Forge Programme Lead - Creative Careers for Teens

Arts Council England; West Midlands; Hybrid; GBP 21,000 - 32,000; Part time

Job summary

RicNic is seeking a Forge Strand Lead to develop and deliver the Forge Creative Careers programme in the Midlands. The role focuses on training, mentoring, and hands-on experience to help young people explore creative pathways.

You will lead sessions, recruit and train facilitators, and help grow activities as the programme expands. The role requires a strong facilitator with sector knowledge, excellent communication, and robust safeguarding practices.

Qualifications

• Experience of creative practice within the arts and culture sector.
• Strong sector knowledge across multiple disciplines and an ability to 'keep a finger on the pulse' across the creative industries for sector data, news, opportunities, and signposting.
• Experience of working with community groups, schools, young people, or intergenerational audiences.
• Creative facilitation or workshop delivery experience.
• Budget management and administrative skills.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships with a wide range of stakeholders.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and familiarity with project management tools.
• A proactive and flexible approach to problem-solving with the ability to work independently.
• Willingness to work flexible hours, including some evenings and weekends.
• A strong understanding of safeguarding, diversity and inclusion.

Responsibilities

• Lead on the development and delivery of RicNic's Creative Careers Programmes, including group training, 1:1 support and attendance at regional careers fairs.
• Support the recruitment and training of RicNic facilitators to also deliver these sessions, including overseeing scheduling of staffing, preparation for sessions, acting as the main point of contact.
• Contribute to RicNic's online creative careers presence, such as through writing blog posts or running online masterclass sessions.
• Seek out and build relationships across the creative and education sectors, and with local authorities,
• Promote RicNic's paid schools workshop packages to schools, colleges, and other education settings.
• Support the monitoring and evaluation of participants who engage with RicNic through Upshot CRM.
• Manage referrals into and out of RicNic's creative careers programmes
• Ensure compliance with safeguarding best practice throughout all activity.

Skills

Arts & culture experience

Sector knowledge

Community engagement

Workshop facilitation

Budget management

Organisational skills

Communication skills

Microsoft Office

Project management tools

Problem-solving

Flexible hours

Safeguarding & inclusion

Tools

Microsoft Office

Project management tools

Job description

RicNic is seeking a Forge Strand Lead to develop and deliver the Forge Creative Careers programme in the Midlands. The role focuses on training, mentoring, and hands-on experience to help young people explore creative pathways.

You will lead sessions, recruit and train facilitators, and help grow activities as the programme expands. The role requires a strong facilitator with sector knowledge, excellent communication, and robust safeguarding practices.