Job vacancy: Head of Audiences and Communications

Longborough Festival Opera; Bristol; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious opera festival based in the Cotswolds is seeking a Head of Audiences and Communications to lead its marketing and audience development efforts. You will manage a talented team and work closely with senior leadership. Candidates should have proven experience in arts marketing, strong communication skills, and a passion for the arts. The role is full-time and requires flexibility during festival season.

Qualifications

• Proven success in arts marketing and audience development.
• Experience in managing cross-functional teams and projects.
• A passion for the arts and a commitment to sharing opera widely.

Responsibilities

• Lead brand, marketing, press and communications strategy.
• Grow and diversify audiences locally, nationally and online.
• Oversee the box office and ticketing strategies.

Skills

Arts marketing

Audience development

Data analysis

Communication skills

Leadership

Tools

Spektrix

Job description

About Us

LFO is a world-class opera festival based in the heart of the Cotswolds. Each summer, we welcome audiences to our intimate theatre overlooking the Evenlode valley, offering bold, ambitious productions that have gained national and international recognition. We are especially known for our presentation of Wagner’s operas, and alongside the festival, we nurture children and young people through our thriving year-round education programmes.

Founded with a spirit of audacity and creative endeavour, Longborough has grown from humble beginnings into one of the UK’s most exciting opera destinations. With a committed team, a loyal supporter base and a fast-growing reputation for high quality ambitious work, there has never been a more exciting time to join us as we expand our reach, deepen our impact and shape the future of opera in the UK.

About the Role

As Head of Audiences and Communications, you’ll be responsible for:

• Leading our brand, marketing, press and communications strategy
• Growing and diversifying audiences locally, nationally and online
• Overseeing the box office, data analysis and ticketing strategies (Spektrix)
• Shaping our public voice, increasing our reach and strengthening our identity
• Developing meaningful community, youth and education engagement in partnership with our Learning team
• Supporting fundraising and membership messaging through compelling storytelling and impact reporting

You’ll report to the Executive Director, work closely with the Artistic Director as well as our Learning, Development, Events and Finance staff. You’ll be a key part of our core year-round staff team, with leadership responsibility at an important stage in our organisational development.

Who We’re Looking For

We’re seeking a collaborative and engaging individual who combines:

• Proven success in arts marketing and audience development
• Experience in managing cross-functional teams and projects
• Confidence in using data and systems (e.g. Spektrix) to guide strategy
• A passion for the arts and a commitment to sharing the artform of opera widely
• Strong communication skills, with flair for copywriting, press and brand development
• A hands-on, solutions-focused attitude and a collaborative leadership style

You’ll line manage a small, talented team including the Box Office Manager and Social Media Manager, with support from freelance marketing and PR consultants. You’ll also help shape the future structure of our Audiences and Insights team.

Why Join Longborough?

We are:

• A small, ambitious team with big ideas and international reach
• Based in an inspiring rural setting with beautiful views and a strong community spirit
• Known for nurturing talent and creative audacity, from being the only summer festival to present three Wagner Ring Cycles to our groundbreaking education work
• At a pivotal stage of growth, with a rebrand and digital transformation underway

Additional Info

• Salary: £40,000–£45,000 depending on experience
• Location: Our Longborough offices, with hybrid working offered out of season. A valid driving licence and access to a car are required due to our rural location
• Contract: Full-time, permanent
• Evening and weekend work will be required during the Festival season (May–August) with the flexibility to work evenings expected at a number of external events throughout the year, as well as to attend performances
• Start date: September/October 2025

How to Apply

Please submit a CV and covering letter (max 2 pages) outlining your relevant experience and what excites you about this role to:[e-mail]

Download the full job descriptionbelow.

When you submit your application, pleasecomplete our anonymised equality monitoring form.

If you would benefit from an informal conversation about the role, please [e-mail]

Application deadline:Monday 11th August 2025

First round interviews (online):Week of 25th August 2025

Second round interviews (in person at Longborough):Week of 1st September 2025