At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead marketing and communications strategies to engage diverse audiences.
- Company: Longborough Festival Opera, a vibrant arts organisation passionate about opera.
- Benefits: Full-time role with opportunities for creative leadership and community impact.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team at a pivotal moment in our organisational growth.
- Why this job: Shape the future of opera while making a difference in the community.
- Qualifications: Experience in arts marketing, audience development, and team management.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Closing date for applications: 21 May 2026
Full-Time Locations: England - South West, England - West Midlands
Longborough Festival Opera (LFO) is seeking a dynamic and effective Head of Audiences and Communications to help shape the way we are seen, experienced and remembered. We are looking for someone who can lead our marketing, communications, audience development, and box office strategies, working dynamically within a small team - while placing community, accessibility and engagement at the heart of everything we do.
As Head of Audiences and Communications, you'll be responsible for:
- Leading our brand, marketing, press and communications strategy
- Growing and diversifying audiences locally, nationally and online
- Overseeing the box office, data analysis and ticketing strategies (Spektrix)
- Shaping our public voice, increasing our reach and strengthening our identity
- Developing meaningful community, youth and education engagement in partnership with our Learning team
- Supporting fundraising and membership messaging through compelling storytelling and impact reporting
You’ll report to the Executive Director, work closely with the Artistic Director as well as our Learning, Development, Events and Finance staff. You’ll be a key part of our core year‑round staff team, with leadership responsibility at an important stage in our organisational development.
We’re seeking a collaborative and engaging individual who combines:
- A passion for the performing arts and for sharing the artform of opera
- Proven success in arts marketing and audience development
- Experience in managing cross-functional teams and projects
- Confidence in using data and systems (e.g. Spektrix) to guide strategy
- Strong communication skills, with flair for copywriting, press and brand development
- A hands‑on, flexible attitude and a collaborative leadership style
You’ll line manage a small, talented team, with support from freelance marketing and PR consultants, and work across all areas of Longborough’s work.
Head of Audiences and Communications in London employer: Arts Marketing Association
Contact Detail:
Arts Marketing Association Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Audiences and Communications in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the arts and communications field, especially those connected to Longborough Festival Opera. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about asking for informational interviews. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your passion! When you get the chance to chat with someone from LFO, make sure to express your love for opera and the performing arts. Share your ideas on how you can help grow and diversify audiences. Your enthusiasm can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to discuss data! Since the role involves using systems like Spektrix, brush up on your data analysis skills. Prepare examples of how you've used data to drive marketing strategies or audience engagement in the past. This will show that you’re not just creative but also strategic.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We want to see your application come through our official channels. It shows you’re serious about the role and gives us a chance to see your commitment to LFO’s mission. Plus, it’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Audiences and Communications in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: Let your love for the performing arts shine through in your application. We want to see how your enthusiasm for opera and community engagement can contribute to our mission at Longborough Festival Opera.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in arts marketing and audience development. We’re looking for specific examples that demonstrate your success in these areas, so don’t hold back!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your key achievements and skills are easy to spot. Remember, we’re busy too!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity with our team.
How to prepare for a job interview at Arts Marketing Association
✨Know Your Audience
Before the interview, research Longborough Festival Opera and its audience. Understand their mission, values, and recent projects. This will help you tailor your responses to show how your experience aligns with their goals in audience development and engagement.
✨Showcase Your Marketing Savvy
Prepare specific examples of successful marketing campaigns you've led or contributed to. Highlight how you used data analysis to inform your strategies, especially if you've worked with systems like Spektrix. This will demonstrate your ability to drive audience growth effectively.
✨Emphasise Collaboration
Since this role involves working closely with various teams, be ready to discuss your experience in managing cross-functional projects. Share stories that illustrate your collaborative leadership style and how you’ve engaged different stakeholders to achieve common goals.
✨Communicate with Flair
As strong communication skills are crucial for this position, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Prepare to discuss your copywriting experience and how you’ve shaped brand messaging in the past. A compelling narrative about your passion for the performing arts can also leave a lasting impression.