Head of Events (Maternity Cover - 8 Months)

About this role

AD Education UK is a growing network of leading creative education institutes in the UK. The group’s institutions are united around strong values and sharing a vision for creativity and innovation within creative media education. With over 40 years of pioneering and sector-leading experience, our graduates can be found throughout the music, film, games and wider creative media sectors, winning prestigious awards and employed within the highest echelons of their respective creative fields. Our market-leading portfolio of schools includes The Institute of Contemporary Music Performance (ICMP) and SAE Institute UK.
Requirements
Head of Events (Maternity Cover – 8 Months)
📍 London (Hybrid)
💰 Salary: up to £62,350 depending on experience
📅 Fixed-term contract – 8 months
🧑‍💼 Reporting to: Marketing Director
🗓️ Closing date: Tuesday 21 July 2026

About the Role
We are seeking an experienced and strategic Head of Events to lead and shape our national events and schools outreach activity during a pivotal period of growth.
This is a high-impact leadership role responsible for defining and delivering the events strategy across multiple campuses. You will ensure a consistent, high-quality, and scalable approach to event delivery, supporting student recruitment, enhancing the student experience, and strengthening our brand.
During this contract, you will play a key role in supporting our move to a brand-new Stratford campus and delivering major institutional events, including Graduation.

Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership

Lead the development and delivery of the national events and outreach strategy
Align events activity with organisational priorities including recruitment, brand, and student engagement
Oversee the annual national events calendar across all campuses
Establish frameworks, standards, and delivery principles across all event types

Governance, Quality & Brand

Act as the guardian of event quality, consistency, and brand experience
Develop toolkits, templates, and guidance to support local event delivery
Ensure compliance with health & safety, safeguarding, and regulatory standards
Identify and manage risks across the events portfolio

Leadership & Team Development

Provide leadership and direction to campus-based events staff through a matrix structure
Line manage the Events and Schools Outreach Manager
Build capability across teams through coaching, training, and clear role definition
Foster collaboration between central and campus teams

Resource & Performance Management

Manage the national events budget and ensure value for money
Lead resource planning across campuses
Define KPIs and evaluation frameworks to measure impact and success
Use insight and data to continuously improve performance

Major Event Delivery

Oversee high-profile institutional events such as Graduation and UCAS activity
Provide senior leadership presence at key events
Ensure effective planning and execution in partnership with internal teams

Stakeholder Engagement

Build strong relationships across Marketing, Admissions, Academic, and Operations
Act as the escalation point for event-related decisions
Communicate priorities, expectations, and standards clearly across the organisation
Represent the organisation externally where required

About You
We are looking for a strategic, collaborative, and results-driven leader with:

Experience

Significant experience in event strategy and delivery, ideally within higher education
Strong understanding of the student recruitment cycle and role of events
Proven experience managing budgets and resources
Experience leading teams, including matrix management
Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills
Track record of delivering large-scale, high-profile events

Knowledge & Skills

Strong knowledge of the FE/HE education landscape
Expertise in event management and delivery frameworks
Data-driven mindset with strong analytical skills
Excellent communication, presentation, and copywriting skills
Experience in event marketing and promotion
Understanding of CRM systems and GDPR

Qualifications
Degree or relevant professional qualification in events, marketing, or a related field

Why Join Us?
Opportunity to shape a national events strategy
Lead high-profile events during an exciting period of change
Play a key role in a major campus launch in Stratford
Work in a collaborative, forward-thinking environment

Apply Now
If you are a strategic events leader looking for your next challenge, we would love to hear from you.

Please see full job description here

Note: ADE is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. ADE is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people and vulnerable adults. Successful candidates will be required to obtain a satisfactory enhanced DBS disclosure.
Benefits

Employee Assistance Program.
Auto-Enrolment Pension scheme with Royal London ADE will match your contributions up to 3% of your salary.