Subject Leader – Books & Library Materials


Location: West Dean College, West Sussex
Contract: Permanent
Hours: Up to 35 hours per week, Monday to Friday (0.4 or 0.6 FTE)
Salary: Up to £45,000 per annum, pro rata for part-time

West Dean College is seeking an experienced and enthusiastic Subject Leader – Books & Library Materials to provide academic and operational leadership for our specialist programmes.

Based within the beautiful West Dean Estate in the South Downs National Park, West Dean offers a unique working environment that brings together internationally recognised education in arts, design, craft and conservation with historic collections, award-winning gardens and a vibrant creative community.


The Role


As Subject Leader, you will be responsible for the day-to-day organisation and delivery of the Books & Library Materials programmes. Working closely with the Head of School and other Subject Leaders, you will contribute to curriculum planning, teaching, assessment and the ongoing development of the programmes.

You will provide academic guidance and tutorial support to students, coordinate visiting lecturers and specialist contributors, and help ensure that students receive a high-quality, engaging and supportive learning experience.

The role will also involve contributing to student recruitment, quality assurance, programme development and external engagement. You will develop and maintain professional networks and relationships with specialists and organisations relevant to Books & Library Materials.

You will also support the effective management of resources, workshops, equipment and Health & Safety, as well as organising and participating in relevant external study visits.


About You

You will have a BA or equivalent Level 6 qualification, or equivalent experience, together with demonstrable professional practice in Books & Library Materials.

You will have experience of teaching, assessment and administration within Further or Higher Education, as well as a strong understanding of practical and creative bookbinding, including the history and theory relevant to the discipline.

You will be an organised and confident communicator with strong administrative and IT skills. You will be able to build positive working relationships with students, colleagues and external contacts, manage competing priorities and work effectively both independently and as part of a collaborative team.

Experience of quality assurance, Virtual Learning Environments and blended or hybrid delivery would be desirable.


Why Join West Dean?

This is an exciting opportunity to lead and develop a specialist subject area within one of the UK's most distinctive creative education environments.

At West Dean, you will join a community that values creativity, craftsmanship, sustainability and inclusivity, while helping to support the development of future practitioners in this specialist field.


How to Apply

If you are passionate about Books & Library Materials and would like to play a leading role in delivering an exceptional student experience, we would love to hear from you.

Please apply via the West Dean Careers site or contact the Recruitment Team for further information.

Deadline for applications: 28 August 2026

The vacancy may close earlier if sufficient applications are received, so early applications are encouraged.

Interviews are scheduled to take place on 3 September 2026.

• Please view the Subject Leader Books Library Materials Job Pack 08 document (opens in a pop up)