At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage exciting dance projects for children and young people across Scotland.
- Company: YDance is a vibrant organisation dedicated to enhancing dance experiences for youth.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working hours, remote work options, and generous holiday leave.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the lives of young dancers while fostering creativity and collaboration.
- Qualifications: Experience in project management and a passion for dance education are essential.
- Other info: Apply in any format that suits you; we’re here to support your access needs.
The predicted salary is between 19158 - 19158 £ per year.
YDance is looking for an experienced and inspiring individual to lead on the development and delivery of high-quality dance projects, with a focus on our PERFORM and LEARN strands. This is a strategic and hands-on role, working across Scotland to strengthen YDance’s national impact in dance for children and young people.
Main Duties
- Lead and manage a range of dance projects across the YDance programme, with a focus on the PERFORM and LEARN strands.
- Oversee and manage project budgets in collaboration with the Artistic Director.
- Line manage teaching staff, ensuring they are supported, motivated, and meeting YDance expectations.
- Develop and maintain partnerships across Scotland, working with organisations in health, education, youth work, social justice, and the third sector to design new and innovative projects.
- Monitor the quality of YDance’s programme delivery and support the professional development of staff.
- Evaluate and report on impact and reach to the Artistic Director, funders, and project partners.
- Ensure implementation of all YDance policies and procedures, including safeguarding, risk assessment, EDI, health and safety, and environmental policy.
- Work with the Marketing department to grow the reach and profile of YDance projects.
- Plan and lead high-quality dance workshops for children and young people.
- Manage and deliver accredited courses and awards (e.g. Dance Leadership Awards, Personal Achievement Awards).
Salary: £31,930 per annum, pro rata (based on 0.6 FTE)
Hours: 22.5 hours per week, inclusive of a 30-minute paid meal break per day. Flexible working hours according to the demands of the post.
Work pattern: 2 days in the Glasgow office, 1 day remote
Travel: The role involves travel across Scotland; expenses will be reimbursed
Holidays: 26 days annual leave (pro rata), 11 public holidays (pro rata)
Time Off in Lieu (TOIL) is available for additional hours worked. Overtime is not payable.
To Apply: Please send a CV and a covering letter detailing your relevant experience and reasons for applying to [contact information].
Deadline: 6 July at 5pm
Interviews: 17 July, between 10am–5pm
Start date: 18 August
If you would prefer to apply in a different format — such as a video, voice note, or another method that better suits your access needs — please contact us at [contact information] or call 0141 552 7712 and we’ll be happy to support you. The deadline is Sunday 06 July 2025 at 17:00.
Head of Programmes employer: Creative Scotland
Contact Detail:
Creative Scotland Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Programmes
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the dance and arts sector across Scotland. Attend local events, workshops, or performances to meet potential collaborators and partners who can support your application and provide insights into YDance's work.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with YDance’s current projects and initiatives, especially the PERFORM and LEARN strands. Understanding their mission and recent activities will help you articulate how your experience aligns with their goals during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your leadership style and how you motivate and manage teams. Think of specific examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your ability to inspire and support teaching staff effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Consider how you would evaluate the impact of dance projects on children and young people. Be ready to share your thoughts on assessment methods and how you would report these findings to stakeholders, including funders and project partners.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Programmes
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in managing dance projects, particularly in educational or community settings. Emphasise any leadership roles and your ability to work with children and young people.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, clearly articulate your passion for dance and youth development. Discuss specific examples of past projects you've led, focusing on outcomes and partnerships that align with YDance's mission.
Showcase Your Strategic Vision: Demonstrate your understanding of the strategic aspects of the role by outlining how you would enhance YDance’s impact across Scotland. Mention innovative ideas for new projects that could benefit children and young people.
Proofread and Format: Before submitting your application, ensure that both your CV and cover letter are free from errors. Use a clean, professional format that makes it easy for the hiring team to read and understand your qualifications.
How to prepare for a job interview at Creative Scotland
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As the Head of Programmes, you'll be leading various dance projects. Be prepared to discuss your previous leadership experiences and how you've successfully managed teams or projects in the past. Highlight specific examples where you motivated staff and ensured project success.
✨Demonstrate Your Strategic Vision
YDance is looking for someone who can think strategically about dance programmes. Be ready to share your ideas on how to enhance the PERFORM and LEARN strands. Discuss any innovative projects you've developed and how they made an impact.
✨Understand the Importance of Partnerships
This role involves collaborating with various organisations across Scotland. Research potential partners in health, education, and social justice, and be prepared to discuss how you would approach building these relationships to create new projects.
✨Prepare for Questions on Evaluation and Impact
You'll need to monitor and report on the quality of YDance's programme delivery. Think about how you've previously evaluated project outcomes and what metrics you used to measure success. Be ready to explain how you would apply this to YDance's initiatives.