The Australian Ballet School
Deputy Head of School & Artistic Programs
The Deputy Head of School and Artistic Programs is key in shaping the direction and delivery of the Australian Ballet School’s programs.
The Australian Ballet School | Southbank
Preparing students for professional careers at the Australian Ballet School relies on rigorous training, strong educational foundations and a deep connection to artistic practice. We are committed to training the whole person through a positive learning environment grounded in contemporary pedagogy and evidence-based health and wellbeing programs.
Reporting to and working closely with the Artistic Director and Head of School, the Deputy Head of School and Artistic Programs is key in shaping the direction and delivery of the School’s programs. The role sits within the senior leadership team while remaining closely connected to teaching and the day-to-day training and performance experience of students. The role has a strong focus on student management and support across the full student journey, working closely with the Artistic Health and Boarding teams to ensure coordinated support and clear communication.
The role:
This is a role that combines leadership both in and out of the studio. You will teach within the vocational and pre-vocational program, lead key talent pipeline programs and contribute to the shaping and delivery of our training and education.
In practice, the position involves:
- Delivering high-level classical ballet training and contributing to student development across multiple stages
- Overseeing the Interstate/International Training Program (ITP) as a core talent pipeline, ensuring quality, alignment and clear pathways into vocational training
- Supporting the coordination and continuous improvement of artistic and educational programs
- Monitoring student progress and wellbeing, contributing to assessment and feedback and coordinating timely support where required
- Working closely with the Health and Boarding leadership teams to support student management, case coordination and communication across the student journey
- Acting as a senior point of contact for student matters, including engagement with families and carers and escalation where appropriate
- Contributing to decisions that affect program delivery, student outcomes and overall direction
- Maintaining a focus on student wellbeing within a structured training environment, aligned with evidence-based health and wellbeing programs
- Championing the School’s responsibilities in relation to child safety and professional conduct
What you’ll bring:
- Extensive professional performing experience in a professional classical ballet company
- Extensive teaching experience in the vocational school (pre-professional) sector
- A strong understanding of how dancers develop over time and what is required to prepare them for professional pathways, including experience contributing to vocational program delivery, assessment and feedback
- Comfort operating within a leadership group, collaborating across artistic, education, health and boarding functions to support consistent student outcomes.
How you operate:
- You bring consistency to your work, setting clear expectations and reinforcing them with a calm, considered and compassionate approach.
- You manage competing demands without losing focus on outcomes, prioritising effectively and applying sound judgment.
- You think strategically, connecting day-to-day decisions to longer-term program direction and student outcomes
- You communicate clearly and respectfully, building trusted relationships across staff, students and families; you know when to support, guide or escalate.
- You work collaboratively and constructively, sharing information early, following through, and contributing to a positive, solutions-focused culture
Why you’ll love it:
The role of Deputy Head of School and Artistic Program presents an opportunity to influence the training and education delivered across the School and contribute to the development of future generations of young artists.
You will contribute to program direction, support staff development and maintain close involvement in student progression.
You will be part of a culture that values high standards, trains the whole person, and supports students to thrive through contemporary pedagogy and evidence-based health and wellbeing programs.
Requirements:
- Extensive professional performing experience as an artist with a professional ballet company
- Extensive teaching experience across pre-professional, vocational, and pre-vocational training levels.
- Working with Children Check (or willingness to obtain)
- National Police Check
- Availability for travel and some work outside standard hours
- Relevant teaching qualification and/or formal teacher training (or a commitment to undertake), including Certificate IV in training and assessment.
How to Apply:
If you are looking to contribute at a senior level while remaining closely connected to teaching and student development, this role offers both responsibility and influence.
Please submit your CV and a brief cover letter outlining your interest in the role to [email protected] using the subject line: The Australian Ballet School – Deputy Head of School.
Our Talent Partner, Nicole McConville of EQ People, will manage all applications with care and ensure every candidate receives a response.
Candidates are asked not to contact the Australian Ballet School directly. For further information or to request a copy of the Position Description, please contact Nicole via [email protected].
Applications close: 29 May 2026*
*Please note, interviews for this role will be held the week commencing 15 June 2026.
