

Cycle to Work Scheme

Enhanced Maternity and Adoption Pay

Enhanced Paternity Pay

Occupational Sick Pay

Healthcare Cash Plan

Employee Assistance Programme (Legal & General)

Group Income Protection (Legal & General)

Life Assurance (Legal & General)

Season Ticket Loans 

Ride to Work Scheme

Staff Discounts – Short Courses 2025-2026

50% off ICMP courses