Creative Director in Salford

DIY is an established, member-led Learning Disability Theatre Company based in Salford. Our vision is for a world where performers and arts leaders with learning disabilities are valued as part of the rich diversity of our cultural sector and society. We aim to challenge preconceptions and barriers experienced by people with learning disabilities through high quality performance, creative leadership development, education and research. DIY’s unique governance model has been designed to reflect our values, ethos, membership & the wider communities we serve. As disabled people are the experts in what we do, we are a truly member-led organisation overseen by a board of 9 directors, 6 of whom have Learning Disabilities. DIY is currently part of Arts Council England’s National Portfolio, with investment confirmed until April 2028.

The purpose of the role: The Creative Director works collaboratively with the Business Director to co-lead DIY Theatre. The Creative Director is responsible for DIY’s artistic vision, ensuring that all activities reflect our values and ambitions, so that the lived experiences of people with learning disabilities are at the centre of everything we do. This means shaping a financially sustainable and exciting programme of work that is artistically ambitious and built on the principles of co-creation and co-leadership. The role combines strategic development, partnership building, fundraising support and organisational advocacy with the artistic leadership of DIY’s established Core Company of performers.

Overview of the role:

• Responsible to: DIY Board
• Contract: 1 Year Fixed Term Initial, from January 2027. 0.8 Full Time Equivalent (4 days per week)
• Salary: £47,000 per year (£37,600 pro rata)
• Pension: 3% employer contribution
• Holiday: 32 days pro rata (including bank holidays)
• Probation: 3 months
• Responsible for: Freelance creative delivery staff team
• Based at: The Angel Centre 1, St. Philips Place, Salford M3 6FA, with activity across Greater Manchester and the wider region.

Key Responsibilities:

• Access and Inclusion: Work alongside the Business Director to embed equality, diversity, accessibility and inclusion across the programme, and ensure the views, experiences and priorities of people with learning disabilities shape every aspect of decision‑making. Challenge ableism and inequity, by championing the creativity and leadership of people with learning disabilities.
• Artistic Leadership: Work with artists, leaders, advocates and collaborators to develop, articulate and deliver a clear artistic vision for DIY Theatre. Lead the design and delivery of an ambitious, high quality programme of performances, participatory projects, training and commissions, including DIY’s Core Company. Ensure artistic quality across all programmes. Identify opportunities for innovation, experimentation and creative risk‑taking. Collaborate with the Business Director and DIY’s board on strategic planning and organisational culture, making sure artistic planning supports organisational development and sustainability.
• Creative Programme Management: Ensure projects are delivered on time, within agreed budgets and to a high standard. Lead a culture of evaluation and continuous learning throughout the creative programme. Promote environmentally responsible practice. Commission and support freelance artists with inclusive co‑creation as a central pillar.
• Communications: With the Business Director, contribute to DIY’s communications and advocacy. Represent DIY Theatre at local, regional and national events. Report regularly to the Board.
• Fundraising: Collaborate with the Business Director on funding applications, shaping clear, and persuasive written narratives for proposals. Write clear descriptions of activities and impacts for funding reports.
• Whole Organisation Responsibilities: Ensure creative delivery is compliant with DIY policies and procedures (e.g. Safeguarding, Health and Safety, Confidentiality and Data Protection). Co‑lead with the Business Director on development and implementation of the overall ethos, work and aims of the organisation.

Experience - Essential:

• Learning Disability & Participatory Arts: Working creatively with people with learning disabilities. Co‑creating artistic work that is inclusive and challenges systemic inequalities. Developing and delivering high quality participatory arts programmes.
• Artistic Leadership: Providing artistic leadership within a theatre, arts or cultural organisation. Working with Boards or Senior Leadership Teams to shape organisational strategy.
• Education & Training: Planning and delivering training and cultural education programmes.
• People Management: Managing and supporting freelance artists, creative practitioners and project teams.
• Partnership development: Building and maintaining effective partnerships across arts, education, community and public sectors.
• Funding & Development: Contributing to successful funding applications and reporting to public funders, particularly Arts Council England and/or other major funders.

Experience - Desirable:

• Creating work with and for sensory audiences.
• Working across multiple artforms.
• Understanding and use of total communication approaches.
• Understanding of governance, organisational development and change management.

Knowledge and Skills - Essential:

• Artistic & Creative: Current and ongoing understanding of the arts and culture sector locally, regionally and nationally. Evidenced ability to turn a broad artistic vision into practical projects and programmes. Sharing leadership and collaborating creatively with others. Recruiting and developing individual artists and teams of creative practitioners.
• Operational & Administrative: Ability to evidence impact and present reports to boards and funders. Proficiency with the specific IT programmes and systems used by DIY, including Microsoft Office 365. Ability to organise and manage multiple creative projects and deadlines at the same time. Ability to work proactively to achieve organisational aims and priorities. Skills and experience in budget management.

Personal Attributes:

• Committed to artistic excellence and innovation.
• Works with imagination and curiosity.
• Committed to equity, accessibility and inclusion.
• Demonstrates integrity, professionalism and accountability.
• Able to sustain focus and delivery through practical challenges of the role.
• Comfortable moving between developing strategy and creative delivery.
• Prioritises supporting and developing others.

Equal Opportunities: DIY Theatre Company encourages applications from all sections of the community. DIY welcomes applications from first‑time senior leaders and is open to working with the successful candidate to provide support and training, if required. We particularly welcome applications from people who identify as D/deaf or disabled, and people from the Global Majority, as they are currently underrepresented in the arts. If you need any adjustments to take part in the recruitment process, please contact us using the details below to discuss what you need.