Lead Cultural Programme & Community Engagement

The Octagon Theatre; Lancashire; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The Octagon Theatre seeks an inspiring Programme Director to lead the Fabric of Bolton programme, shaping Bolton's cultural future with local communities and partners. You will provide strategic direction, oversee governance and fundraising, and ensure delivery and impact across public, voluntary and cultural sectors.

You will build collaborations with artists, communities and funders, drive audience participation, and champion inclusive cultural development across the region.

Qualifications

• Significant experience of leading and delivering complex cultural, arts, community or place-based programmes.
• Strong programme management and organisational skills.
• Experience of developing successful partnerships and stakeholder relationships.
• A track record of community engagement, outreach and community development.
• Knowledge and experience of governance and organisational management.
• Experience of securing funding and delivering successful fundraising activity.
• Strong strategic planning and problem-solving skills.
• Experience of monitoring and evaluation frameworks and impact reporting.
• Excellent communication, leadership and influencing skills.
• A commitment to equality, diversity, inclusion and community-centred practice.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and overall programme management for Fabric of Bolton.
• Develop, manage and strengthen partnerships with cultural organisations, community groups, public sector bodies and funders.
• Lead engagement and outreach activities to ensure broad and inclusive community participation.
• Champion community development through creative and cultural opportunities.
• Oversee programme budgets, financial planning and resource management.
• Identify and secure funding opportunities, developing successful fundraising applications and partnerships.
• Ensure effective governance, compliance and risk management arrangements are in place.
• Monitor programme performance and lead evaluation activity to demonstrate impact and outcomes.
• Produce reports for funders, stakeholders and governance groups.
• Act as an ambassador for the programme at local, regional and national levels.

Skills

Leading complex programmes

Programme management

Partnerships & stakeholder relations

Community engagement

Governance & organisational management

Fundraising

Strategic planning

Monitoring & evaluation

Communication & leadership

Equality, diversity & inclusion

Job description

The Octagon Theatre seeks an inspiring Programme Director to lead the Fabric of Bolton programme, shaping Bolton's cultural future with local communities and partners. You will provide strategic direction, oversee governance and fundraising, and ensure delivery and impact across public, voluntary and cultural sectors.

You will build collaborations with artists, communities and funders, drive audience participation, and champion inclusive cultural development across the region.