Music Development Manager

UNIVERSITY OF READING; Reading; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Part time

Job summary

A prominent academic institution in Reading seeks a passionate Music Development Manager to enhance the extracurricular music programme. This role involves designing and delivering events, managing budgets, and fostering a collaborative environment. Ideal candidates will have experience in events organisation within the arts, possess strong social media skills, and communicate effectively. Evening and weekend work is required, ensuring a vibrant music culture within the university.

Qualifications

• Experience in music or arts setting.
• Ability to create a positive and inclusive culture.
• Willingness to work evenings and weekends.

Responsibilities

• Design and deliver music programme for students and staff.
• Manage events and handle budgets.
• Collaborate with professionals in various disciplines.

Skills

Passionate about music

Event organisation

Budget management

Strong social media capabilities

Strong communicator

Team collaboration

Versatile and proactive

Job description

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Part-time 0.60 FTE, Permanent

Closing date: 23:59 Monday 12th January 2026

Interviews will be held: Thursday 22nd January 2026

This role is not eligible for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship. The successful candidate(s) will have to ensure that they have the right to work in the UK or be able to secure this through another means without the sponsorship of the University. Further information about sponsorship is available on the UK Visas and Immigration Website .

This is an exceptional opportunity for an outstanding candidate to make an impact through music.

The University of Reading Music team is responsible for the planning and delivery of a busy extracurricular music programme for the University. We run a diverse programme of performance opportunities, activities and events throughout the year that promote engagement through music and showcase the talents of our students, staff and alumni to a range of public audiences. Sitting within the External Relations Directorate, our small Music team benefits from close collaboration with professionals of different disciplines to ensure that music activities provide an exceptional experience for participants and audiences alike.

As Music Development Manager you will work with the rest of the music team to design and deliver a programme that enriches staff and student experience and offers opportunities for creative expression, personal development and community engagement. The role is hugely varied and encompasses a wide range of responsibilities, from annual planning to hands‑on event delivery, budget management to looking for creative ways to grow the programme.

We are looking for someone who:

• Is passionate about music and able to enthuse others
• Enjoys working collaboratively on strategic planning and programme design
• Is experienced at events organisation and hands‑on delivery within a Music or broader arts setting
• Well‑versed in budget management
• Strong social media capabilities, with ability to strategically build a social media presence
• Works well as part of a team and is equally comfortable leading projects and supporting others
• A strong communicator with the ability to influence and motivate others
• Versatile, proactive and agile in working style to suit the demands of this varied role
• Approachable and keen to create a positive culture that is inclusive and welcoming
• Willing and able to commit to a work pattern that includes evening and weekend work

Please note that interviews for this role will take place in person at the University of Reading, London Road Campus on Thursday 22 January 2026.

Applications should be made through the University of Reading jobs site www.reading.ac.uk/jobs. When making your application please complete all sections of the application form and upload your CV.

Contact Name Dan Miller
Contact Job Title Head of Music
Contact Email address [e-mail]

The University is committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce, supports the gender equality Athena SWAN Charter and the Race Equality Charter, and champions LGBT+ equality. We are a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2). Applications for job‑share, part‑time and flexible working arrangements are welcomed and will be considered in line with business needs.