Creative Programming Manager

We’ve got an opportunity for a Creative Programming Manager to join our team.

The Public Engagement & Programming team develops and delivers our national-scale cultural and Creative Programming, including community programming, Creative Programming, thematic programming, festivals, and national, audience-led, public programmes. Working both on and off property, our team develops and delivers some of the most impactful programming at the Trust. 

If you have a passion/knowledge for the arts, can work with multiple stakeholders, artists and partners to coach, develop and support teams and collaborators, are a strategic thinker, with experience in commissioning artists and creative projects, we would love to hear from you!

This is a fixed term contract due to end when the previous employee returns from maternity leave. At this point we cannot confirm exactly how long this contract will last, but it is unlikely to be more than 12 months.

What it's like to work here

The national public engagement & programming team leads and develops our work across a range of cultural programmes including our Creative Programming and community festivals. We support our colleagues across regions and countries as well as develop external partnerships to deliver work beyond our borders for new and more diverse audiences. We are a fun and dedicated team who work closely together as to share skills, best practice, and support each other in our closely aligned areas of work.

Your contractual location will be our head office in Swindon and there will be an expectation for you to attend the office. However, there is flexibility on where you are based at other times. You will be required to work at a National Trust location for 40-60% of your working week. This will be discussed in more detail at interview.

As a team we spend most our time working a hybrid pattern, but we prioritise co-working days at Heelis (Swindon) and Savoy Hill House (London), as well as regular team days across the country. There is also semi-regular travel required for meetings, to visit properties and seek external inspiration.

What you'll be doing

Working with the Trust’s creative regional leads across England, Wales and Northern Ireland you’ll support the delivery of Creative Programming in service of growth, diversity, and connection. You’ll connect our community of practice creating a network to share learning, best practice and develop confidence and capability across the Trust.  You’ll also work to advocate for this work with senior stakeholders to demonstrate the benefit of Creative Programming for our visitor business and people.

 You’ll be the main relationship holder for our national partnership with Arts Council England and other key strategic partners for Creative Programming. You’ll work on developing and delivering new areas of work working with partners, artists and colleagues across the Trust.,

 You’ll with our community festivals team(s) to embed and integrate creativity in our work beyond our borders. This may involve commissioning artists, supporting external partners working with artists, and leading our thinking as we develop our work in this area.

 You’ll line manage the Project Manager (cultural programming) and be an integral part of the Public Engagement & Programming team. You will also work across our wider Experiences team through matrix working to deliver your objectives and champion our work.

Who we're looking for

You can view the full role profile for this role in the document attached. You don't need to have all the knowledge, skills and experience listed in the role profile; this is just to provide a full picture of what is possible in this role, we’d love to hear from you if you have:

• A passion for Creative Programming and the difference it can make to people’s lives.
• Experience in and knowledge of Creative Programming including producing, commissioning, and working with artists (of any/all art forms)
• An excellent strategic thinker with the ability to translate complex ideas into clear briefs, information, and plans for a wide variety of stakeholders, including those not familiar with the arts/Creative Programming.
• Good knowledge of evaluating impact, utilising audience insight and the ability to create a business case for investment based on evidence.
• Experience of managing large-scale projects or programmes (preferably across dispersed geographical locations)
• Experience of fundraising with an awareness of potential funding sources for Creative Programming.
• Experience of people management and leadership across teams.

The package

The National Trust has the motto ‘For everyone, for ever’ at its heart. We’re working hard to create an inclusive culture, where everyone feels they belong. It’s important that our people reflect and represent the diversity of the communities and audiences we serve. We welcome and value difference, so when we say we’re for everyone, we want everyone to be welcome in our teams too.

• Substantial pension scheme of up to 10% basic salary
• Free entry to National Trust places for you, a guest and your children (under 18)
• Tax-free childcare scheme
• Rental deposit loan scheme
• Season ticket loan
• EV car lease scheme 
• Perks at work discounts such as gym memberships, shopping discount codes, cinema discounts
• Holiday allowance up to 32 days relating to length of service, plus holiday purchase scheme, subject to meeting minimum criteria.
• Flexible working whenever possible
• Employee assistance programme
• Free parking at most Trust places