Subject Leader – Books & Library Materials


Location: West Dean College, West Sussex
Contract: Permanent
Hours: 21 hours per week, 3 days over 7, Monday to Friday (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.


About the role


As Subject Leader – Books & Library Materials, you will lead the development and delivery of specialist teaching across the Graduate Diploma and MA Conservation Studies programmes. You will play a key role in ensuring the curriculum remains current, academically rigorous and closely connected to contemporary conservation practice.

You will teach, assess and support students throughout their learning journey, helping them develop the specialist knowledge and practical skills needed for successful careers in conservation. You will also provide academic guidance and tutorials, oversee specialist studios, equipment and materials, and contribute to the ongoing development and enhancement of the programme.

Working collaboratively with colleagues across the College, you will help shape the specialist curriculum, contribute to quality assurance and programme development, and build strong relationships with the wider conservation profession. You will also play a role in student recruitment, external engagement and promoting this specialist area of study.


About you


You will be an experienced books and library materials conservator with extensive professional knowledge and a strong understanding of contemporary conservation theory and practice.

You will have experience of teaching, training and assessing others, with the ability to demonstrate specialist techniques and communicate complex ideas clearly. You will be confident supporting and guiding students and creating an engaging, inclusive and supportive learning environment.

Highly organised, collaborative and approachable, you will have the confidence to lead and develop a specialist subject area while working effectively as part of a wider academic team. You will be committed to high professional standards and able to build positive relationships with students, colleagues and external partners.

Ideally, you will also have experience of programme management, higher education teaching, quality enhancement and ongoing professional development.

This is an exciting opportunity to combine your specialist conservation expertise with teaching and leadership while playing a key role in shaping and developing the next generation of conservation professionals.

Deadline for applications: 28 August 2026

Interviews scheduled to take place 3 September 2026

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