Job  title:  Head  of  Keyboard,  RIAM        

SUMMARY  

• Responsible  to:  Director  

• Term:  5  years  fixed  term  contract  
• Commencement  date:  27th  August  2018  
• Senior  Lecturer  1  pay  scale  
• A  Full-­‐time  role,  to  include  12  hours  teaching  as  part  of  the  full-­‐time  working  week  
• No  other  job  commitments  outside  the  RIAM  without  prior  approval  of  the  Board  of  Governors  
• A  performing  career  (including  masterclasses  and  related  activities)  is  encouraged  but  such  time  
commitment  must  not  inhibit  the  full-­‐time  role  within  the  RIAM  
• 2.5  days  per  week  must  coincide  with  administration  time  of  the  other  heads  of  faculty  (times  to  be  defined  
by  agreement  with  other  heads  of  faculty)  and  this  will  entail  being  in  the  RIAM  building  for  those  
administration  times,  aside  from  planned  meetings  and  other  work-­‐related  activities  for  the  RIAM  off-­‐
premises  

1. Job  purpose  
 

The  position  of  Faculty  Head  is  designed  to  facilitate  the  management  of  each  Academy  Faculty  so  as  to  achieve  and  
maintain  the  highest  possible  academic,  musical  and  professional  standards.  

You  will  lead  and  develop  the  RIAM  Keyboard  Faculty  strategically  and  manage  all  assigned  staff  in  line  with  RIAM  
policy.  You  will  also  make  a  significant  contribution  to  the  continuous  enhancement  of  the  Faculty,  thereby  ensuring  
its  continued  academic,  artistic  and  professional  relevance.  You  will  therefore  be  key  in  facilitating  an  excellent  
student  and  stakeholder  experience  across  the  RIAM’s  four  educational  areas:  the  part-­‐time  students,  the  full-­‐time  
students  the  Local  Centre  Examination  System,  and  the  RIAM  Teaching  Network.  

As  a  member  of  the  RIAM  Board  of  Studies,  you  will  help  drive  the  academic  strategy  of  the  RIAM,  in  particular  
contributing  to  the  successful  implementation  of  aims  and  objectives  in  the  RIAM  Strategic  Plan  2020.  

You  will  be  required  to  recruit  and  maintain  home  and  international  students  and/or  actively  contribute  to  research  
and/or  other  modes  of  income  generation  in  line  with  RIAM’s  expectations.  You  will  work  closely  with  the  Director  
and  staff  to  ensure  the  quality  of  String  provision  in  addition  to  the  effective  and  efficient  coordination  and  
management  of  the  Strings  Department.  You  will  build  and  maintain  a  strong  department  through  staff  recruitment,  
retention  and  key  master  classes.    

Working  closely  with  the  Director,  you  will  create  and  facilitate  a  learning  environment  where  students  can  fulfil  
their  potential  and  equip  them  with  the  knowledge  and  skills  for  both  non-­‐professional  and  professional  music  
training.  
You  will  initiate  and  maintain  higher  level  contacts  with  the  professions  and  our  partner  orchestras  in  Ireland  and  will  
develop  and  nurture  links  with  our  key  potential  partner  organisations  (private  music  teachers,  specialist  music  
schools,  National  Concert  Hall,  RTE,  National  Youth  Orchestra  of  Ireland  etc.)  

You  will  also  be  expected  to  make  a  contribution  to  the  management  and  development  of  the  RIAM  as  a  whole,  and  
will  be  required  to  uphold  the  highest  standards  of  governance,  probity  and  accountability  in  all  aspects  of  your  role.    

2.   Context    

Operating  Environment:    

The  RIAM  offers  an  exciting,  varied  and  deeply  rewarding  working  environment.  You  will  operate  in  an  academic  
environment,  which  from  time  to  time  will  include  venues  and  locations  outside  of  RIAM’s  premises.    

