About West Dean 

West Dean is internationally recognised as a centre of excellence for art, design, craft, and conservation education.  The work of staff and students, frequently rooted in traditional skills, is both innovative and world leading.

Our programmes are delivered across two sites in the UK:  West Dean, the idyllic Grade II listed rural campus in the stunning South Downs near Chichester (West Sussex), and our new, prestigious Bloomsbury site in the heart of London.  These inspiring locations provide the ideal environment in which students can work across disciplines and forge exciting new collaborations. 

We are making bold and ambitious moves as an organisation with the expansion of our portfolio, the redevelopment of our estate and our strategic push on diversity and sustainability. 

About the Role

This is a rare and exciting opportunity for an experienced Building Conservation practitioner to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of historic building conservation. You will bring your professional expertise into an inspiring educational environment, working closely with a passionate academic team to deliver and evolve sector-leading programmes in Historic Building Conservation and Repair.

From leading hands-on workshops and masterclasses to mentoring learners at different stages of their careers, you will help nurture skilled, thoughtful practitioners equipped to care for our built heritage. This role offers the chance to influence curriculum development, contribute to innovative programme growth, and make a lasting impact on both students and the wider conservation sector.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide academic and professional leadership for Historic Building Conservation and Repair programmes, ensuring quality, relevance and growth.

• Lead teaching, assessment and curriculum development, maintaining alignment with sector needs, validating bodies and external partners.

• Coordinate programme delivery, including timetabling, VLE content, learning resources and workshop provision.

• Support student recruitment, progression and wellbeing, working closely with Marketing, Registry and Student Services.

• Recruit, manage and support teaching teams, including visiting lecturers, ensuring effective delivery and quality assurance.

• Manage budgets, resources and Health & Safety, contributing to funding opportunities and skills agendas.

• Build and maintain strong industry and professional networks, representing the College externally.

• Generous contributory pension scheme
• Life assurance
• Employee Assistant Programme 
• Mental health first aiders
• Discounted places on short courses
• Free entry into West Dean Gardens
• Discounts on accommodation 
• Complimentary hot drinks, fruit & biscuits
• Free on-site parking at West Dean site
• Cycle to work scheme 

Join West Dean, where every day brings new energy, new people, and the chance to make a meaningful impact. Apply now via our careers page. 

• Please view the Subject Leader Sussex 12 2025 document (opens in a pop up)