Director of Programme. Deadline for application is Mon 16 November

Leeds Heritage Theatres; Leeds; Hybrid; GBP 63,000 - 77,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension

Staff discounts

Employee assistance

Professional development

Job summary

Leeds Heritage Theatres is seeking an exceptional Director of Programme to join our Executive Team and shape a bold artistic programme across Leeds Grand Theatre, City Varieties Music Hall and Hyde Park Picture House.

You will lead our artistic vision, programming strategy and partnerships, balancing creative ambition with audience insight and financial acumen to deliver a sustainable, diverse programme that resonates with Leeds and beyond.

Qualifications

• Significant senior-level programming or artistic leadership experience.
• Proven track record of curating high-quality, diverse artistic work.
• Experience leading teams and developing strategic partnerships.
• Commercial and financial planning skills, including budget management.
• Commitment to inclusion and widening participation.

Responsibilities

• Lead artistic vision, partnerships and programming strategy.
• Develop sustainable programme across three venues.
• Balance artistic ambition with audience insight and commercial acumen.
• Collaborate with Executive Team and manage relationships in arts sector.
• Champion artists and audiences and define next chapter for the organisation.

Skills

Senior-level programming leadership

Curating diverse artistic work

Team leadership

Strategic partnerships

Budget management & income delivery

Inclusion & audience development

Job description

Lead the artistic future of one of the UK’s most distinctive cultural organisations.

Leeds Heritage Theatres is seeking an exceptional Director of Programme to join our Executive Team and shape an ambitious programme across Leeds Grand Theatre, City Varieties Music Hall and Hyde Park Picture House.

Working across theatre, dance, music, comedy, cinema, contemporary circus, spoken word and festivals, you will lead our artistic vision, creative partnerships and programming strategy. You will combine artistic ambition, audience insight and commercial acumen to create a distinctive and sustainable programme across our three venues.

This is a rare opportunity to influence the cultural life of Leeds, champion artists and audiences, and help define the next chapter of an organisation that currently welcomes almost half a million visitors each year.

About you

You are an experienced cultural leader with a strong track record of developing ambitious, audience-focused programmes and building trusted relationships across the arts sector. You combine artistic vision with commercial awareness and understand how excellent programming can deliver both cultural impact and financial sustainability.

• Significant senior-level programming or artistic leadership experience.
• A strong record of curating and delivering high-quality, diverse artistic work.
• Experience of leading teams and developing strategic partnerships.
• Commercial and financial confidence, including budget management and income delivery.
• A commitment to inclusion, audience development and widening participation.

As a proud Leeds charity at the heart of the city’s cultural life, we inspire connection, nurture talent and make the arts accessible to all.

Across Leeds Grand Theatre, City Varieties Music Hall and Hyde Park Picture House, We present the very best in live performance, music, comedy and film, welcoming over 460,000 audience members each year. We create places where stories are shared, ideas explored and creativity thrives – supporting artists, engaging communities and keeping Leeds’ cultural heartbeat strong.

When we come together, extraordinary things happen. Join us and play your part in shaping something special.

Salary and Benefits

Contract Type: Permanent

Responsible to : CEO

Salary: £70,000 per annum

Holiday entitlement: 33 days per annum plus bank holidays, increasing after five years

Location: Based across Leeds Heritage Theatres venues, with some hybrid working

• Generous average salary pension scheme
• Regular staff offers and discounts for our venues and local businesses
• Free to use Employee Assistance Programme that supports your health and wellbeing
• Training and professional development opportunities

Probation Period: Six months

Hours: 37 hours per week