Framework  and  Boundaries:    

You  will  be  responsible  for  the  implementation  of  all  RIAM  policies,  ensuring  that  staff  are  aware  of  them  and  abide  
by  them.  You  will  monitor  the  implementation  of  such  policies  and  be  responsible  for  taking  any  necessary  action  
arising.  In  particular,  there  is  a  high  level  of  accountability  for  ensuring  that  effective  health  and  safety  practices  are  
embedded  in  all  aspects  of  the  work  of  the  department  and  that  required  standards  are  met.    

Complexity:  

You  will  be  required  to  lead  and  manage  a  team  following  a  time  of  significant  change  within  the  RIAM  and  within  
the  sector  in  Ireland.  The  requirement  is  to  lead  and  strengthen  the  Faculty  in  terms  of  quality  in  all  aspects  of  its  
operation.  You  will  be  expected  to  contribute  to  the  continuous  improvement  of  the  RIAM’s  management  and  
academic  management  systems  

The  RIAM  expects  a  high  level  of  responsibility  and  accountability  in  posts  which  manage  staff.  

3. Duties  and  Responsibilities  

 In  addition  to  the  duties  listed  above,  you  will  be  required  to:  

Leadership    

• Treat  all  colleagues,  students  and  contacts  with  respect  and  in  accordance  with  the  values  of  the  RIAM  
• Promote  and  deliver  excellence  in  services  that  value  all  staff  and  students  
• Participate  in  and  undertake  the  RIAM’s  Strategic  Planning  development  and  delivery  
• Take  responsibility  for  all  Quality  Assurance  issues  within  the  Faculty    
• Be  responsible  for  the  effective  leadership,  academic  direction  and  line  management  of  all  staff  (PT,  FT,  
International  Visiting  Artists  and  Teaching  Fellows)  in  the  interests  of  raising  standards  
• In  relation  to  the  second  level  department,  to  foster  a  positive,  enthusiastic  and  stimulating  learning  
environment  for  children;  provide  regular  performance  opportunities;  recognise  and  nurture  a  special  
musical  talent;  provide  junior  chamber  music  opportunities;  promote  the  expectation  of  excellence  (to  
parents  and  students)  ;  encourage  communication  between  parents  and  teachers  in  relation  to  practice  
requirements,  problem  areas  for  students,  and  annual  progress  expectations  
• Deliver  principal  study  teaching,  class  teaching  and  coaching  up  to  Master’s/Doctoral  levels  within  the  
programme  curriculum  where  appropriate  
• Actively  contribute  towards  the  RIAM’s  research,  commercial  and  income-­‐generation  initiatives  
 • Manage  defined  budgets  for  the  department,  under  the  direction  of  the  Finance  Officer  and  Director  
• Ensure  that  appropriate  staff  development,  career  review  and  activity  planning  procedures  are  undertaken  
within  the  String  Department  on  a  continuous  and  regular  basis    
• Contribute  to  the  development  of  RIAM’s  academic  and  administrative  policies  and  processes  
 
 
 
 

Curricula  

• Be  responsible  for  the  creation  and  implementation  of  effective  learning  support  materials  such  as  curricula  
and  syllabi  
• Promote  equality  and  parity  of  opportunity  in  and  through  the  curriculum  
• Ensure  that  the  Faculty’s  needs  are  met  in  the  areas  of  chamber  music  and  masterclasses,  Open  Days  and  
Faculty  concerts  
• Contribute  to  content  development  in  the  RIAM  Teaching  Network  and  Local  Centre  Examination  System  
and  manage  content  from  your  faculty  in  relation  to  same  
 

Operations  

• Be  responsible  for  the  day-­‐to-­‐day  management  and  delivery  of  the  Keyboard  Faculty  in  all  of  its  aspects,  
including  liaising  with  the  General  Office  on  admissions,  auditions,  allocations,  timetabling,  programme  
delivery  and  assessment.    
• Be  responsible  for  the  following  tasks  associated  with  examinations:  selection  of  examiners,  approval  of  
student  programmes,  selection  of  sight-­‐reading  where  required,  regular  review  of  assessment  requirements,  
ensuring  that  there  is  an  agreed  marking  standard  across  all  Faculties  
• Participate  as  a  member  of  all  designated  internal  and  external  committees  as  required  
• Participate  in  RIAM  events  and  initiatives  as  required  and  within  the  scope  of  the  role  
• Regular  contact  and  liaison  will  also  be  required  with  the  proposed  Head  of  Artistic  Planning  and  the  
Ensembles  in  respect  of  performance  schedules  and  timetabling.  
• Undertake  any  other  duties  as  may  reasonably  be  required  by  the  Director  
 

