Subject Leader - Foundation Art & Design (0.6 FTE)

West Dean

Subject Leader
Foundation Diploma in Art and Design (FDAD)
Online Foundation Certificate in Art and Design (OFCAD)
Online Foundation Diploma in Art and Design (OFDAD)

0.6 FTE (21 hours per week)
Based at West Dean, West Sussex

West Dean is one of the UK’s most distinctive creative institutions, combining specialist arts education with heritage, craft, conservation and design across two campuses in Sussex and London. Set within the South Downs National Park, our Sussex campus offers an inspiring and unique environment for creative education.

We are seeking an experienced and committed practitioner-educator to lead our suite of Foundation Art and Design programmes. This is a pivotal academic leadership role within the School of Arts and Conservation, overseeing the Foundation Diploma in Art and Design alongside our two online Foundation awards.

The Role

As Subject Leader, you will lead the strategic development, management and delivery of our Foundation programmes, ensuring an inspiring, industry-relevant and student-centred curriculum. Working closely with the Head of School and academic colleagues, you will shape a blended learning model that combines face-to-face workshops, drawing days and short courses with online teaching and independent study.

You will oversee curriculum design, teaching quality, assessment processes, visiting lecturer coordination, timetabling, and resource management. The role requires strong organisational skills and adaptability, as Foundation courses begin and end at multiple points throughout the year.

You will play a key role in student recruitment, progression and support, ensuring students develop technical skill, creative confidence and readiness for higher education or professional practice.

About You

You will bring:

• Extensive professional practice in Art, Design or Craft
• Experience teaching and assessing within Further or Higher Education
• A strong understanding of contemporary art and design practice and theory
• The ability to inspire and guide students from diverse backgrounds
• Excellent organisational and administrative skills
• A commitment to inclusive, student-centred learning

A teaching qualification and postgraduate qualification are desirable but not essential for the right candidate with substantial professional and educational experience.

Why Join West Dean?

Working at West Dean means joining a creative and supportive community within a unique heritage setting. We offer:

• 38 days annual leave (pro rata, including bank holidays)
• Generous contributory pension scheme (4–7.5% match)
• Company Sick Pay
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Free entry to West Dean Gardens
• Free and discounted short courses
• Access to on-site facilities including swimming pool, library and tennis courts
• Free on-site parking

Please view the Subject Leader FDAD Job Pack 03 2026 document (opens in a pop up)