Head of Department, Sculpture & Environmental Art (1.0 FTE)
School of Fine Art
Location: Glasgow, G3 6RQ
Grade 8, £57,422 - £66,537 per annum, pro rata
Permanent
35 hours per week
The Glasgow School of Art (GSA) is a world leading, independent, university-level institution for the visual creative disciplines. We attract some of the finest academic and creative talent and are committed to creating and sustaining learning and working environments, where difference is respected and the widest possible range of cultural and social perspectives are valued.
Applications are invited for the Head of Department, Sculpture and Environmental Art, at the School of Fine Art.
The School of Fine Art is one of four academic schools at The Glasgow School of Art. We are seeking a dynamic and innovative Head of Department in Sculpture and Environmental Art to lead and develop the undergraduate curriculum. Sculpture and Environmental Art is one of three specialist departments – alongside Painting and Printmaking, and Fine Art Photography – which, together with the cross-discipline Fine Art Critical Studies department, make up the undergraduate BA in Fine Art.
As Head of Department in Sculpture and Environmental Art you will undertake an appropriate balance of teaching, assessment, curriculum development and related administration, including quality assurance. You will also have a research and/or practice profile which will make a valuable contribution to the academic life of the school.
You will be responsible for overseeing curriculum development, ensuring the currency of the educational experience and guiding the development of its distinctive ethos and approach. You will ensure that the curriculum facilitates connections to contemporary fine art, creative organisations and the professional domain, expressed through disciplinary learning in Sculpture and Environmental Art. You will work proactively with staff and students to ensure the enhancement of the student experience through formal and informal engagement with the Student Voice.
You will be qualified to postgraduate degree level, or equivalent, and have an excellent awareness of the current and future contexts for fine art, and Sculpture and Environmental Art in particular. You should have significant experience of teaching and experience of programme leadership and management within higher education, preferably in an Art/Design School environment.
You will be able to demonstrate a commitment to decentralised/decolonised approaches to fine art education. We seek a leader capable of promoting inclusive practices. You will engage an internationally diverse cohort of students in exploring diverse histories, practices, and cultures of fine art, challenging dominant Western paradigms. This will be a feature of your approach to education and, potentially, your research. You will be able to provide evidence of leading innovative and inclusive educational practices.
You will have a proven track record of high-quality research, and a willingness to take a proactive role in one the School of Fine Art’s research networks, positively contributing to the research community within the School and the GSA.
Programme Director: In addition to the core responsibilities of the Head of Department role, colleagues in the School of Fine Art have the opportunity to apply for Programme Director responsibilities. This offers valuable experience in academic and strategic leadership, contributing to the development of programmes and supporting the School’s broader ambitions. Programme Directors collaborate closely with School leadership to shape curricula, enhance the student experience, and lead innovation in learning and teaching. It represents a strong opportunity for professional growth and development, with the additional responsibility recognised in line with institutional frameworks.
Download: job description
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Closing date for submission of completed applications: Thursday 29th May 2025, 23:59 (GMT)
Interviews for this post will take place week commencing 9th June 2025
For full details and to apply online, please visit: https://gsa.engageats.co.uk/V2/Vacancy
If you don’t currently have the right to work and live in the UK, we are able to offer sponsorship for Skilled Work Visas subject to UK Visa’s and Immigration (UKVI) requirements if the role meets the Home Office eligibility requirements. Details can be found on the Home Office website - https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa
If you have any questions regarding the role, please contact HRServicedesk@gsa.ac.uk
The Glasgow School of Art is committed to ensuring equality of opportunity in work and study. We strive to create and maintain an inclusive environment where all students and employees feel safe, understood and valued. Applications are welcomed from candidates regardless of age, disability, sex, ethnic or religious background, gender identity or sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, maternity, caring responsibilities or care experience.
We recognise we do not have the diversity of staff that we want and we particularly welcome and encourage applications from candidates who identify as being from a Minority Ethnic background, who are underrepresented at The Glasgow School of Art.
To view our Fair Work statement, please click here and to view our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion documents here.
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