Job Description
Closing date: Sunday 13 July 2025 at 23:59 (BST)
Position type: Part time, permanent
By reference to the applicable SOC code for this role, sponsorship may be possible under the Skilled Worker Route. Applicants wishing to consider the SWR must ensure that they are able to meet the points requirement before applying. There is further information about this on the UK Visas and Immigration Website.
This is an exceptional opportunity for an outstanding candidate to make an impact through music.
The University of Reading Music team is responsible for the planning and delivery of a busy extracurricular music programme for the University. We run a diverse programme of performance opportunities, activities and events throughout the year that promote engagement through music and showcase the talents of our students, staff and alumni to a range of public audiences. Sitting within the External Relations Directorate, our small Music team benefits from close collaboration with professionals of different disciplines to ensure that music activities provide an exceptional experience for participants and audiences alike.
As Head of Music you will lead the team in designing and delivering a programme that enriches staff and student experience and offers opportunities for creative expression, personal development and community engagement. The role is hugely varied and encompasses a wide range of responsibilities, from hands-on ensemble leadership to strategic networking, annual planning to individual event design and delivery.
Being the leader of this vibrant music programme, we are looking for someone who is:
- Experienced in leading groups of people
- A creative thinker with an interest in supporting all music genres
- An accomplished musician with ensemble leadership skills
- A strong communicator with the ability to influence, enthuse and motivate others
- Versatile, proactive and agile in working style to suit the demands of this varied role
- A strategic thinker who can envision and deliver a path to growth and development
- Passionate about sharing their knowledge and experiences with young people
- An experienced networker who can create and maintain strong professional relationships
- Approachable and able to create a positive culture that is inclusive and welcoming
- Willing and able to commit to a work pattern that includes evening and weekend work
Please note that interviews for this role will take place in-person at the University of Reading, London Road Campus on Tuesday 22 July 2025.
Applications should be made through the University of Reading jobs site www.reading.ac.uk/jobs. When making your application please complete all sections of the application form and upload your CV. Please could we also ask that you include a short video of you leading an ensemble.
Tips on making and sharing your video.
- ensure the camera is directed at you and you are clearly visible in the shot
- Videos should be 8 – 10 minutes long
- Please upload your video to a site such as YouTube or Vimeo.
- Ensure that your video is viewable to those who have a link to it
- Share the link for your video within your supporting statement
Within your supporting statement please also include some information on the ensemble you are shown leading, including age range, ability level and at what stage in the rehearsal process the recording is taken. Please note we are interested in how you lead an ensemble we are not assessing your video production skills and a simple video recorded on a phone or tablet is fine.
Interviews: Tuesday 22 July 2025
Contact Information:
Contact Name: Vicky Baldwin
Contact Job Title: Head of Marketing Projects and Planning
Contact Email address: v.l.baldwin@reading.ac.uk
We welcome applications from both external and internal candidates. As part of the University’s ongoing commitment to professional development, this role can be considered on a seconded basis for existing staff members. Internal candidates should discuss this with their line manager prior to applying.
The University is committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce, supports the gender equality Athena SWAN Charter and the Race Equality Charter, and champions LGBT+ equality. We are a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2). Applications for job-share, part-time and flexible working arrangements are welcomed and will be considered in line with business needs.
