The Core at Corby Cube

Arts Council England; Corby; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 53,000; Full time

Job summary

The Core at Corby Cube in Corby is seeking a Director to lead the theatre, combining artistic vision with financial resilience and broad community engagement. You will work with NAMT, nurture talent and build a welcoming, ambitious culture across the Corby team.

The role requires significant senior management experience, strategic leadership and strong fundraising capacity, with a passion for theatre and youth engagement. Salary depends on experience; DBS check required.

Qualifications

• Senior management experience leading and motivating teams.
• In-depth knowledge of theatre and cultural landscape.
• Experience programming live performance and developing audiences.
• Strong relationships with funders, partners and communities.
• Proven fundraising experience, especially trusts and foundations.
• Ability to balance artistic, social and financial priorities.
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills.
• Commitment to accessibility, equality and inclusion.
• Experience in venue management or artist development is valuable.

Responsibilities

• Shape The Core's strategic direction with NAMT.
• Lead a diverse, imaginative and accessible programme.
• Champion locally created work and build relationships with producers, promoters, artists and cultural organisations.
• Develop participation for families, children, young people, schools and communities under-represented in the arts.
• Be a visible advocate for The Core and culture in Corby, strengthening relationships with funders, partners and communities.
• Set and monitor budgets, income targets and expenditure; grow earned income, fundraising and sponsorship.
• Recruit, develop, support and motivate the team, encouraging clear communication, collaboration and an exceptional welcome for all.

Skills

Senior management

Team leadership

Theatre knowledge

Fundraising experience

Stakeholder relations

Strategic planning

Communication skills

Inclusion commitment

Job description

Thu, 15 Oct 2026">published - Thu, 15 Oct 2026

Job Summary

Lead The Core at Corby Cube into its next chapter. We're looking for an inspiring cultural leader to combine artistic ambition, exceptional people leadership and financial resilience, with children, young people and communities at the heart of our work.

Job Description

The Core at Corby Cube is looking for its next Director: an experienced cultural leader who believes in the power of theatre and creativity to change lives.

Since opening in 2010, we have welcomed almost half a million audience members and engaged nearly 200,000 participants. Our programme brings together touring performance, local and community work, artist development and opportunities for children and young people.

This is an opportunity to lead an ambitious, much-loved theatre at the heart of one of England's most distinctive and rapidly evolving towns. You will help deepen our connection with Corby, grow audiences, strengthen partnerships and build the financial resilience that will allow The Core to thrive.

Working with the Chief Executive, Board and colleagues across Northamptonshire Arts Management Trust (NAMT), you will combine artistic judgement, strategic leadership, commercial understanding, community engagement and fundraising. You will lead the Corby-based team, nurturing talent and creating a supportive, ambitious culture in which people feel valued and empowered.

Salary: £50,000-£53,000, depending on experience.
Location: Corby, Northamptonshire.
Evening and weekend work is required. The appointment is subject to an Enhanced DBS check.

We welcome applications from all backgrounds, particularly people from Global Majority and lower socio-economic backgrounds, and D/deaf and disabled people. We welcome flexible working and job-share requests, including arrangements around caring responsibilities.

For a confidential conversation: [e-mail].
For recruitment support or adjustments: P&[e-mail].

Job Requirements

You will bring:

Significant senior management experience and a track record of leading and motivating teams.

Substantial knowledge of theatre and the wider cultural landscape, with experience of programming live performance and developing audiences.

Strong relationships with funders, partners, communities and stakeholders, and successful fundraising experience, particularly through trusts and foundations.

The ability to balance artistic, social and commercial priorities and make financially responsible decisions.

Excellent communication and negotiation skills, building trust with people at every level.

A commitment to accessibility, equality of opportunity and inclusion.

Experience of venue management, producing, artist development, participatory arts, working with young people or community performance would be valuable.

You do not need a conventional career path. Please see the recruitment pack for the full criteria.

Job Responsibilities

Work with the Chief Executive, Board and NAMT colleagues to shape and deliver The Core's strategic direction and Business Plan.

Lead a diverse, imaginative and accessible programme, balancing artistic ambition, audience development, financial performance and community relevance.

Champion locally created work and build relationships with producers, promoters, artists and cultural organisations.

Develop participation for families, children, young people, schools and communities under-represented in the arts, including Project M and creative progression pathways.

Be a visible advocate for The Core and culture in Corby, strengthening relationships with funders, partners and communities.

Set and monitor budgets, income targets and expenditure; grow earned income, fundraising and sponsorship.

Recruit, develop, support and motivate the team, encouraging clear communication, collaboration and an exceptional welcome for all.

Job Overview

• Job Title: Director
• Hours: Full time
• Artform: Theatre
• Role: Creative
• Contract: Permanent
• Location: East Midlands