Head of Programme

Without Walls UK; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 36,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading arts organization in Manchester seeks a Head of Programme to lead and manage its artistic initiatives. Responsibilities include overseeing partnerships, equity and inclusion programs, and staff management. Ideal candidates will have significant experience in outdoor arts touring, change management, and working within the cultural sector. This full-time, permanent role offers a salary of £36,500 to £40,000 per annum with some home working flexibility.

Benefits

Flexible working

Travel cost reimbursement for interviews

Qualifications

• In-depth knowledge of outdoor arts touring in the UK.
• Experience of developing new programmes and partnerships.
• Ability to manage and support diverse teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead the artistic programme and manage relationships with partners.
• Oversee equity and inclusion initiatives.
• Conduct annual evaluations and manage programme assessments.

Skills

Expert knowledge of outdoor arts touring

Experience in partnership working

Change management experience

Knowledge of equity, diversity and inclusion

Education

Relevant degree or equivalent experience

Job description

Please send your completed application to [e-mail] with the subject header ‘Head of Programme Recruitment’ by Tuesday, 2 September at 12pm.

Salary range: £36,500 - £40,000 per annum, dependent on experience

Hours of work: Full-time, 0.8 fte also considered for the right candidate

Duration:Permanent

Responsible to: Chief Executive

Line Management:Programme Manager; Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Manager and Freelance Programme Advisor

Location: Manchester, UK. The role is office based with occasional home working available.

Start date: ASAP

OVERVIEW

As a member of the Senior Management Team, the role is responsible for the success of the Artistic Directorate and leads the annual programme of commissions and R&D.

It also has responsibility for overseeing the Without Walls approach to equity and inclusion.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Network Management

• Build strong relationships with Artistic Directorate partner festivals, ensuring their successful engagement in the Without Walls programme.
• Support Artistic Directorate partners to select and tour a strong programme of work each year that meets the artistic policy of Without Walls and the agenda of the individual festivals.
• Support Artistic Directorate partners to invest in a strong programme of R&D each year through the annual Blueprint open call and selection process.
• Production of agendas, network reports, minutes and other meeting papers for the Artistic Directorate, liaising with the Without Walls Chief Executive and other staff members as required.
• Chair Artistic Directorate network meetings in the absence of the Chief Executive.

Artistic Programme

• Manage the Programme Manager and Programme Advisor to provide guidance, advice and bespoke support to artists.
• Work with the Chief Executive to confirm the annual budget for the R&D and Creation and Touring programmes.
• Oversight of contracts and grant agreements for artists and festivals, working closely with the Head of Finance and Programme Manager.
• Lead and develop the relationship with 101 Outdoor Arts and other Creation Centres.
• Staff lead for the Artist Advisory Group, scheduling meetings and producing agendas, meeting papers and notes.

Network Development and Advocacy

• Work with the Chief Executive on the strategic development of the Artistic Directorate, identifying potential partners, new operating models, and key trends and challenges for festivals.
• Attendance at sector events and conferences.

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

• Manage the work of the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Manager, providing advice and guidance on the delivery of programmes and initiatives.
• Lead the development and implementation of creative access provision in our artistic programme, contracting and supervising freelancers were necessary.

Evaluation

• Oversight of the annual evaluation process with Artistic Directorate partners, suggesting improvements in how this is undertaken and reported.
• Oversight of the annual evaluation process with commissioned artists, suggesting improvements in how this is undertaken and reported.
• Analyse findings from evaluation to identify key trends, outcomes, and recommendations for future programme development.

ACE Relationship Management

• Work as part of the Senior Management Team to produce activity plans, investment principle plans and budgets for the current and future NPO funding agreements.
• Work as part of the Senior Management Team to maintain and update the quarterly NPO activity plan and investment principles monitoring templates and ensure their timely submission to ACE.

Management

• Line management of the Programme Manager, Programme Advisor, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Manager and supervision of consultants and freelancers as required.
• Monitor training needs of direct reports and identify appropriate support or development opportunities.

Member of the Senior Management Team who attends Board meetings and contributes to the production of Board papers.

ABOUT YOU

Essential skills and experience

• In depth, expert knowledge of the outdoor arts touring in the UK, gained as an artist, producer or programmer.
• In depth, expert knowledge of artistic practice and artform development in either dance, circus, theatre, installation, sound or digital.
• Experience of change management and introducing and developing new programmes.
• Experience of partnership working in the cultural sector.
• Knowledge and experience of equity, diversity and inclusion in the cultural sector.

Desirable skills and experience

• Ability to work closely with the Chief Executive, staff team and Board.
• Has open two-way discussions with others, shares information, and actively responds to suggestions.
• Takes responsibilities for own work within the overall business plan and strategy, shows flexibility and positive attitude.
• Makes timely decisions, seeks ideas from others regardless of hierarchy.
• Focuses on team contribution to achieving the business plan and strategy.
• Sets, implements, tracks and reports against appropriate performance and development objectives.
• Ability to deal with sensitive issues and to demonstrate strict confidentiality.
• A commitment to the principles of diversity and equality and to implementing these within all areas of work.

Without Walls is an equal opportunities employer and we are open to all applicants, though we would be particularly interested in hearing from candidates who share the following values and work ethos:

• Well organised and detail oriented.
• Comfortable presenting in public at meetings or events.
• Can multitask, work quickly and be flexible while driving results.
• At ease with taking direction but equally self-sufficient when needed.
• A good team player who welcomes a range of working styles and personalities.
• High levels of initiative and ability to take responsibility.
• Will go above and beyond, taking extra time to complete tasks when needed.
• Will travel as part of work commitments.

HOW TO APPLY

We realise that we could miss out on incredible talent joining Without Walls because someone might not see themselves in every single one of the person specification criteria. Do not be put off if you feel you do not tick all of the boxes below - if you think you could be great for this role, please apply anyway.

Alternatively, please contact Danielle Sherwood, Operations Manager [e-mail] and we would be happy to discuss the role with you or answer any questions you may have.

To apply, please send us:

• A CV - which should detail your key skills, employment or voluntary experience relevant to this role, including responsibilities held and relevant education or vocational training. Please include a minimum of two referees, including at least one character reference. They will not be approached until after the interviews and with express consent from you.

• A cover letter (2 pages of A4 max) - telling us why you are interested in this position, how your skills and experience meet the needs of the role.

• Our Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form - this will be separated from your application at the shortlisting stage, but it helps us to understand and improve our job advertisements. Completion of the form is voluntary.

We will also accept applications as audio or video files that contain the information described above. These should be no more than 10 minutes in length.

Please send your completed application to [e-mail] with the subject header ‘Head of Programme Recruitment’ by Tuesday, 2 September at 12pm.

TIMELINE

Recruitment opens: Friday 1 August

Recruitment closes: Tuesday 2 September

Interview dates: Tuesday 9 September and Wednesday 10 September, in person at the Without Walls office.

If you are asked to interview, Without Walls will reimburse travel costs for candidates travelling from outside of Greater Manchester.

We understand that applying for roles takes time and thank you in advance for your interest.