 Health  and  Safety    

• As  a  manager  to  lead  on  health  and  safety  at  work  and  to  ensure  your  own  safety  and  that  of  other  persons  
who  may  be  affected  by  your  work  activities    
• To  apply  at  all  times  best  practice  in  health  and  safety.  You  must  safeguard  the  health  and  safety  of  all  
persons  affected  by  the  work  activities  you  supervise  at  any  premises  you  have  control  over.    
• To  work  in  the  safe  manner  in  which  you  have  been  trained  and  to  advise  your  line  manager  of  any  health  
and  safety  issues  you  become  aware  of.    
• To  familiarise  yourself  with  the  detail  of  the  RIAM’s  Policies  and  procedures  and  to  ensure  adherence  

Use  of  equipment  and  other  appliances    

• To  take  fullest  care  in  handling,  operation  and  safeguarding  of  any  equipment,  vehicles  or  appliance,  used  or  
issued  by  the  RIAM  or  provided  or  issued  by  a  third  party  for  individual  or  collective  use  in  the  performance  
of  your  duties.    

Personal  Development    
 • To  continuously  enhance  best  practice  in  your  area,  undertaking  training  and  Continuous  Professional  
Development  as  appropriate  

 Information  Technology    

• To  implement  security  measures  to  protect  against  unauthorised  access  to,  alteration  or  disclosure  of  
information  held  on  computer  and  to  ensure  adherence  to  the  principles  of  the  Data  Protection  Act  and  
appropriate  IT  policies  and  procedures.    
• To  undertake  any  training  in  the  operation  of  new  technologies  and  associated  systems  as  required.    

4. Relationships    

Line  Manager:    

Director    

You  will  have  regular  contact  with  the  Director,  Finance  Officer,  Heads  of  Faculty,  Local  Centre  and  General  Offices  
within  the  RIAM.  You  will  also  have  regular  contact  with  colleagues  from  across  the  RIAM.  

Staff  Management:    

You  are  responsible  for  the  line  management  and  leadership  of  all  full-­‐time,  part  time,  and  fee-­‐based  staff  employed  
within  the  Faculty.    

Other  Contacts:    

a) Within  the  RIAM:    

• RIAM  Committees  
• Other  Heads  of  Faculty  
• The  General  Office  
• The  Local  Centre  Office  
• The  Library  
• The  RIAM  Teaching  Network  Project  Manager  
• Secretariat  
• Front  Desk  
 
b) Outside  the  RIAM:    
•  On  a  national  and  international  basis,  liaise  with  professional  artists,  national  companies,  funding  bodies,  
other  conservatoires,  universities  and  private  music  schools  
 
5. Knowledge  and  Experience    

Although  the  under-­‐mentioned  qualifications  are  desirable,  equivalent  skills  and  experience  may  be  deemed  equally  
acceptable.    

Qualifications:    

Essential:    

• A  postgraduate  degree  level  qualification  or  equivalent  professional  experience  in  an  appropriate  and  
relevant  subject  
Experience:    

Essential:    

• International/national  recognition  as  an  inspirational  performer  and/or  distinguished  teacher  at  the  highest  
level    
• Principal  Study  teaching  experience    
• Experience  of  managing  staff  in  an  educational  setting  and  budgets    
• Experience  of  academic  programme  management  and  development  at  undergraduate  and  postgraduate  
level  
• A  current  profile  as  a  practitioner  within  the  performing  arts  and/or  music  education    

Desirable:    

• A  high  research  profile  or  proven  track  record  in  income  generation  
• Evidence  of  engagement  with  practice  based  research.    

