Full-time or 3-4 days per week

The National Film and Television School Directing Fiction Department is one of, if not the, best in the world. Graduates from the department are among some of the most well-regarded Directors working today including David Yates (Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them), Sarah Gavron (Rocks), Joanna Hogg (The Souvenir), Clio Barnard (Ali and Ava), Alrick Riley (Bridgerton), Michael Pearce (Encounter), and Lynne Ramsay (You Were Never Really Here).

The NFTS is looking to recruit a new Head of Department to lead the Directing Fiction Masters course. This is a unique opportunity for someone who is excited about imparting their knowledge to, and inspiring the next generation.

As an experienced Fiction Director you will have knowledge and practical experience of industry customs and practices and production processes, a proven ability to visualise and define the style and structure of a film or TV drama, and importantly understand the necessity of engaging positively with the other key production departments.

Applicants need to be excellent communicators possessing strong interpersonal skills and a passion for student learning.

The National Film and Television School is an acknowledged global leader in the provision of postgraduate, high-level, creative and technical skills for the audio-visual industries. In 2014 the School was named 'the Number 1 International Film School in the World' by the Hollywood Reporter.

Purpose of role:

The Head of Directing Fiction post requires an experienced Fiction Director working in the film and television industry with a solid understanding, knowledge and practical experience of industry customs and practices and experience of teaching and learning.

The purpose of the role is to oversee the Masters course for students in Directing Fiction.

As Head of Fiction you will:

1. Impart knowledge to and inspire the next generation of film and television-makers.

2. Teach a significant component of the Directing Fiction curriculum and oversee the teaching in other specialist areas.
3. Take part in the selection of students to ensure the most talented students secure a place at the NFTS and that once selected they are supported pastorally.
4. Monitor the work of each individual student attending reviews and discussions to make sure participants receive proper analysis of all their work at each stage together with practical recommendations.
5. Support the delivery of other Directing provision delivered by the School (e.g the Directors Series, Diverse Directors Workshop etc).
6. Review the departmental budget with the School Management Accountant and maintain budgetary control, ensuring that the department keeps within its financial limits.

7. Play a leading role in ensuring students are well prepared for leaving the School by connecting them throughout their course with professional directors, production companies, agents and other talent schemes.
8. Engage proactively with the Producing Department, the Head of Production and the Post Production Supervisor to ensure films are delivered safely and on schedule and budget.
9. Engage proactively with the School Marketing department to promote the subject area and to answer the questions of prospective students through open days, outreach events, taster days etc.
10. Take an active part in recruiting and developing visiting tutors, keeping up-to-date lists

PERSON SPECIFICATION

This post requires an experienced film and/or television professional with solid understanding, knowledge and practical experience of the industry.

An essential quality is the ability to recognise and foster potential talent, whilst also ensuring students reach the technical and professional standards required of them.

You should also have the ability to engage with the other departments of the NFTS.

Heads of Department need to be adept at running their area smoothly and efficiently.

Heads of Department are expected to inspire enthusiasm amongst the students and staff for whom they are responsible.

Good interpersonal skills are essential.