Join Our Team - Education Manager
Purpose of job
To inspire learning through arts, culture and creativity.
Leeds Heritage Theatres is looking for an experienced and ambitious Education Manager to lead, develop and grow our education programme across Leeds Grand Theatre, City Varieties Music Hall and Hyde Park Picture House.
This is a senior role combining strategic leadership with programme delivery. You will be responsible for shaping and delivering a high-quality, curriculum-linked education offer that connects children, young people, educators and learning providers with our artistic programme, festivals and heritage venues.
Working as part of the Learning & Engagement Leadership Team, you will build partnerships with schools, colleges, universities, cultural organisations and community partners, while developing accredited pathways, work experience opportunities and creative learning programmes that support progression into further education and careers in the arts.
At Leeds Heritage Theatres, learning is at the heart of everything we do. In this role, you will champion creative learning, lead research and evaluation activity, manage a passionate team and ensure our education work is inclusive, impactful and sustainable for future generations.
About you
You are an experienced leader who is passionate about the transformative power of arts education and creative learning.
You will bring:
- Significant experience leading and developing creative education or learning programmes within arts, culture or educational settings.
- Experience working with young people, educators, artists and partners to create high-quality learning opportunities.
- Strong strategic planning, programme management and evaluation skills.
- Experience managing people, partnerships, budgets and resources.
- A strong understanding of safeguarding and inclusive practice when working with children, young people and adults at risk.
- Excellent communication and relationship-building skills, with the ability to influence and advocate for arts education.
You are a collaborative, organised and forward-thinking leader who can turn ambitious ideas into meaningful opportunities for children and young people.
For full details of the role please see the job pack.
*Please note that due to the nature of the role, you will be subject to enhanced DBS and checks against the Children’s Barred List and we will carry out online vetting.
About us
As a proud Leeds charity at the heart of the city’s cultural life, we inspire connection, nurture talent and make the arts accessible to all.
Across Leeds Grand Theatre, City Varieties Music Hall and Hyde Park Picture House, We present the very best in live performance, music, comedy and film, welcoming around 350,000 audience members each year. We create places where stories are shared, ideas explored and creativity thrives – supporting artists, engaging communities and keeping Leeds’ cultural heartbeat strong.
When we come together, extraordinary things happen. Join us and play your part in shaping something special.
Salary and Benefits
Contract Type: Permanent (subject to probation)
Responsible to: Head of Learning & Engagement
Responsible for: Learning & Engagement Officer and Learning & Engagement Coordinator
Salary: £34,804 per annum
Holiday entitlement: 25 days pro rata
Benefits
- Generous average salary pension scheme, plus health and sickness benefits
- Regular staff offers and discounts for our venues and local businesses
- Free to use Employee Assistance Programme that supports your health and wellbeing
- Personnel investment and training
- Flexible working
Probation Period: Four months
Hours: 37 hours per week
To apply
To apply, please complete our online application form for this role and our diversity monitoring form. Both forms can be found below. Please note, the application form must be completed in a single session. It cannot be saved and resumed later. As well as the standard details such as name, contact information and references, the form includes six questions (all listed below) designed to prompt thoughtful, focused answers to highlight your experience, ability and understanding of the role. Each question has a maximum response limit of 4,000 characters.
(Please note: In a departure from the process set out in the recruitment pack, for this post, you will apply and provide disclosure information through a single online form. Please do not submit a CV and cover letter, as these will not be considered)
The deadline for receipt of applications is Fri 30 October at 5pm.
First round interviews will be held on Mon 9 November. Second round interviews will be held on Tue 17 November. Interviews will involve a series of questions, a presentation and a discussion to demonstrate your approach to creative education.
If you need any reasonable adjustments to apply, please contact humanresources@leedsheritagetheatres.com.
Application questions
- Describe your experience of leading creative education or learning programmes in an arts, cultural or educational setting. Your answer should tell us what roles you have undertaken, the scale and scope of the programmes you led, who they were designed for, what the key learning outcomes were, how success was measured and the longer-term impact.
- Describe your experience of developing partnerships with education providers, alternative provision, employers, community organisations or cultural partners. Your answer should tell us how you established and maintained these relationships, your role in managing the partnership, what outcomes were achieved and any challenges you overcame.
- Tell us about your experience of using evaluation, data or research to improve programmes and demonstrate impact. Your answer should include examples of how you gathered evidence, used insight to inform decisions, how you communicated findings and how this supported improved learning outcomes, reporting, advocacy or funding.
- Describe your experience and approach to safeguarding children, young people and adults at risk. Your answer should outline your understanding of safeguarding responsibilities, any relevant training or leadership experience, and how you create safe, inclusive and accessible learning environments.
- Tell us about your experience of leading and supporting teams, including staff, freelancers, volunteers or external practitioners. Your answer should explain your approach to leadership, communication, professional development and collaborative working.
- What do you see as the most important role of arts education today, and how would you help realise this vision as Education Manager? Your answer should outline your views on the role creative learning can play in supporting and enhancing formal education, your understanding of the current state of the creative curriculum, any significant outcomes you’ve observed and how you’d intend to apply this knowledge and understanding to your approach when developing the Education Programme.
Our organisation is actively seeking applications from people from the global majority and those with a disability.
We are committed to promoting safeguarding and the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults. Therefore, all appointments are subject to satisfactory pre-employment checks and relevant roles will need to complete an enhanced DBS check.