Associate Artistic Director

HEADLONG THEATRE CO; Oxford; Hybrid; GBP 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent theatre company in the UK seeks a new Associate Artistic Director to lead artistic direction and community partnerships. This role emphasizes collaboration and inclusivity, with a commitment to high-quality theatre that addresses social justice issues. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in theatre direction and a passion for empowering emerging artists. The position offers a salary of £40,000 per annum and operates in a hybrid model between Oxford and London.

Qualifications

• Experience in theatre direction and artistic programme development is essential.
• Proven ability to lead educational and community partnerships.
• Commitment to inclusivity and representing diverse voices in theatre.

Responsibilities

• Lead artistic direction and programming for productions.
• Develop community partnerships and empower emerging directors.
• Ensure high-quality, socially impactful theatre.

Skills

Collaboration

Social justice in arts

Creative leadership

Community engagement

Job description

We're on the hunt for a new Associate Artistic Director.

Join Us

We're looking for a theatre director who shares our vision and energy - someone who wants to shape the future of theatre with us.

This is a role for a theatre director who thinks nationally and acts locally. Who thrives in collaboration, believes in access and justice, and wants to help rewrite the narrative of who gets to make and lead theatre in this country.

Does this sound like you?

Salary: £40,000 per annum

Contract: Full time, 2 year fixed term

Location: Hybrid working in Oxford, London, from home and on tour

Apply by: Monday 24th November, 12pm midday

Interviews: w/c 8th December (online) and w/c 15th December (London)

About the Role

We make big exhilarating productions that centre around a brilliant idea. We often find those ideas in unexpected places. The same is true of the people we work with. So, we welcome applicants from all walks of life.

Our new Associate Artistic Director will take a senior creative role in one of the UK's most vital touring companies. You'll work alongside Holly to develop and deliver an ambitious artistic programme that connects deeply with artists and audiences nationally. Creating thrilling theatre with social substance.

You’ll also lead on education and community partnerships, empower emerging theatre directors through our Director development programme, Headlong Origins, and drive inclusive engagement that resonates nationwide.

What's important is that we’ll share similar values. We're brave. We thrive on a challenge. We do a lot with a little. We believe the pursuit of justice is inextricably linked to high-quality art. We exist to provoke progress.

We are an Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation. Last year, we established a new operational model with place-based partnerships in Bolton, Leeds and Oxford. Over the last few months, we have moved our ‘home ground’ to Oxford, and the team frequently works from Oxford, as well as our new London office in Somerset House.

Our new Associate Artistic Director will be expected to work from both bases frequently, as well as travel to other co‑producing and partner venues. There is flexibility built into this model, and we look forward to negotiating with the right person and working to ensure that there are no barriers to their work with Headlong.

Equal Opportunities

Headlong is an Equal Opportunities employer, and we strive to create an inclusive environment. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and experiences. We guarantee first round interviews to candidates who identify as Deaf, disabled and/or are from the Global Majority and meet the minimum criteria outlined in the person specification. We will support and provide access requirements.

If you self‑identify as having this background and experience, and wish to be considered for a first‑round interview under this action, please state this clearly at the beginning of your supporting statement (see the Application Pack for more information).

For full information and details on how to apply please download the Application Pack (available in different formats) from our website

Closing date for applications Monday 24th November 2025, 12pm midday.

If you have any questions about this role please email