National Lead for Live Sound

Main Purpose of the Job

The National Lead for Live Sound's main objective is to drive the development of dBs Institute's Live Sound provision, based in Manchester and Bristol. This role is integral to the development and maintenance of our Live Sound offering, providing an exceptional student experience in two of the UK's major cities for live events.

A dynamic and experienced individual, the National Lead for Live Sound will spearhead the growth and development of our provision, fostering industry currency, innovation, internal/external collaboration, and academic excellence. As the National Lead, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the strategic direction of our Live Sound initiatives, establishing partnerships with industry leaders, and driving forward teaching excellence in this thriving sector.

Key Tasks and Responsibilities

• Strategic & Operational Leadership: Providing visionary leadership for Live Sound across both campuses, setting strategic goals and objectives aligned with dBs Institute's mission and industry trends. Taking responsibility for the day-to-day operations of the courses in each location, working with relevant teams to ensure effective timetabling and efficient application of resources.
• Curriculum Design & Delivery: Overseeing the design, implementation, and review of innovative and industry-relevant curriculum for Live Sound, ensuring alignment with partner University regulations, national standards and emerging technologies. Providing excellent teaching and learning opportunities across the provision and delivering modules on the courses, as agreed with the Senior Leadership Team (where appropriate based on location).
• Industry Engagement & Partnerships: Establishing and maintaining strong partnerships with leading Live Sound and Events companies, professional organisations, and related agencies to enhance opportunities for collaborative projects including students, staff and the wider dBs Institute community.
• Student Support & Employability: Working alongside the centre management ensuring that effective support is in place, enabling students to maximise their potential. Working with the Employability Coach, providing mentorship, guidance, and support to students pursuing careers in the Live Sound industry, fostering their academic and professional growth through tailored advising, networking events, and industry showcases.
• Team Management: Leading and managing a diverse team of academic staff, promoting a culture of inclusivity, collaboration, and continuous improvement. Arranging and chairing regular minuted meetings with the subject specialist staff who are responsible for teaching Live Sound in each location.
• Quality Assurance & Enhancement: Ensuring the quality and effectiveness of teaching, learning, and assessment methods across Live Sound, implementing mechanisms for ongoing review, evaluation, and enhancement, in line with dBs Institute's processes and external regulation. Engaging with External Examiners and associated reporting, preparing for and attending Awards Boards and monitoring assignment and completion of referral work across course teams.
• Marketing & Recruitment: Collaborate with the marketing and admissions teams to develop and execute strategies for promoting Live Sound, attracting students from diverse backgrounds, and achieving enrollment targets.
• Professional Development: Fostering a culture of continued professional development across the Live Sound academic teams, supporting members in sourcing and engaging with suitable training and development programmes that both enhance their skills sets and contribute to dBs Institute's knowledge base.

• Teaching & Learning: Providing excellent teaching and learning opportunities across Live Sound, where appropriate based on location.

About You

• An industry-related degree (preferably 2.1 or above)
• Expertise in one or more areas of Live Sound, such as FoH, system design, wireless networking, monitors, events production.
• Strong network and connections within the Live Sound industry, with demonstrated success in building partnerships and securing collaboration opportunities.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to engage and inspire students, teams, industry partners, and other stakeholders.
• Experience in managing teams and fostering a collaborative and inclusive work environment.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong work ethic, self-motivated, punctual and highly organised.
• Pride in the delivery of work to high standards, set and meet challenging goals.
• A commitment to diversity, equality, and inclusion, with a proactive approach to promoting equality of opportunity for all students and staff.
• Adaptable and versatile.

What do we have on offer?

Generous Holiday Allocation: 30 Days annual leave plus bank holidays .

Wellbeing Benefits: Health Cash Plan, Doctorline GP Service, Employee Assistance Programme, Access to Counselling and Cycle to Work

Staff Discounts & Benefits: Access to a benefits platform which offers discounts at over 800 retailers!

Applications are to reach us by 3rd May 2024. Please note that we may interview prior to the closing date.

dBs is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people and vulnerable adults and we expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This post is subject to enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) clearance.