Full time or 3-4 days per week

For half a century, the National Film and Television School (NFTS) has developed some of Britain and the world's top creative talent. It is widely acknowledged to be the top school of its kind in the UK and one of the best internationally.

We are now recruiting for a Head of Location Sound This is a key senior role at the NFTS, providing a unique opportunity for someone who is excited about imparting their knowledge to, and inspiring the next generation.

Our 15-month Postgraduate Diploma in Location Sound Recording has been developed in response to industry demands and aims to give students a grounding in both theory and practice of recording sound both on location and in our state-of-the-art 4K multi-camera television studio.

Working closely with the Director, Director of Curriculum and Registrar, the Head of Location Sound Recording is responsible for devising and revising the curriculum, including projects, exercises and workshops, both for students in location sound and for those from other specialist areas, in conjunction with fellow tutors. The ideal applicant will be educated to Master's level and be an experienced film and/or television professional, with solid knowledge and practical experience of industry customs and practices. Experience of teaching or a proven commitment to education is also desirable.

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

Variety's Top UK Film School 2020 and recipient of the 2018 Outstanding Contribution to British Cinema BAFTA, the NFTS is one of the world's leading film, games and television schools and celebrated its landmark 50th anniversary in 2021. NFTS alumni have gone on to win 13 Oscars and 152 BAFTAs with graduates including; double Oscar winning cinematographer Roger Deakins (1917) creator of global Netflix hit Sex Education Laurie Nunn and BAFTA winning director, Lynne Ramsay (You Were Never Really Here). The NFTS is a registered charity (313429).
For further information about this role and details of how to apply, please visit https://www.nfts.co.uk/jobs

Please note that we are unable to sponsor candidates for these roles, so we are only able to accept applications from candidates who are able to demonstrate their right to live and work in the UK. If you do not have the right to work in the UK, we will not be able to progress your application.

At the NFTS, people are at the heart of what we do. We're an inclusive employer and are committed to equality of opportunity, and building a culturally diverse workforce. We are committed to being an anti-racist organisation and to increasing our representation of staff from Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities. We strongly encourage applications from all backgrounds.

JOB DESCRIPTION
REPORTING TO: DIRECTOR

Purpose of role:

The Head of Location Sound post requires an experienced industry professional 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 Diploma course for students in Location Sound, embracing both practice and theory.

As Head of Location Sound you will:

1. Impart knowledge to and inspire the next generation of film and television-makers.
2. Teach a significant component of the Location Sound curriculum and oversee the teaching in other specialist areas.
3. Provide familiarisation for other specialisations that need a basic understanding of the value and contribution that can be made by production sound to Fiction, Documentary and Television Entertainment.
4. Manage the delivery of production sound (location and studio) across the NFTS production slate, supporting Fiction, Documentary and Television Entertainment.
5. Take part in the selection of students from recruiting assessment panels, through assessing material submitted by applicants for the full-time course in his/her area, to interviewing and selecting shortlisted candidates to ensure the most talented students secure a place at the NFTS and that, once selected, they are supported pastorally.
6. Monitor the work of each individual student and maintain appropriate records in accordance with NFTS requirements. Attend reviews and discussions to make sure participants receive proper analysis of all their work at each stage together with practical recommendations.
7. Review the departmental budget with the School Management Accountant and maintain budgetary control, ensuring that the department keeps within its financial limits.
8. Play a leading role in ensuring students are well prepared for leaving the School by connecting them throughout their course with professional associations, production companies, agents etc.
9. Engage proactively with the other departments to ensure films are delivered on schedule.
10. 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.
11. 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 educated to Master's level with solid understanding, knowledge and practical experience of the industry.

You must be prepared and available to teach all students in the School. An essential quality is the ability to recognise and foster potential talent, whilst also ensuring students reach the academic, technical and professional standards required of them.

You should also have the ability to engage with the other departments of the NFTS. Collaboration is the key to successful work at the NFTS. Heads of Department are expected to promote co-operation amongst fellow tutors and between areas of specialisation, as well as between students. Good interpersonal skills are therefore essential.

Heads of Department need to be adept at running their area smoothly and efficiently, with emphasis on forward planning.

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