Learning & Engagement Programme Lead in Coventry

Are you an organised and inspiring programme manager with a passion for community engagement, education, and cultural learning? Do you enjoy leading teams, coordinating multiple projects, and ensuring high-quality delivery day to day? We are looking for a proactive Learning and Engagement Manager to oversee the daily management and development of our education and community engagement programmes across CV Life’s cultural venues.

This is a hands-on management role where you will lead operational delivery, manage staff and programme performance, coordinate projects and events, and ensure activities run smoothly, effectively, and to a high standard.

About the Role

Working closely with the Head of Learning and Engagement, you will manage the day-to-day operation of a varied portfolio of community and education programmes, ensuring they are engaging, commercially aware, and responsive to community needs. You will oversee the planning, scheduling, delivery, and evaluation of activities across schools, families, and community audiences while supporting the continued growth of the service.

About You

You will be an experienced manager who is confident balancing strategic thinking with operational delivery. You will thrive in a fast-paced environment and be comfortable managing multiple projects, deadlines, and stakeholder relationships.

Additional Information

Flexibility to work occasional evenings and weekends will be required. DBS Clearance will be required for the successful candidate.

Main duties of the role:

• Collaborate with teams across CV Life, realising opportunities to develop education provision between the museum and sports venues of CV Life.
• Be responsible for high quality provision across the range of community and education projects and programmes.
• Work closely with the Head of Learning and Engagement to support the economic and social success of the programmes, including commercialisation of the informal and formal learning activities.
• Identify external funding opportunities and manage, monitor, and evaluate the programmes supported by these funds.
• Build and sustain productive relationships with a wide range of stakeholders.
• Perform effectively under pressure and scrutiny, maintaining professionalism at all times.
• Act as an ambassador for the Learning and Engagement programmes through proactive networking and sector representation.
• Maintain an up-to-date understanding of sector trends, best practice, and emerging opportunities.
• Work in a target-driven environment, focusing on problem-solving and continuous improvement.
• Be responsible for the line management and professional development of the Schools Programme Educator and Community Programme Educator.
• Provide effective people management, offering high challenge and high support to team members.
• Manage financial responsibilities including P&L accountability, budgeting, and invoicing processes.
• Analyse and interpret data to produce clear reports and insights.
• Lead the operational management of the Education and Community teams.
• Become a Designated Safeguarding Lead and attend all relevant training and meetings.

Responsibilities for all employees

• Embrace and lead by example on the Company’s key values of PRIDE, PASSION and PURPOSE.
• Support the Company’s commitment to providing a safe environment for children, young people and vulnerable adults.
• Undertake all duties and fully comply with all of the Company’s general standards.
• Take care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions at work.
• Co-operate with managers and colleagues to ensure environmental responsibilities are complied with.
• Carry out tasks at a range of sites that are either operated or managed by the Companies / Trusts.
• Promote the work and public image of the Companies / Trusts, maintaining high standards of customer service and personal appearance.
• Attend and fully engage with all internal training and development requirements.
• Interact positively with customers adopting a friendly and professional approach at all times.
• Comply with the General Data Protection Regulations when dealing with information.
• Undertake other duties as specified, which are appropriate to the qualifications, experience and general level of the post.

Person Specification

Essential Personal Attributes

• A collaborative and proactive approach, with the ability to act as a confident ambassador for the organisation.
• High levels of resilience, able to work under pressure, respond positively to scrutiny, and manage competing priorities.
• A creative, solutions-focused mindset with a strong drive to achieve targets and improve outcomes.
• Strong interpersonal skills, able to build trust and maintain productive relationships across diverse stakeholder groups.
• A “high challenge, high support” leadership style that motivates and empowers staff.
• Adaptable and open to innovation, with the confidence to propose and test new approaches.
• Commitment to inclusive practice and an understanding of community needs.
• Professional integrity and the ability to represent the organisation effectively in external settings.

Essential Knowledge and Experience

• Proven experience managing grants, including reporting and compliance.
• Background in community engagement or cultural education.
• Commercial awareness, including experience generating income or shaping commercial opportunities.
• Track record of managing multiple workstreams, particularly across community and education settings.
• Experience in people management, including developing team members and managing performance.
• Understanding of sector trends, best practice, and emerging opportunities in learning and engagement.
• Experience working with targets, KPIs, and outcome-driven programmes.
• Previous involvement in programme development tailored to community needs.
• Experience working collaboratively across departments or multi-disciplinary teams.
• Financial experience with P&L responsibility, budget management, and invoicing.
• Experience contributing to or overseeing operational processes.
• Skilled in identifying opportunities and developing innovative, practical solutions.
• Excellent organisational skills, able to manage complex workloads and multiple deadlines.
• Ability to analyse and interpret data to produce reports and inform decision-making.
• Effective communication skills, both written and verbal, suited to diverse audiences.
• Ability to monitor, implement, and support organisational processes and ensure compliance.
• Strong understanding of educational and community engagement methodologies and frameworks.
• Ability to design or support meaningful programmes aligned with strategic organisational goals.

Special Circumstances

• Ability to work unsociable hours/weekends and be on call to attend at short notice.

We encourage and welcome applications from all ethnic groups and people with disabilities. Our aim is to build a diverse workplace and to become a truly inclusive employer with a workforce and visitor audience as diverse as the communities we serve.

If you think this is the role and organisation for you then we would love to hear from you. Please complete our short application form (average 30 mins to complete) by clicking the Apply Online Button below.