Director of Art and Design Education

Role Title: Director of Art and Design Education

Location: Remote-flexible (with travel across England, approx. 30–40%)

Contract Type: 12-month fixed term (contingent on contract award)

Salary: £65,000–£75,000

Hours: 37.5 hours per week full time (part-time working may be considered)

Apply by: 05/09/2025

Hiring Managers: Gordon Carvern and Rose Fisher-Robins

Help shape the future of drama education - where it’s needed most.

At Etio, we help governments and institutions around the world improve education at scale. Formerly the government services arm of Tribal Group, our work is grounded in evidence, experience, and impact. From strategic planning and workforce development to benchmarking and reform, we deliver solutions that strengthen education systems and improve learning outcomes.

About the Role

As Director of Art and Design Education, you’ll be responsible for designing, commissioning, and curating world-class professional development for teachers across England.

This is a senior leadership role with national reach. You will shape programme strategy, oversee the creation of impactful CPD content, and lead delivery through hubs, networks, and partnerships. Above all, you will champion equity, inclusion, and local impact - ensuring that every teacher, and every young person they teach, has access to inspiring art and design education.

If you’re passionate about art and design education, confident working nationally, and motivated by the opportunity to shape the creative arts landscape in schools, we’d love to hear from you.

You Will

• Lead the design, creation, commissioning, and curation of art and design CPD content for teachers at all career stages and across all school settings
• Champion a vision for art and design professional development that transforms teaching and student learning outcomes
• Draw on the latest national and international research and practice to ensure excellence in CPD delivery
• Work as part of the senior leadership team to meet KPIs, SLAs, and commercial targets
• Build and lead a team of CPD professionals to deliver programme goals
• Ensure reach and resonance, working through hubs, networks, and partners
• Innovate delivery models, including hybrid, peer-to-peer, and collaborative approaches
• Embed robust evaluation and quality assurance in all aspects of delivery
• Monitor, evidence, and report on programme progress and impact
• Represent Etio in national and regional settings, influencing key stakeholders

What You’ll Bring

• Degree-level qualification or relevant professional training
• Significant leadership experience in art and design education and CPD design
• Experience working in a school or system leadership setting
• Proven ability to design, deliver, and quality assure impactful subject-specific CPD
• Strong organisational and time management skills
• Skilled communicator, confident in national-level stakeholder engagement
• Experience leading CPD designers and trainers
• Established network of cultural organisations relevant to art and design
• Ability to innovate, influence, and drive effective system-wide change
• Self-motivated, collaborative, and comfortable in dispersed or remote teams

Desirable

• Masters or PhD level qualifications, or equivalent research experience
• Knowledge of national CPD hub models and school leadership frameworks
• Experience leading national-scale education reform programmes
• Familiarity with DfE policy and prior policy influencing experience
• Strong connections with organisations that promote cultural arts in schools
• Awareness of international best practice in art and design education

Who We Are

📌 Etio is a mission-driven organisation providing expertise to improve education systems and outcomes.

📌 We work in partnership with the Department for Education and sector leaders to deliver high-quality national programmes that raise standards and strengthen the profession.

Benefits

We know our people are our greatest strength. That’s why we offer a flexible, supportive culture and benefits that let you do your best work – and take care of your wellbeing too.

• 25 days annual leave + bank holidays (with the option to buy more)
• Flexible working culture
• Private Medical Insurance & Healthcare Cash Plan
• Enhanced family-friendly policies
• "Work from anywhere" globally (up to 8 weeks)
• Paid volunteer day
• Cycle to Work & Electric Car Scheme
• 3% employer pension contribution

Accessibility and Adjustments

We’re committed to an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. If you need us to make adjustments so you can show your best self during the application or selection process, just let us know. We’re happy to support you.