Knowledge  and  Skills:    

Essential:  

• A  deep  and  applied  knowledge  of  contemporary  professional  practice  in  performance  and  contemporary  
teaching  methods  in  a  conservatoire  environment  
• Demonstrable  knowledge  of  the  national  and  international  cultural  landscape  
• Demonstrable  knowledge  of  all  aspects  of  the  education  sector  
• Extensive  knowledge  of  the  specialist  subject  area    
• Extensive  knowledge  of  Quality  Assurance  systems  in  Higher  Education  
• Proven  ability  to  deal  with  complex  issues,  with  excellent  interpersonal,  communication  and  influencing  
skills    

6. RIAM’s  vision,  values  and  strategic  themes  

RIAM’s  VISION    

To  become  a  leading  international  music  conservatoire  defined  by  its  core  values,  the  quality  of  its  teaching  and  
learning,  the  excellence  of  it  programmes  for  non-­‐professional  and  professional  musicians,  the  achievements  of  its  
graduates,  the  breadth  of  its  global  partnerships,  and  by  its  commitment  to  sharing  its  passion  for  music  with  the  
wider  community.  

RIAM’s  CORE  VALUES  

Excellence     An  exemplary,  student  focused,  learning  experience,  through  quality  teaching,  that  delivers  
outstanding  musical  performance  at  every  level  

Inspiration     Cutting  edge  teaching  and  programmes  that  will  challenge  inspire  and  ignite  a  passion  for  music  in  
all  students  

Inclusion     Continuing  the  broad  range  of  non-­‐professional  and  professional  student  programmes  in  the  belief  
that  music  benefits  all  and  the  desire  to  make  the  RIAM  accessible  to  anyone  who  loves  music  
Innovation     Continuously  challenging  the  status  quo,  and  adopting  new  programmes  and  best  teaching  and  
learning  practices  that  will  elevate  standards  and  gain  international  recognition  

Support     Nurturing  and  fostering  the  students,  the  staff,  and  relations  with  stakeholders  so  that  all  will  feel  
supported,  respected  and  valued  

RIAM’s  5  Strategic  Themes  

1.   An  Exemplary  Teaching  and  Learning  Approach  Teachers,  students,  alumni  and  parents  will  talk  to  each  
other  about  their  RIAM  experiences,  and,  further  informed  by  international  best  practice,  will  articulate  our  unique  
teaching  and  learning  values  in  a  manifesto  document  known  as  ‘The  RIAM  Way’.  A  bespoke  Continuing  Professional  
Development  Programme  will  reinforce  those  values  and  good  practices.  

2.   Quality  and  Innovation  in  Professional  Music  Education  &  Training  The  Academy’s  innovative  third  level  
programmes,  developed  in  partnership  with  Trinity  College  Dublin,  will  gain  international  recognition  as  being  
primary  contributors  to  the  radical  improvement  in  professional  music  training  in  Ireland  

3.   The  RIAM  Music  Education  Network;  supporting  the  Teacher  and  the  Non-­‐Professional  Musician  The  
RIAM’s  Local  Centre  Examination  System  will  expand  from  an  examination  board  to  the  RIAM  Music  Education  
Network,  a  music  education  system  where  progress  is  measured  through  examination  and  other  activities  with  a  
national  and  global  reach.  

4.   Performing  on  the  Irish  and  World  Stage  The  Academy’s  diverse  public  programme  of  music  events,  
developed  in  collaboration  with  Ireland’s  pre  eminent  institutions,  with  identified  key  strategic  international  
partners  and  with  the  Academy’s  graduate  population,  will  position  the  RIAM  as  a  standard  bearer  in  classical  music  
for  Irish  culture  and  identity  

5.   Resourcing  the  Academy  The  re-­‐development  of  the  RIAM  Westland  Row  site  with  accessible  and  
adequately-­‐resourced,  multi-­‐functioning  performance,  teaching,  practice,  rehearsal,  research  administration  and  
recording  facilities  will  develop  and  consolidate  the  Academy’s  reputation  as  “Ireland’s  World-­‐class  music  
conservatoire”.