Director, Queensland Conservatorium

Company Description

Arts, Education and Law
Griffith’s Arts, Education and Law (AEL) Group is the largest and most diverse academic group in the University, encompassing creative and performing arts, law, education, criminology, social science and humanities, and has presence across all six campuses. Focusing on developing programs to prepare students for a changing world, it is also an environment where research can flourish, and the academic community can undertake outstanding scholarship research that makes a major contribution to society.

About the Queensland Conservatorium
Established in 1957 and incorporated into Griffith University in 1991, the Queensland Conservatorium (QCM) is one of Australia’s premiere music institutions. From its state-of-the-art South Bank campus, it offers a comprehensive suite of programs spanning classical performance, jazz, popular music, composition, music technology, acting and musical theatre. The Conservatorium is distinguished by its internationally recognised faculty, rigorous training, and strong industry engagement. Its graduates hold prominent positions across the global music industry, performing with major orchestras, opera companies, and commercial productions, underscoring its reputation as broadly respected international centre for professional music education and artistic excellence.

Job Description

Griffith University is seeking to appoint a new Director of the Queensland Conservatorium. A senior academic leadership role, responsible for shaping and advancing the Conservatorium’s strategic, artistic, and academic direction, this is an exciting opportunity for a capable arts professional. The role is vital to ensuring excellence across learning and teaching, research, and engagement, while aligning staff and financial resources with the University’s broader strategic objectives. The Director will cultivate a vibrant, innovative environment for the education and training of music professionals and performing artists, while fostering meaningful collaborations with industry, government, and the wider community.

About you
Eligible professionals will hold a doctoral qualification or possess equivalent accreditation and standing, alongside a strong track record of academic, artistic, and organisational leadership. Demonstrated capability in building high-performing teams, managing budgets and resources effectively, and leading strategic academic and research initiatives is essential. The role requires a professional who can lead a diverse and dynamic academic unit, promote quality assurance in learning and teaching, and deliver a high-quality student experience, including pastoral support and research training.

In collaboration with senior deputies, the Director will also lead QCM’s external engagement, strengthen industry and community partnerships, and serve as its representative to professional and cultural bodies. The successful candidate will exemplify Griffith’s values, demonstrating integrity, fairness and professionalism, and championing the University’s commitment to innovation, resilience, and creativity. This is a rare and unique opportunity to shape the future of one of Australia’s most prestigious music institutions and contribute to a rich, collaborative artistic culture, both locally and internationally. If this sounds like your next career move, we’d love to hear from you.

Learn more about this opportunity here.

To view the Organisational Chart for the Arts, Education and Law Group, click here.

Additional Information

How to apply
Griffith University has partnered with Perrett Laver in the search for this appointment.

Perrett Laver will conduct an executive search process in parallel with the public advertisement of the role. For further information and to apply, please submit a CV and covering letter, detailing how you fulfill the role description and personal specification to Perrett Laver’s Vacancies page quoting reference 7929.

For any initial enquiries or to email your application please contact Claudia Roth on Claudia.Roth@perrettlaver.com

Applications close on Monday 28th July 2025 at 9am AEST.

If you require any reasonable adjustments to assist you in the selection process, please advise us of these so that we can make appropriate arrangements.