The role:
The National Conservatoire of Wales is looking for a dynamic and experienced individual to lead the implementation of the College’s research strategy and its impact in Drama, and to propose/develop related innovation both within existing courses and through new courses as appropriate. The post-holder will be responsible for leading research strategy implementation, reporting to the Principal and working closely with a counterpart in Music and members of the Research Committee, and to supervise and deliver research projects and activities, research training and events, and relevant curriculum developments, thereby contributing to the currency and world-leading position of the College as a conservatoire.
The post-holder will have a proven and verifiable record of research and research teaching in Drama, with knowledge of the latest developments in practice-based and practice-led research in the field, and will have the skills to work with directors, actors, musical theatre practitioners, designers, stage managers, arts managers and teachers in a conservatoire setting.
They will need to be strong advocates of conservatoire research and education and be ready to work collaboratively with all RWCMD colleagues and professional partners to enable and promote an institutional reputation for pioneering, immersive professional practice in Music and Drama.
The Royal Welsh College is in the early stages of embedding a structured research environment into the institution, embracing curriculum change including development of a doctoral programme, as well as outward-facing research collaborations and staff research. While much research activity has taken place implicitly within practice at the College over the last decades, it is only since a first full submission to the Research Excellence Framework in 2021 that an explicit research strategy with implementation plan has been evolved. This appointment, alongside a similar one in Music, therefore marks a critical turning point in establishing a sustainable and rigorous research culture that plays a vital part in the evolution of professional practice and contributes to innovation for the Music and Theatre industries.
About the College:
The College attracts the best creative talent from across the globe. As Wales’ national conservatoire, we fire imagination and drive innovation, offering training to almost 1000 musicians, actors, designers, technicians and arts managers from more than 30 countries. Our students’ extraordinary talent and potential is fused with exceptional teaching and unrivalled industry links, to bring dreams to life. Creative ambition and collaboration are central to our excellence.
Our students are immersed in a live industry environment from the moment they arrive. With some of Wales’ most prestigious venues, the College operates a dynamic arts centre, and our performance programme of world class professionals is integral to students’ training. We nourish our future professionals, so they push new boundaries and make their mark in the creative industries, aspiring to brilliant careers. The future starts here.
We are committed to creating a workforce that is representative of society. Currently, people from ethnically diverse communities, those who self-identify as disabled, neurodiverse and transgender, and Welsh speaking individuals are under-represented, so we are keen to hear from candidates from these under-represented groups.
Based in Cardiff, RWCMD are seeking an energetic, experienced individual of the highest calibre, to make a major contribution to the future of the College.
This post is a 0.4 fractional, fixed term role. The hours of work are those required to fulfil the needs of the post.
We offer a number of employee benefits including an excellent pension scheme and generous annual leave. Discover the advantages of working with us.
For an informal conversation about this post please contact Helena Gaunt (Principal) helena.gaunt@rwcmd.ac.uk