Programme Manager, Later Life Programmes in Saxmundham

Reports to: Head of Later Life Programmes

Line Manages: Programmes Assistant, Later Life Programmes

Contract type: Fixed Term: One year. We may be able to extend the contract beyond this time but cannot commit to this at this stage. Part time, 0.6 FTE (21 hours pw) £30,000 FTE. Ideally the post-holder would start October 2026.

Based at: Snape Maltings

Works closely with: Professional Learning and Knowledge Exchange Department, Children, Families and Young People Department

About us: Britten Pears Arts (BPA) is a pioneering Music & Arts based charity, situated on the beautiful Suffolk coast, working across a wide range of activities. Our mission is to use Music, Arts & Heritage to transform people’s lives for the better, to bring communities together and effect positive social change.

Role Overview: The Programme Manager will work closely with the Head of Later Life Programmes, the Strategic Lead: Communities, Professional Learning and Knowledge Exchange (freelance) and their wider team colleagues to develop our work for adults living in the community living with long-term health conditions. The post holder will evaluate existing programmes and activities, react to the relevant findings and create a body of work that brings community members together on our sites.

Main Responsibilities:

• Taking a medium-to-long-term view of the wider community programme for Britten Pears Arts together with the Head of Later Life Programmes
• Managing the programme’s budgets
• Contribute to the logistical management and practical delivery of the projects
• Support artists in the development of new projects to be delivered in community settings and on our sites
• Take an active role in the implementation of the organisation’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion action plan
• Implementation and delivery of monitoring, evaluation and communications activities across the programme
• Ensuring all projects and activity are compliant with the guidelines in the organisation’s Safeguarding policy
• Establishing and nurturing cross-sector relationships pertinent to the success of the projects
• Attend relevant meetings, conferences and events to represent the work of the team and Britten Pears Arts
• Collaborate with other internal departments as appropriate
• Work with the Development team on delivering on existing funding agreements
• Always lead by example – with professionalism, empathy and a willingness to support other colleagues
• Undertake other responsibilities which are commensurate with the purpose and spirit of this role

Person Specification – Programme Manager, Later Life Programmes

Essential Experience:

• Demonstrable experience delivering long and short-term participatory music projects for a variety of groups
• Building positive working relationships with cross sector partners/organisations
• Employing and managing freelance musicians in the delivery of projects
• Creating and managing project budgets
• Negotiating fees
• Working with people living in challenging circumstances

Essential Skills/Knowledge:

• The post holder must be a musician (not necessarily professional)
• Efficient, accurate admin skills
• Clear and engaging verbal and written communication skills
• A genuine interest in music and the arts
• Strong understanding of barriers to access in arts and community settings

Essential Ability/Aptitude:

• Emotionally intelligent – can easily adjust approach and delivery to the needs of participant(s), colleagues and collaborators
• Is able to prioritise and meet strict deadlines
• Remains calm and clear-thinking under pressure
• Is a collaborative team member who makes a positive contribution
• Willingness to contribute to and support the whole of the Music Programme and wider organisation

Essential Special Requirements:

• Willing and able to work flexible/unsocial hours if required
• Compliant with our Enhanced DBS Check regulations
• Driving license and own transport – eligible to drive a pool vehicle

Closing date: 1st September 2026

Interview dates: 8th/9th September 2026

Preferred start date: Late October 2026 (w/c 19th October onwards)

What helps us get the most from your application:

• A CV that shares your experience, skills and what you’ve been involved in
• A cover letter giving us a sense of who you are, what interests you about the role, and what you would bring to it
• Applying via our website where possible

We are an equal opportunities employer and believe that diversity strengthens and enriches us. We positively encourage applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates of all ages and from all backgrounds.