At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop inclusive community programmes across London and Greater Manchester.
- Company: Join the English National Opera, a champion of diversity and creativity.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, supportive environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Flexible working with a focus on collaboration and community impact.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in communities through arts and engagement.
- Qualifications: Experience in community engagement and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 40000 £ per year.
Contract: Fixed Term Contract (maternity cover)
Start date: Early September 2026
Salary: £35,000-£40,000 per annum
Hours: 35 hours per week
Location: London Coliseum and other locations as required
We’re recruiting for a dynamic and creative Programme Manager to lead the development, management and growth of Adult Community programmes and partnerships, shaping a portfolio of engagement activity that is inclusive, responsive and impactful. The role involves working across London and Greater Manchester, building strong relationships with community, cultural, education and local authority partners, as well as artists and stakeholders, and strengthening connections between communities and the wider artistic programme.
Key areas of focus include the Community Membership Scheme, Community Partnership Programme and Community Advisory Group, alongside a range of health, wellbeing and access initiatives. With a strong emphasis on collaboration and community voice, the role ensures that engagement work reflects the needs and experiences of participants, including vulnerable adults, and continues to evolve in meaningful ways. If you’re a thoughtful, proactive leader with a passion for inclusive engagement, we’d love to hear from you.
Requirements
- Experience of developing, delivering, monitoring and evaluating community engagement, participatory arts, health and wellbeing or learning programmes
- Experience managing project budgets and resources effectively
- Experience managing relationships with artists, facilitators, creative practitioners, partners and other external stakeholders
- Experience of working with vulnerable, underrepresented and diverse communities, with a commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility in arts and cultural practice
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Knowledge of safeguarding practice and commitment to creating safe, inclusive environments
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a small team
- Willingness and ability to travel regularly between London and Greater Manchester
Please see our recruitment pack for full details of the role.
Application deadline 6pm, Sunday 5 July 2026
1st Interviews 9 & 10 July (online)
2nd Interviews 17 July (in-person)
Reasonable adjustments If you require any reasonable adjustments for the application or interview process, please contact.
Feedback Due to the high volume of applications that we receive, we are only able to provide individual feedback to candidates who progress to interview stage.
English National Opera is an Equal Opportunities employer, and we strive to create an inclusive working environment that reflects the diverse communities we serve. As we work to address underrepresentation in our workforce, English National Opera particularly encourages potential candidates from underrepresented groups and communities to apply, including those from global majority backgrounds and/or with protected characteristics, including race, disability, sexual orientation, gender reassignment and religion and belief. We will provide appropriate support for candidates with access requirements if they identify as disabled. This includes during the application process and through candidate assessment stages.
Engage Programme Manager (Maternity Cover) in London employer: ENGLISH NATIONAL OPERA
At English National Opera, we pride ourselves on being an inclusive and dynamic employer that values creativity and community engagement. Our work culture fosters collaboration and innovation, providing employees with opportunities for professional growth while making a meaningful impact in the arts. Located in the vibrant heart of London, we offer a supportive environment where diverse voices are celebrated, ensuring that our programmes resonate with the communities we serve.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Engage Programme Manager (Maternity Cover) in London
✨Engage with Local Education Communities
Get involved with local adult education networks or associations; they can be goldmines for hearing about temporary roles. Join groups on Facebook or LinkedIn focused on adult continuing education, and don’t be shy to contribute—share your insights, and someone might just think of you when they hear about an opening!
✨Leverage Adult Learning Conferences
Look out for workshops and conferences specifically for adult educators. These are fantastic places to meet potential employers face-to-face and demonstrate your passion for the field. Plus, networking with other educators can lead to unexpected temp positions — you never know who’s looking for a helping hand!
✨Tap into Universities’ Career Services
If you’re near any universities offering adult education programmes, don’t forget to check out their career services. They often have job boards specifically for temporary roles and can connect you with alumni working in adult education. It’s like having a secret weapon in your job search!
✨Apply Directly Through Us
Don’t forget to apply directly through our website at ENGLISH NATIONAL OPERA! We’re constantly on the lookout for passionate individuals like you to join us in the adult continuing education sector. Keep checking for new temp opportunities and put your best foot forward—we can't wait to see your application!
We think you need these skills to ace Engage Programme Manager (Maternity Cover) in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Experience in Adult Education:When putting together your application for the Engage Programme Manager (Maternity Cover) at ENGLISH NATIONAL OPERA, we want to see your experience in adult education really shine through. If you’ve worked with adult learners in any capacity, whether it’s teaching, tutoring, or even facilitating workshops, make sure to include specific examples in your CV and cover letter.
Focus on Adaptability and Communication Skills:In adult continuing education, communication is key. Tailor your application to show how adaptable you are in engaging diverse groups. Provide examples of how you've adjusted your teaching methods to accommodate different learning styles or backgrounds — it can really set you apart from other candidates!
Emphasise Your Availability and Flexibility:Since this is a temporary role, make it clear in your application when you’re available to start and how flexible you can be with your hours. Employers love candidates who can jump in easily! A brief note about your scheduling can work wonders in your cover letter.
Showcase Relevant Certifications or Training:If you've got any certificates in adult education, teaching, or even specialised training relevant to the course offerings at ENGLISH NATIONAL OPERA, be sure to list them in your CV. This can boost your credibility and demonstrate your commitment to the field, making your application more appealing.
How to prepare for a job interview at ENGLISH NATIONAL OPERA
✨Showcase Your Passion for Lifelong Learning
In the field of adult continuing education, it's crucial to convey your passion for lifelong learning and professional development. Share experiences from your own educational journey and how they’ve shaped your view on adult learning—this makes you relatable and can impress ENGLISH NATIONAL OPERA.
✨Focus on Communication Skills
Teaching adults requires a particular set of communication skills. Brush up on your ability to explain concepts clearly and adapt your communication style to different learning levels. Be ready to demonstrate how you’ve handled diverse student groups or adapted materials in previous experiences.
✨Prepare Your Portfolio
For a temporary role, having a portfolio that demonstrates your teaching materials and approaches can really set you apart. Bring examples of curriculum plans, lesson outlines, or feedback from previous students to show how you can effectively engage learners at ENGLISH NATIONAL OPERA.
✨Highlight Your Flexibility and Adaptability
Given that this is a temporary position, it’s vital to express your adaptability. Discuss how you’ve successfully stepped into roles or projects at short notice. This shows that you’re ready to hit the ground running and can adjust your teaching methods to suit different contexts and students.