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- Tasks: Join us as a Research Associate to engage communities in exploring opera's role in Greater Manchester.
- Company: Be part of English National Opera, a leading arts organization making waves in Manchester.
- Benefits: Enjoy a flexible 14-hour work week with a competitive salary and the chance to shape cultural conversations.
- Why this job: This role offers a unique opportunity to connect with diverse communities and influence the future of opera.
- Qualifications: Postgraduate qualification or equivalent experience in qualitative research and community engagement is required.
- Other info: We encourage applications from underrepresented groups to foster an inclusive workplace.
The predicted salary is between 21630 - 43260 £ per year.
Role: Research Associate
Salary: £36,050
Hours: 0.4fte (14 hours per week)
Duration: Fixed Term for 18 months
Location: Oxford Road, University of Manchester
English National Opera is in the process of setting up a new main base in Greater Manchester by 2029. As part of the first wave of projects and partnerships delivered in the city-region between now and 2027, ENO is working with University of Manchester on ‘Tuning into Opera’. To support with the delivery of this project, we are appointing a Research Associate to work across ENO and University of Manchester, carrying out research and consultation into ENO’s move to the city-region and its engagement with local audiences and communities. The successful candidate will be primarily based in The University of Manchester’s Creative Manchester (CM) Research Platform.
The key purpose of the role is to research, design and co-curate a series of workshop-style conversations with different community groups in Greater Manchester, exploring what it means to have an opera company based in their city-region. The themes and insights explored in these conversations will be shared publicly through a series of ‘Tuning into Opera’ events, held three times per year. The first public event will take place at Manchester International Festival in July 2025.
The postholder will invite people with a range of lived experience and perspectives, including artists, local communities, academics and the wider sector, to take part in these conversations, and examine how opera can and must continue to grow to meet the audiences of the future.
The postholder will author a report with final project findings and recommendations. They will also input to future plans for initiating co-produced research and an associated ethical framework.
The successful applicant will have excellent engagement skills, with the ability to communicate with people from a wide range of backgrounds. They will have a postgraduate qualification in a related discipline, or equivalent experience, with experience of qualitative research methods working with diverse communities, and a proven record of applied and academic research related to opera/music or the performing arts sectors.
Please see the recruitment pack for more details.
Further information can be found at:
English National Opera
Creative Manchester
To Apply
Please send a CV and cover letter detailing your interest and suitability for the role to or via the guardian website by 5pm Monday 17th February 2025. Interviews will be held on Tuesday 4th March, Oxford Road, University of Manchester.
Please also submit our anonymous Equality and Diversity Monitoring Form.
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.
Research Associate employer: ENGLISH NATIONAL OPERA
Contact Detail:
ENGLISH NATIONAL OPERA Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Associate
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarize yourself with the 'Tuning into Opera' project and its objectives. Understanding the project's goals will help you articulate how your skills and experiences align with their mission during discussions or interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the opera and performing arts sectors. Attend local events or workshops related to opera in Greater Manchester to meet potential collaborators and gain insights into community engagement.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with qualitative research methods, especially in diverse community settings. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully engaged with different groups in the past.
✨Tip Number 4
Show your passion for opera and its role in community engagement. Think about how you can contribute to the growth of opera audiences and be prepared to share your ideas on fostering inclusivity within the art form.
We think you need these skills to ace Research Associate
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Make sure to thoroughly read the job description for the Research Associate position. Understand the key responsibilities, required qualifications, and the context of the project 'Tuning into Opera' to tailor your application effectively.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, clearly express your interest in the role and how your background aligns with the requirements. Highlight your experience in qualitative research methods and community engagement, as well as any relevant work related to opera or the performing arts.
Showcase Relevant Experience: When updating your CV, focus on showcasing your postgraduate qualifications, relevant research experience, and any specific projects that demonstrate your ability to engage with diverse communities. Use quantifiable achievements where possible.
Submit Your Application: Ensure you submit your CV and cover letter via the specified channels by the deadline. Don’t forget to complete the anonymous Equality and Diversity Monitoring Form as part of your application process.
How to prepare for a job interview at ENGLISH NATIONAL OPERA
✨Show Your Passion for Opera
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for opera and the performing arts during the interview. Share any personal experiences or projects that highlight your connection to the art form, as this will demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
✨Highlight Your Research Experience
Be prepared to discuss your experience with qualitative research methods, especially in diverse community settings. Provide specific examples of past projects where you engaged with different groups and how you gathered insights from them.
✨Emphasize Engagement Skills
Since the role requires excellent engagement skills, think of instances where you've successfully communicated with a variety of audiences. Be ready to share how you fostered collaboration and dialogue among participants in previous projects.
✨Understand the Community Context
Research the Greater Manchester area and its cultural landscape before the interview. Being knowledgeable about local communities and their relationship with the arts will show that you are proactive and genuinely interested in the project's impact.
