At a Glance
- Tasks: Coordinate and develop exciting circus programmes while supporting a creative team.
- Company: Join a vibrant circus school making a difference in the community.
- Benefits: Flexible hours, creative environment, and opportunities for personal growth.
- Other info: Experience in diverse backgrounds welcomed; circus experience not required.
- Why this job: Be part of a unique organisation that empowers individuals through the arts.
- Qualifications: 3+ years in project coordination, strong organisational skills, and a passion for community development.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 35000 £ per year.
This is a much needed, key coordination role within In Your Space Circus, responsible for supporting the smooth running, coordination, and ongoing development of our Circus School programmes. This role combines operational coordination, programme development, and training team support. You will be working closely with the Company Director, Circus Projects Coordinator (Social Circus Outreach), and freelance training team. You will also collaborate with our Creative Director to ensure that the Circus School and professional performance work are intrinsically linked. The post-holder will help ensure that Circus School participants have a safe, high-quality, and meaningful experience, while also supporting the continued development of structured learning pathways and progression opportunities.
While our organisation is rooted in circus arts, we welcome applicants from a wide range of backgrounds including youth work, education, community arts, and programme management. Circus-specific experience is not required.
About You
- We are seeking a candidate who is proactive, reliable, and highly organised, with strong attention to detail.
- You can work independently and use your initiative, but you also thrive as part of a fast-paced, collaborative team.
- You are creatively curious and always thinking about how we can do things better.
- Most importantly, you care about the personal and creative development of people from all backgrounds, and you want to be part of an organisation that genuinely matters to its community.
At least 3 years’ experience coordinating projects within community arts, youth development, education, or a related field.
- Highly organised and confident managing multiple systems, priorities, and deadlines.
- Digitally confident and able to demonstrate an excellent level of competence in using various IT packages (e.g. Microsoft office, email, spreadsheets, booking or CRM systems).
- Comfortable supporting, coordinating and supervising teams of freelance staff or practitioners.
- A proactive team player who takes initiative and solves problems independently.
- An effective communicator with strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
- Calm, practical, and confident in managing day-to-day operational challenges.
- Interested in learning, development, and structured progression for children and young people.
- Committed to inclusive practice and working with diverse communities.
- Clear about the power of the arts as a vehicle for personal development and social change.
- Experienced in monitoring, evaluation, or feedback systems.
Desirable Criteria (not essential)
- Experience contributing to or supporting curriculum design or structured learning programmes.
- Experience in safeguarding-led environments involving children and young people.
- Experience supporting participant progression or development pathways.
- Experience working with external partners, consultants, or researchers.
Other Requirements
- Willingness to work flexible hours as required by programme delivery.
- Good understanding of safeguarding responsibilities for children and young people.
- Awareness of Health & Safety responsibilities in a delivery environment.
- Commitment to Equality, Diversity & Inclusion principles.
- Full, clean driving licence and access to a vehicle (desirable but not essential).
About the Organisation
Based in Derry-Londonderry in the North-West of Northern Ireland, we are a circus school and performance company focused on circus, street theatre and outdoor productions. We work individually and in collaboration with organisations and communities, delivering circus skills and performance (including juggling, diablo, acrobatics, unicycle, aerial, stilt-walking, clowning, etc.), street theatre productions, visual arts, music, costume-making, large scale installations and theatre.
Current activities include:
- An open circus school, with a progression pathway from age 1 to 100+, training children, young people and adults in a wide range of circus and performance skills.
- Personal and social development of children and young people from disadvantaged groups and communities through a proactive social circus outreach programme in a range of community contexts across the North-West region.
- Circus and street theatre performances and productions at a wide range of festivals and other events.
- Producing our annual Circus, Arts and Music Festival - Carnival of Colours.
- Event Management services including Big Top and technical equipment hire.
Locations
Programmes & Operations Coordinator (Circus School) In Your Space Circus in Derry, Londonderry employer: Artscouncil Ni
In Your Space Circus is an exceptional employer that fosters a vibrant and inclusive work culture, dedicated to the personal and creative development of individuals from diverse backgrounds. Located in Derry-Londonderry, our organisation not only offers meaningful employment opportunities but also encourages professional growth through collaboration with experienced team members and involvement in impactful community projects. Join us to be part of a dynamic team that values creativity, initiative, and the transformative power of the arts.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Programmes & Operations Coordinator (Circus School) In Your Space Circus in Derry, Londonderry
✨Get Involved Locally
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✨Tap into Professional Networks
Join networks like the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) or local charities to meet professionals in the sector. Attend events and workshops to build relationships and learn about potential openings at organisations like Artscouncil Ni.
✨Showcase Your Commitment
When prepping for interviews, be ready to speak about your personal connection to social issues. Dive into specific examples of how you’ve contributed to community projects – this will resonate with the mission-driven vibe at Artscouncil Ni.
✨Utilise Online Platforms
We’re all about making connections, so use platforms like Idealist and CharityJob to hunt for full-time roles. And of course, you should keep an eye on our website for exciting opportunities at Artscouncil Ni. Apply directly through us to stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Programmes & Operations Coordinator (Circus School) In Your Space Circus in Derry, Londonderry
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for the Cause:In the nonprofit sector, it's super important to demonstrate genuine passion for the mission of Artscouncil Ni. Use your cover letter to showcase any personal experiences or volunteer work that connects you to their social impact initiatives. This emotional connection can really help your application stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:When crafting your CV, be sure to include any relevant projects or roles that showcase your skills in social impact. Whether it's community organising, fundraising, or advocacy, highlight what you've done and the difference it's made. Don’t just list tasks; quantify your achievements and the outcomes of your efforts.
Tailor Your Documents to the Role:For a full-time role like Programmes & Operations Coordinator (Circus School) In Your Space Circus, ensure your CV and cover letter specifically address the responsibilities outlined in the job description. Use their language to describe your skills and experience, making it easy for the hiring team to see how you fit into their vision.
Emphasise Teamwork and Collaboration:Nonprofits thrive on teamwork, so make sure to emphasise your collaborative experiences. Whether you've worked in a team setting, partnered with community organisations, or facilitated group projects, highlight these experiences in your application. Show them you understand the importance of working alongside diverse individuals to achieve shared goals.
How to prepare for a job interview at Artscouncil Ni
✨Show Your Passion for Social Change
When we’re prepping for interviews in the nonprofit space, it's vital to demonstrate our genuine passion for social impact. Be ready to discuss not just your skills and experiences but also why you care about the mission of Artscouncil Ni. Sharing personal stories or insights can really make us stand out.
✨Highlight Project Experience
We should focus on specific projects we've worked on that align with the goals of social impact. Whether that’s a community initiative, volunteering, or a class project, having solid examples that showcase our role and the outcomes will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Familiarity with Relevant Tools and Practices
Let’s brush up on tools and methodologies commonly used in the nonprofit sector, like project management software or outcome measurement frameworks. Being able to speak fluently about these will show that we’re not just passionate but also knowledgeable and ready to hit the ground running.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that evaluate our problem-solving skills in real-world social issues. Think about how we’d handle challenges in the nonprofit environment and prepare stories that demonstrate our critical thinking and adaptability. Role-playing with a friend could help us feel more confident!
