About us

JMC Academy is Australia’s leading private college in the Creative Industries, with campuses in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane delivering Diploma, Undergraduate and Postgraduate qualifications across a range of creative disciplines. We pride ourselves on providing a supportive and collaborative environment that empowers students to achieve their goals and pursue their passions.

By nurturing, supporting and mentoring students who are dedicated to their craft, we help shape the next generation of creative professionals and industry leaders.

About the Role

The Department Lead, Theatre provides academic and operational leadership for the Acting and Music Theatre disciplines at JMC Academy's Brisbane campus.

Reporting to the Head of Faculty, Screen & Stage, with a dotted line to the National Course Leaders in Acting and Music Theatre, this role is responsible for teaching excellence, student experience, academic quality, industry engagement, staff leadership and the day-to-day operation of the department in Brisbane.

Working closely with the National Course Leaders on the Sydney and Melbourne campuses, the successful candidate will ensure course delivery in Brisbane aligns with JMC's academic standards, the Higher Education Standards Framework, and institutional policies and procedures.

The Department Lead leads a team of permanent Lecturers and sessional staff, drives continuous improvement through student feedback and data insights, and contributes to curriculum development, industry engagement and showcase opportunities that prepare students for successful careers in the performing arts.

Externally, the role builds industry partnerships, supports placement opportunities, engages with industry practitioners and represents JMC Academy within the broader theatre and performing arts community.

What’s involved?

- Deliver engaging, industry-led teaching that combines professional practice with contemporary pedagogy.
- Provide academic leadership and ensure course delivery aligns with national standards and curriculum frameworks.
- Lead local course coordination, academic quality, assessment moderation and compliance activities.




- Drive student success through engagement, retention and progression strategies.
- Lead productions, showcases, performances and industry-facing events that highlight student talent and prepare graduates for skilled practice.
- Support curriculum review and contribute recommendations for continuous improvement.
- Ensure positive student outcomes through proactive management of student performance and academic progression.
- Foster an inclusive learning environment that values equity, diversity and student wellbeing.
- Lead and develop a team of academic staff, contractors and technical officers.
- Build and maintain industry partnerships, guest lecturer relationships, placements and qualified opportunities for students.
- Represent JMC Academy in professional forums, industry events and community engagement activities.
- Support marketing, recruitment, Open Days and outreach initiatives to promote the Theatre department.
- Manage local budgets, resources and departmental operations.
- Ensure compliance with TEQSA requirements, the Higher Education Standards Framework, ESOS regulations and JMC policies.
- Champion innovation in digital learning and emerging teaching practices.
- Maintain professional and industry currency through ongoing scholarship, creative practice and professional development.

Are you who we are looking for?

You will know this role is for you if you:

- Hold relevant tertiary qualifications in Acting, Music Theatre, Performing Arts or a closely related discipline (Master's degree highly regarded).
- Have significant professional industry experience and demonstrate ongoing currency within the theatre and performing arts sector.
- Have substantial higher education teaching experience, including course coordination,



assessment moderation and curriculum development.
- Have demonstrated experience leading academic teams, including performance management, mentoring and staff development.
- Possess strong commercial awareness and experience managing budgets, resources and operational outcomes.
- Have a sound understanding of the Australian higher education regulatory environment, including TEQSA, AQF, ESOS and quality assurance frameworks.
- Have established industry networks and can build meaningful partnerships that benefit students and graduates.
- Have experience overseeing productions, showcases and industry-facing events.
- Demonstrate strong leadership, communication and stakeholder management skills.
- Are confident using learning management systems, digital learning platforms and student management systems.
- Hold, or are willing to obtain, a Working with Children Check.
- Demonstrate a clear alignment with JMC Academy's purpose, vision and values.

Why Join JMC Academy?

At JMC Academy, you'll join a passionate community of educators, creatives and industry professionals dedicated to inspiring the next generation of performers and creative leaders.

You'll have the opportunity to:

- Shape student outcomes and graduate success.
- Lead a talented team within a nationally recognised creative institution.
- Build meaningful industry partnerships.
- Influence curriculum and academic excellence.
- Work in a collaborative, innovative and student-focused environment.
- Contribute to the future of theatre and performing arts education.

THE PRACTICAL BITS

BASE: Brisbane

REPORTS TO: Head of Faculty, Screen & Stage

TYPE: Full Time, Permanent

SALARY: Competitive, commensurate with experience; we’ll talk specifics early in the process

APPLICATIONS CLOSE: 11 November 2026

WHAT TO SEND

Please submit:

- Your current CV; and
- A brief cover letter outlining your suitability for the role and demonstrating your experience against the key requirements outlined in this advertisement.

For any questions regarding the role, please contact ••••@jmc.edu.au.

📌 Department Lead - Theatre (Brisbane)
🏢 Jmc Academy
📍 Brisbane