Performance Programmer – Maternity Cover

EXETER PHOENIX LTD; Exeter; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 29,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Free ticket +1 to Exeter Phoenix shows

Free daily hot drink

50% off food

Health Shield wellness plan

Subscriptions to The Stage and ArtsPro

Job summary

Exeter Phoenix is seeking a motivated Performance Programmer for a maternity cover role. The part-time post (approx. 2.5 days per week) will develop, administer and deliver a busy programme across theatre, dance and live art in Exeter Phoenix's spaces. Evening and weekend work may be required.

The salary is £26,520 per annum pro rata, with 24 days holiday plus bank holidays pro rata. You will work closely with the Director and a small team to realise the venue's programming strategy.

Qualifications

• Previous relevant experience of working in a venue or for a performance company or for an arts organisation.
• A genuine interest in live performance and knowledge of the sector.
• Commitment to engaging diverse audiences.
• PC literate with MS Office and ability to learn other IT systems.
• Excellent interpersonal and organisational skills.
• Able to work on own initiative and within a small team.
• Willing to work occasional evenings and weekends.

Responsibilities

• Source an exciting, varied and impactful programme of theatre, dance and live art events for Exeter Phoenix across spaces.
• Oversee the delivery of the live event programme in collaboration with marketing, technical, visitor services and other teams.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of best practice and industry contacts.
• Develop relationships with artists, agents and companies and manage related communications.

Job description

exeterphoenix

Artwork by Darren Shaddick.

Job Description

Performance Programmer – Maternity Cover

Part Time (2.5 days per week)

12 Month Contract to start January 2027

Exeter Phoenix is a vibrant, fast-paced multi-art form venue located in Exeter’s city centre. Our programme spans live music, theatre, contemporary visual arts, cinema, dance, comedy, classes and workshops, talks and more, as well as providing support and development opportunities for the region’s creative community. Exeter Phoenix is also a charity, and our role as a creative organisation in the community is a core part of what we do.

The role of Performance Programmer principally covers the development, administration and delivery of a busy programme theatre, dance and live art performances and associated activity across various spaces in Exeter Phoenix. This role supports the vision of the Director and works closely with the technical, café bar, marketing and Visitor Services staff.

We are seeking an exceptionally motivated and proactive individual to manage this role while our current Performance Programmer is on maternity leave. This is a fantastic opportunity to work at the heart of Exeter’s creative scene.

This position requires some relevant previous experience in a comparable post or freelance capacity and a keen interest in and knowledge of live performance. It will require a flexible approach, as some evening and weekend work will be necessary.

exeterphoenix

Salary

The salary is £26,520.00 per annum pro rata.

Hours

This is a part-time position (approx 2.5 days a week). Subject to agreement, the hours can be worked flexibly to suit the post holder and may include evening and weekend work. No overtime is paid (additional hours negotiated with time off in lieu).

Holidays

Holiday entitlement - 24 days p.a. plus bank holidays pro rata

Responsible to: The Director

Employee Benefits

• Free ticket and a +1 to a wide range of Exeter Phoenix shows and experiences
• A free daily hot drink and free soft drinks from the Exeter Phoenix Cafe Bar
• 50% off food from the Exeter Phoenix Cafe Bar
• Health Shield - Cash wellness plan after being employed for 6 months
• Paid for subscriptions to The Stage and Arts Professional

Main duties and responsibilities:

Source an exciting, varied and impactful programme of high-quality theatre, dance and live art events for our various spaces in line with our artistic strategy (download Programming Policy here).

• Oversee the delivery of the live event programme, working with other team members across the organisation – marketing, technical, visitor services, box office, EDI, fundraising – and implement ongoing monitoring and evaluation.
• To keep informed of best practice and undertake research to ensure the highest possible standard.
• To keep and maintain a database of artists, agents, promoters and industry contacts.
• To adhere to the organisation’s policies and procedures, and maintain a working knowledge of Exeter Phoenix’s strategy and business plan.
• To perform any other reasonable tasks requested by the Director.

To ensure an intersectional approach to developing artist support, participation and engagement opportunities relating to the event programme and the performance sector.

Champion and promote the strength of new work being produced and presented in the region, connecting and networking with other companies and organisations, and maintain and grow strong working relationships.

Work as part of a team with key external partners and freelancers to deliver festivals and events across the city and assist with related project development.

Liaise with other staff in the organisation to develop events and activities that support the creative community, including our annual Green Phoenix Festival.

Source and prepare publicity and press materials and work closely with companies, agents and artists as well as the marketing team to strategise and deliver successful events.

To represent Exeter Phoenix’s live programme at both internal and external meetings and events, and maintain strategic partnerships in the sector.

To be the first point of contact to artists/companies and respond to incoming enquiries relating to live events and related activities.

exeterphoenix

Person Specification

Please demonstrate how you meet each of these Essential and Desirable criteria when applying for this role, as this will form the basis of our shortlisting.

Essential

Previous relevant experience of working in a venue or for a performance company or for an arts organisation, as an employee or as a freelancer.

• A good working knowledge of the current performing arts sector, with a genuine interest in and passion for live performance.
• A commitment to the engagement and development of diverse audiences.
• PC literate with IT skills in Microsoft Office (or similar) and the ability to quickly learn other IT systems as required.

Ability to work on own initiative and within a small team.

Excellent interpersonal skills.

Excellent organisation skills and ability to work in an efficient, confident, tactful and discreet manner.

Adaptable, resourceful, energetic, open and friendly; ability to work flexibly and proactively in a fast-paced environment, responding to tight deadlines and working well while under pressure and problem-solving.

Demonstrably good written and verbal communication skills; able to collaborate with colleagues, artists/companies, external stakeholders, partners and funders.

Understanding of and a proven commitment to inclusion, diversity and equal opportunities.

Willing and able to work occasional evening and weekend hours.

Desirable

• Technical knowledge and event management experience.
• Familiarity with the existing arts and culture scene in Exeter and the wider South West region.

Existing network of contacts, including emerging and established artists, and/or cultural / community partners.

exeterphoenix

Artwork by Darren Shaddick.

Updated: October 2026