Academic Lead job at Remote Full Time NEW

The Gothic Academy CIC

Academic Lead – Role Summary

The Gothic Academy CIC is seeking an experienced and dedicated Academic Lead to oversee the development of our educational programmes and help shape the academic foundation of the Gothic Academy Core.

This is a key leadership role within a developing Community Interest Company (CIC). The Academic Lead will guide curriculum design, support contributors, and ensure the delivery of high-quality, structured, and accessible educational content across interdisciplinary Gothic studies and creative practice.

As a CIC in its development stage, this role is currently voluntary or contribution-based, with a clear pathway toward paid leadership positions as funding becomes available.

About The Gothic Academy CIC

The Gothic Academy CIC is a Community Interest Company focused on building an accessible, interdisciplinary educational and creative platform centred on Gothic culture, arts, and creative practice.

We bring together writers, academics, researchers, and creative practitioners including artists, filmmakers, musicians, editors, and performers to develop learning resources, creative spaces, and collaborative projects.

Our mission is to make creative education more accessible, inclusive, and sustainable, supporting pathways into education, creative employment, and professional development.

As a CIC, all future income is reinvested into the organisation to support its community purpose, development, and fair opportunities for contributors.

Important Note: CIC Structure, Progression & Paid Roles

This is currently a foundational development-stage role within a Community Interest Company.

• The Academic Lead will initially contribute to building the Gothic Academy Core and its curriculum framework.
• As funding is secured through CIC activity (grants, partnerships, programmes, or earned income), we aim to introduce paid roles in a transparent and equitable way.
• Compensation will be aligned with available funding and CIC governance principles of fairness and accessibility.

Director Pathway (Future Opportunity)

A successful Academic Lead, based on sustained contribution, leadership, and organisational involvement, may be invited to apply for a Director position within The Gothic Academy CIC.

Director roles involve:

• Strategic oversight of academic development
• Organisational leadership responsibilities
• Participation in CIC governance and decision-making

Director positions are remunerated where funding allows, in line with CIC financial sustainability and fair contribution principles.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development, structure, and ongoing refinement of the Gothic Academy Core curriculum
• Oversee academic standards, learning outcomes, and content quality across all pillars
• Support and mentor academic and creative contributors
• Coordinate curriculum planning across interdisciplinary Gothic studies and creative practice
• Evaluate educational content for clarity, accuracy, and consistency
• Collaborate with writers, researchers, and creative practitioners across disciplines
• Guide the long-term academic vision and development of the academy
• Contribute to building inclusive, accessible, and engaging learning frameworks

Core Curriculum Areas

The Academic Lead will oversee development across five key pillars:

Pillar 1: Gothic Foundations

• Gothic history and cultural development
• Key Gothic themes and theory
• Gothic across cultures
• Gothic in modern society

Pillar 2: Gothic Creative Practice

• Writing (fiction, poetry, script)
• Visual storytelling (film, photography, art)
• Performance and voice
• Sound and atmosphere design
• Worldbuilding and aesthetics

Pillar 3: Industry & Professional Development

• Portfolio development
• Freelancing and income pathways
• Publishing and production
• Collaboration and networking
• Creative identity and branding

Pillar 4: Creative Wellbeing & Identity

• Creative process and discipline
• Mental health and creativity
• Creative resilience and block management
• Sustainable creative practice

Pillar 5: Community & Collaboration

• Workshops and learning circles
• Peer feedback systems
• Collaborative creative projects
• Open calls and community events

Requirements

• Proven experience in academic leadership, teaching, curriculum development, or higher education
• Strong understanding of educational design and learning outcomes
• Ability to lead and support creative or academic teams
• Excellent communication and organisational skills
• Experience in interdisciplinary or creative education is highly desirable
• Commitment to inclusive, accessible education
• Ability to work independently in a developing organisation

What You Will Gain

As Academic Lead within The Gothic Academy CIC, you will:

• Play a founding leadership role in an emerging educational CIC
• Shape the structure and identity of the Gothic Academy Core
• Collaborate with an interdisciplinary network of creatives and academics
• Build significant curriculum and leadership portfolio experience
• Contribute to a long-term cultural and educational project
• Be considered for future paid leadership and Director-level opportunities as funding becomes available

Final Note

The Gothic Academy CIC is committed to transparency, fairness, and accessibility in all progression pathways. As we grow, we aim to ensure that all leadership and contributor roles evolve in line with sustainable funding and equitable opportunity structures.

Pay: From £2,100.00 per month

Work Location: Remote