Creative Arts Head of Department

**Job Purpose**:
As the Head of Department at ALA, you will lead your department in fulfilling the academy's mission and vision. You will set a strategic direction for your department, collaborate with other heads of department, and lead a team of faculty to design, develop, and continuously improve the curriculum and educational outcomes programming within your discipline. Your role will involve providing leadership and management within your department, ensuring alignment with the academy's educational objectives and fostering a culture of excellence in teaching and learning.

ALA aims to cultivate a community where faculty members can continuously learn, grow, and develop professionally. As a head of department, you will champion the learning needs of your faculty, supporting their growth and development to enhance the quality of teaching and learning in your department year after year.

As a Head of Department, you will be committed to collaborating with other heads of department and the broader community to create a vibrant and inclusive environment that celebrates diversity and empowers every individual to reach their full potential. Together, we uphold the values of integrity, excellence, compassion, curiosity, diversity, and humility, fostering an environment where each student feels valued, supported, and inspired to make a positive impact in their communities and beyond. As an Instructional Leader, we will look to you to model and champion this ethos in the department and the community.

As the Head of Creative Arts and Events at ALA, you will lead the charge in creating a vibrant and inclusive environment where creativity flourishes. This includes managing Cambridge A-Level courses, ensuring alignment with ALA's objectives spearheading efforts to improve the learning outcomes, and empowering and inspiring the teachers in your department. Your role extends to nurturing students' holistic development while cultivating an environment for creative immersion beyond classrooms. Additionally, you will be responsible for coordinating extracurricular activities and the music program, fostering community building and cultural celebration through engaging campus events that reflect ALA's diversity. As the steward of Creative Arts and Events, you will champion a culture of creativity and excellence, inspiring students to explore their passions and contribute meaningfully to the community, thereby fostering artistic innovation and cultural exchange.

**Key tasks and responsibilities**:
Strategic Objectives
- Define a clear and aspirational vision for arts education that aligns with the mission and values of the Academy, promoting creativity, excellence, and holistic development among students.
- Work collaboratively with other Heads of Department to engage in interdisciplinary research, articulate the Academy’s pedagogical approach, and share best practices that enhance teaching and learning across all disciplines.
- Cultivate a pedagogy and learning culture within the department that prioritizes continuous improvement, innovation, and reflection, aiming to enhance the quality of learning experiences and outcomes for students.
- Implement strategies and initiatives aimed at improving student outcomes, including academic achievement, engagement, and personal growth, ensuring that all students have the opportunity to reach their full potential.
- Provide opportunities for professional development and growth for faculty members, supporting their ongoing learning and skill development to enhance teaching effectiveness and promote excellence in education.
- Advocate for the success and well-being of students, ensuring that their individual needs, aspirations, and talents are recognized, supported, and celebrated within the department and the broader Academy community.

Events

Event Planning and Coordination:

- Develop event plans for key events throughout the academic year, including Taalu (cultural celebration), Umuzi Creative Arts Festival, concerts, research symposiums, and graduation ceremonies.
- Collaborate with relevant stakeholders, including faculty, staff, students, and external partners, to define event objectives, themes, and logistics requirements.
- Create detailed timelines, budgets, and checklists to ensure smooth event execution and adherence to deadlines.

Logistics and Operations Management:

- Coordinate all logístical aspects of events, including venue selection, catering, equipment rental, transportation, and accommodation arrangements.
- Liaise with vendors, contractors, and service providers to secure necessary resources and services for events, and ensure cost-effectiveness.
- Oversee set-up, signage, registration, and other operational aspects of events to ensure a seamless and professional experience for participants.

Event Execution and Supervision:

- Lead event implementation efforts, overseeing the work of the event, and student committees to ensure tasks are completed on time