Head of Public Programmes

ABOUT THE NATIONAL CENTRE FOR CIRCUS ARTS

The National Centre for Circus Arts is a registered charity and an independent Higher Education provider registered with the Office for Students, and is one of Europe’s leading providers of circus arts training.

For the past 30 years we have provided emerging and professional circus artists, directors and choreographers access to vital space and support to train, experiment and share ideas.

Our diverse range of work includes BA degree-level education in Circus Arts which is supported at either side by a structured training programme for under-18s and professional
development opportunities for aspiring and established performers.

Adults and young people can enjoy recreational classes and occasional performances. We also run highly regarded workshops, away days and team building events for the corporate community.

We continue to develop our creation and production capabilities and are striving forward in both initiating, supporting and creating high quality work that can tour regionally and nationally.

Our national role increasingly sees us supporting and mentoring circus artists and organisations across the country as we seek to develop and mature our remarkable art form.

We have embarking on an exciting new strategy for the organisation which will see more cross-departmental working and an increase in our commercial activities, in order to make us more financially sustainable.

ABOUT THE ROLE

The Head of Programming will lead to the development and delivery of public-facing and professional programmes, ensuring that they are innovative, engaging, and financially viable.

This involves strategic oversight of the Recreational Programme, Open Training programme, as well as the organisation’s marketing efforts and data and systems provision.

The role will also involve close collaboration with other departments to ensure a cohesive and strategic approach to public engagement and commercial opportunities

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE ROLE

Strategic Development

• With the CEO, develop strategies for achieving the annual Recreational Programme and Open Training revenue targets and improve operational efficiency to reduce costs.
• With the CEO, create an effective Marketing and Communications strategy.
• Regularly review current performance against target, manage expenditure, and provide accurate reports on position as required.
• Regularly review programme offerings and pricing structures, benchmarking against industry standards to ensure competitiveness.
• Develop and implement new and refreshed offers and models of delivery for the Recreational Programme – increasing audience engagement and revenue.

Programmes Management

• Lead the development and delivery of public programming, namely the Recreational Programme’s courses, workshops, Summer School, and other initiatives.
• Manage the Recreational Programme Manager, ensuring that the Recreational Programme offerings are innovative, engaging, and aligned with the organisation’s strategic and financial goals.
• Lead the development and delivery of Open Training, ensuring coordination between the Data & Systems Manager and other teams.
• Set, manage and monitor Recreational Programme, Open Training, and Marketing budgets in liaison with the CEO, and Head of Finance.
• Collaborate with the Management Team (MT) to ensure that the programmes support the organisation’s overall strategy and financial objectives.

Sales and Marketing

• Manage the Marketing Manager to ensure strategic promotion of all National Centre programmes and activity, including content creation for social media and the website.
• Manage the Data and Systems Manager to ensure the timely and accurate on-sale process for all programmes,
• Manage customer feedback systems, booking policies, and escalated complaints to enhance programme development and ensure participant satisfaction,
• Identify new marketing opportunities to attract diverse participants and drive engagement in the public, outreach, and degree programmes.

Team Leadership

• Directly manage the Recreational Programme Manager, Marketing Manager, and Data & Systems Manager, ensuring alignment with organisational goals.
• Support and mentor the Teachers, and Programme & Facilities Coordinators, fostering a culture of excellence in service delivery,
• Lead recruitment, training, and performance management of the public programming team.

Collaboration and Cross-Departmental Work

• Work with the Head of Learning and Participation, Head of Operations, Senior Sales & Events Manager, and other departments to ensure smooth integration and coordination of all programmes within the available spaces.
• Work closely with the Head of Learning & Participation to recruit, develop, and schedule Circus Arts Teachers on Recreational and Learning & Participation programmes.
• Work closely with the Head of Learning & Participation to contribute to the scholarship scheme.
• Coordinate with the Operations department to ensure the seamless delivery of programmes, including facilities management and technical support.

CANDIDATE REQUIREMENTS

Experience

• At least two years’ experience of running or managing a programme of income generating classes, activities, workshops or events.
• A track record of developing a programme to either increase engagement, participants or income.
• A strong knowledge of safeguarding policies and procedures relating to young people and adults at risk.
• Experience of managing teams of people.
• Experience of working in an organisation with a varied public programme and the operational challenges that come with that.
• Experience of creating and/or overseeing marketing and social media campaigns.
• Experience of managing budgets and hitting income targets.
• Experience of using online room booking systems (ideally CELCAT).

Skills

• Excellent planning and organisational skills.
• An ability to think strategically when approaching space planning and income maximisation.
• Strong financial awareness.
• An understanding of audience development, especially in a charitable or arts setting.
• Strong written and verbal communications skills across all media.
• Ability to work with a wide range of customers and stakeholders.
• Ability to work effectively and collaboratively across departments.
• Ability to bring together a multi discipline team.

Personal attributes

• Interest in the performing arts sector.
• Creative and entrepreneurial spirit.
• Flexible approach to working hours.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

To apply, please complete the online application form, you will need to upload a CV.

As part of the application process you will also be asked ” Where did you hear about the role ? “ please state Hackney Council and send the application confirmation email to delroy.lammie@hackney.gov.uk as this will allow us to track the progress of your application and gather feedback from the employer.

To view the job description, the full list of responsibilities and application process click here – > National Centre for Circus Arts – Head of Public Programmes – JD Aug 2026

Hours: 35 hours per week. Occasional evenings and one weekend day per month.