About the ISTD

ISTD exists to make teaching and learning dance accessible to all.

Our membership is recognised as the mark of quality dance teaching around the world. We support teachers to develop their careers and businesses through progressive training, performance qualifications and events. Together, we aim to build a diverse and sustainable dance profession by championing inclusion and increasing access to dance teaching

The Society is a registered educational charity (250397), regulated examinations board, and membership association. With 6000 members in 59 countries worldwide, we conduct over 120,000 examinations and 20,000 hours of Continuing Professional Development each year.

Summary of Role

The Head of HR and Operations is a strategic and operational leader responsible for shaping and delivering the organisation’s people strategy. They will ensure that HR practices support the charity’s mission, values, and goals—fostering a positive, inclusive, and high-performing culture. The role oversees all aspects of the employee lifecycle, including recruitment, performance, development, engagement, and compliance.
In addition to leading the HR function, the Head of HR and Operations will provide oversight of operational areas of facilities and technology, ensuring these services are aligned with organisational needs and delivered efficiently. This role is pivotal in supporting the charity’s growth, transformation, and long-term sustainability.
The role is part-time (28 hours / week, 0.8 FTE), reports to the Director of Operations and Digital Transformation and leads a team including an HR Administrator, Facilities Manager and PA to the CEO.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic HR Leadership

• Develop and implement a people strategy aligned with the charity’s mission and strategic objectives.
• Advise senior leadership on organisational design, workforce planning, and change management.
• Champion diversity, equity, and inclusion across all levels of the organisation.

Operational HR Management

• Lead recruitment, onboarding, and induction processes to attract and retain talent.
• Oversee performance management, employee relations, and wellbeing initiatives.
• Manage compensation, benefits, and payroll in line with sector benchmarks.
• Ensure compliance with employment law and HR policies.
• Promote learning and development across all teams.

Culture and Engagement

• Foster a positive and inclusive workplace culture.
• Lead employee engagement initiatives and internal communications.
• Support leadership development and succession planning.

Facilities and Technology Oversight

• Provide strategic and operational oversight of facilities management and reception services, ensuring safe and functional workspaces
• Maintain positive relationships with building tenants
• Liaise with IT providers to ensure effective technology support and asset management.
• Support operational planning and budget management across facilities and technology functions.

Governance and Reporting

• Maintain accurate HR records and reporting for audits and compliance.
• Prepare reports and insights for the Council of Trustees and for senior leadership.
• Manage HR budgets and contribute to financial planning.

Person Specification

• Extensive HR experience including recruitment, performance, culture, and L&D.
• Strategic thinker with operational execution capability.
• Strong communication and problem-solving skills.
• Proven budget and people management experience.
• Knowledge of employment law and health & safety.
• Takes personal responsibility with a flexible, “can do” attitude
• CIPD qualification or equivalent (desirable).

Working Hours

This is a part-time role, working 28 hours per week, 4 days a week including Tuesday and Friday from 9am to 5pm with a one-hour lunch break.

Additional Information

Hybrid working: at least 1 day in-office, remainder remote. Hybrid arrangements subject to review.

The office remains open from Monday to Friday and is available for those who would prefer to work in the office environment or have difficulties working remotely

Remuneration

Band F salary range: £47,919 to £56,376 per annum (pro rata), depending on experience.

Benefits

• 37 days annual leave including Bank Holidays and 4 days office closure at Christmas (pro rata).
• Season ticket loan.
• Pension contribution matched up to 8%.
• Employee Assistance Programme.
• Virtual GP and Second Medical Opinion.
• Life Insurance (3x salary).

Training

Comprehensive induction and ongoing support with ISTD policies and procedures.

Equal Opportunities

ISTD values diversity and welcomes applications from all backgrounds. Contact recruitment@istd.org for access support.

Application Method

To apply, send a CV and cover letter to recruitment@istd.org outlining your suitability for the role. Include two recent references. The closing date is Monday 29th September.