Head of Creative Arts

Head of Creative Arts

Location: Abuja, Nigeria

Organisation: Strauss School of Music

Job Type: Full-time

Start Date: August 2026 (or as agreed)

About Strauss School of Music

Strauss School of Music is a specialist creative arts academy dedicated to developing excellence in music, performance and the creative disciplines. Through exceptional teaching, performance opportunities and artistic innovation, we nurture confident, expressive and highly skilled young artists.

Our vision is to become one of West Africa's leading centres for creative arts education, providing internationally benchmarked training while celebrating African and global artistic traditions.

As we continue to grow, we are seeking an exceptional Head of Creative Arts to provide artistic, educational and operational leadership across our creative programmes.

The Role The Head of Creative Arts will lead the Creative Arts Division of the Strauss School of Music, overseeing the development and delivery of music education while providing leadership across the wider creative disciplines, including performance, drama, visual arts, music technology and future creative programmes.

This is a hands-on leadership role. The successful candidate will maintain an active teaching timetable while setting the artistic vision for the school, mentoring tutors, developing new programmes and ensuring the highest standards of teaching, performance and student achievement.

Key Responsibilities Creative Arts Leadership

• Lead the artistic and educational vision of the Strauss School of Music.
• Develop a world-class Creative Arts programme centred on music while supporting the growth of complementary creative disciplines.
• Design internationally benchmarked curricula and progression pathways.
• Drive innovation in creative arts education and programme development.
• Establish partnerships with examination boards, professional musicians, universities and cultural organisations.

Teaching & Learning

• Teach music to individuals, groups and ensembles.
• Deliver outstanding instruction in your principal instrument and related musical disciplines.
• Coach students for performances, competitions and internationally recognised music examinations.
• Model outstanding teaching practice for all creative arts tutors.

Staff Leadership

• Recruit, mentor and supervise music tutors and other creative arts educators.
• Conduct lesson observations and provide instructional coaching.
• Coordinate teaching timetables and departmental operations.
• Lead departmental meetings and professional development.

Performance & Creative Development

• Direct concerts, recitals, productions, showcases and festivals.
• Develop orchestras, choirs, chamber ensembles, bands and performance groups.
• Expand the school's creative arts provision through workshops, outreach programmes and masterclasses.
• Promote excellence in artistic performance and creativity.

Operations & Administration

• Oversee student admissions, placement assessments and progression.
• Manage departmental budgets, resources and facilities.
• Maintain instruments, studios, rehearsal spaces and specialist equipment.
• Ensure safeguarding, health and safety standards are consistently maintained.

Community Engagement

• Build strong relationships with students, parents and the wider community.
• Represent the Strauss School of Music at performances, competitions and public events.
• Promote the school through concerts, open days and community partnerships.

Essential Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Music, Music Education, Performing Arts or a related discipline.
• Recognised teaching qualification or equivalent professional experience.
• Minimum of five years' teaching experience.
• Leadership experience within a music school, conservatoire, performing arts academy or similar institution.
• High level of musical proficiency with strong knowledge of performance, musicianship and music theory.
• Demonstrated ability to lead creative programmes and develop teaching staff.
• Excellent organisational, leadership and communication skills.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary based on qualifications and experience.
• A senior leadership position with significant influence over the future of the Strauss School of Music.
• Professional development opportunities.
• Modern teaching and performance facilities.
• The opportunity to build one of West Africa's leading creative arts institutions.

Pay: ₦180,000.00 - ₦250,000.00 per month

Work Location: In person