Programme Manager (Skills and Engagement)

New Writing North; Newcastle upon Tyne; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 34,000; Part time

Job summary

New Writing North in Newcastle upon Tyne is seeking a Programme Manager (Skills and Engagement) to lead the Create Talent programme, a 26‑strand initiative delivering 2026–2029, and to support the development of audiences as NWN opens a new writing centre.

You will work across teams to plan and deliver activities on time and within budget, manage a portfolio of strands, engage participants, and develop strong industry partnerships with freelance artists, writers and producers.

Responsibilities

• Project manage a portfolio of programme strands with multiple priorities.
• Ensure activity is delivered to a high standard, on time and within budget.
• Support participant engagement and progression routes.
• Develop relationships with creative industry partners and freelance artists.

Skills

Programme management

Stakeholder engagement

Job description

Programme Manager (Skills and Engagement)

New Writing North’s (NWN) Create Talent programme is formed of 26 interconnected skills development and creative industry programme strands which will be delivered between 2026 and March 2029. The Programme Manager, alongside colleagues, will have a pivotal role in the planning and delivery of this ambitious programme, supporting the development of new audiences as NWN works towards opening a new centre for writing in Newcastle upon Tyne.

Working with staff across the organisation, you will project manage a portfolio of programme strands, overseeing multiple priorities and ensuring activity is delivered to a high standard, on time and within budget. You will support participant engagement and routes for progression, while ensuring the impact of the programme is effectively monitored, evaluated and celebrated.

You will develop and maintain strong relationships with creative industry partners, working with them to reduce barriers to participation and provide meaningful opportunities for programme participants. Acting as a key point of contact for freelance artists, writers and producers leading the delivery of the programme, you will ensure activity is well coordinated and responsive to the needs of those taking part.

Please see https://newwritingnorth.com/vacancies for a full job description and person specification.

Proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme

Programme Manager (Skills and Engagement)

Company: New Writing North Salary: £28,233 to £34,371 a year, pro rata Hours: Part-time Location: Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 8ST Working pattern: On-site Job type: Contract Posting date: 6 Nov 2026 Closing date: 4 Dec 2026

Summary

New Writing North’s (NWN) Create Talent programme is formed of 26 interconnected skills development and creative industry programme strands which will be delivered between 2026 and March 2029. The Programme Manager, alongside colleagues, will have a pivotal role in the planning and delivery of this ambitious programme, supporting the development of new audiences as NWN works towards opening a new centre for writing in Newcastle upon Tyne.

Working with staff across the organisation, you will project manage a portfolio of programme strands, overseeing multiple priorities and ensuring activity is delivered to a high standard, on time and within budget. You will support participant engagement and routes for progression, while ensuring the impact of the programme is effectively monitored, evaluated and celebrated.

You will develop and maintain strong relationships with creative industry partners, working with them to reduce barriers to participation and provide meaningful opportunities for programme participants. Acting as a key point of contact for freelance artists, writers and producers leading the delivery of the programme, you will ensure activity is well coordinated and responsive to the needs of those taking part.

Essential requirements

Please see https://newwritingnorth.com/vacancies for a full job description and person specification.

Proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme

About Disability Confident

Disability Confident is a government scheme. It encourages employers to recruit and retain disabled people and those with long term health conditions.