Development Manager: YouTube Development Programmes in Cardiff

Full time (35 hours a week), salary up to £37,000 per annum dependent on experience

Fixed term basis, 3 year term

The National Film and Television School (NFTS)

Ideally based in Cardiff, Wales

First established in 1971, the National Film and Television School (NFTS) has evolved to become a leading global institution, developing some of Britain and the world’s top creative talent in film, television and games. It is widely acknowledged to be the top school of its kind in the UK and one of the best internationally, being named as one of The Hollywood Reporter’s top international film schools for over a decade. The NFTS is a registered charity (313429).

We are currently recruiting for a Development Manager: YouTube Development Programmes to lead the delivery of the BBC | YouTube | NFTS Create x Connect programme, driving its successful implementation and ensuring it achieves its creative and strategic objectives. The Development Manager will ideally be based from our offices in Cardiff.

The Development Manager will support two major programmes:

BBC | YouTube | NFTS Create x Connect is a professional development programme for mid-career TV producers, creators and journalists, specialising in News, Children & Learning and Content Success. The programme will support 1,500 participants over three years through online learning, practical coursework, masterclasses, networking and workshops and events across the UK.

NFTS YouTube Creator Incubator is a programme supporting and nurturing the next generation of digital creators. The programme will support 100 participants through tailored mentoring, regular one-to-one development sessions, masterclasses, workshops, industry insight and opportunities to develop their creative practice, professional skills and careers.

Both programmes are delivered primarily online, with in-person workshops and events taking place across the UK.

The role will provide business and operational support across both programmes, with responsibility for recruitment, shared systems, communications, stakeholder relationships, budgets and contracts. Working closely with the Programme Leads, the Development Manager will help ensure programmes are well planned, effectively supported, financially controlled and aligned with the objectives of NFTS and its partners.

This is a hands-on role requiring excellent organisation, initiative and attention to detail, alongside the ability to build strong relationships with participants, creative practitioners, industry partners and internal stakeholders and to respond effectively to changing priorities and opportunities.

The closing date for applications will Sunday 8th November 2026.

Please note that we are unable to sponsor candidates for this role, so we are only able to accept applications from candidates who are able to demonstrate their right to live and work in the UK. If you do not have the right to work in the UK, we will not be able to progress your application.

At the NFTS, people are at the heart of what we do. We’re an inclusive employer and are committed to equality of opportunity and building a culturally diverse workforce. We are committed to being an anti-racist organization and to increasing our representation of staff from Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities. We strongly encourage applications from all backgrounds.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Responsible to: Head of NFTS Cymru Wales

About the Programmes

The Development Manager will support two major programmes:

BBC | YouTube | NFTS Create x Connect is a professional development programme for mid-career TV producers, creators and journalists, specialising in News, Children & Learning and Content Success. The programme will support 1,500 participants over three years through online learning, practical coursework, masterclasses, networking and workshops and events across the UK.

NFTS YouTube Creator Incubator is a programme supporting and nurturing the next generation of digital creators. The programme will support 100 participants through tailored mentoring, regular one-to-one development sessions, masterclasses, workshops, industry insight and opportunities to develop their creative practice, professional skills and careers.

Both programmes are delivered primarily online, with in-person workshops and events taking place across the UK.

Purpose of the Role

Working closely with the Head of NFTS Cymru Wales and the Programme Leads, the Development Manager will support the development, delivery and business management of the BBC | YouTube | NFTS Create x Connect and NFTS YouTube Creator Incubator programmes.

The role will provide business and operational support across both programmes, with responsibility for recruitment, shared systems, communications, stakeholder relationships, budgets and contracts. Working closely with the Programme Leads, the Development Manager will help ensure programmes are well planned, effectively supported, financially controlled and aligned with the objectives of NFTS and its partners.

This is a hands-on role requiring excellent organisation, initiative and attention to detail, alongside the ability to build strong relationships with participants, creative practitioners, industry partners and internal stakeholders and to respond effectively to changing priorities and opportunities.

As Development Manager your duties will include:

• Work closely with the Head of NFTS Cymru Wales and Programme Leads to support the development, planning and successful delivery of both programmes, providing cross-programme coordination and support.
• Maintain shared programme systems, schedules, deadlines and records, ensuring key activity and operational requirements are managed across both programmes.
• Provide practical and administrative support to Programme Leads, helping to ensure programme activity is well planned, organised and delivered efficiently.
• Support the practical arrangements for workshops, masterclasses, one to one sessions, guest speakers, tutors and other activity, working with the Programme Leads to ensure requirements are identified and addressed.
• Attend briefings with guest speakers where required to help ensure they are well prepared and have the information and support required.
• Support the development of new programme activity by coordinating the practical, financial and operational requirements arising from priorities identified by the Programme Leads and Head of NFTS Cymru Wales.

Business Development & Partnerships

• Develop and maintain relationships with broadcasters, production companies, digital platforms, creative organisations and other industry partners to support the development and ambitions of both programmes.
• Support the Head of NFTS Cymru Wales and Programme Leads in developing strategic partnerships and identifying opportunities for collaboration, funding, participant development, industry engagement and programme growth.
• Represent NFTS professionally with external partners, stakeholders and industry contacts and support the development of proposals and partnership materials as required.
• Support the development and delivery of effective, cost-efficient recruitment and outreach activity for both programmes.
• Build relationships with relevant industry organisations, networks and communities to support participant recruitment, engagement and representation.
• Coordinate recruitment activity, including applications, information sessions, communications and related administration and support assessment and selection processes as required.
• Monitor recruitment activity and identify opportunities to improve reach, engagement and diversity.

Programme Operations & Financial Management

• Coordinate the practical and administrative arrangements required for programme delivery, including venues, travel, accommodation, equipment, materials, online delivery and other resources.
• Support the planning and delivery of workshops and events across Wales and the UK, including regular travel where required and ensure appropriate health and safety and risk management arrangements are in place.
• Manage the contractual, financial and administrative arrangements for tutors, guest speakers, freelancers and suppliers including contracts and purchase orders.
• Take responsibility for day-to-day financial management of both programmes, monitoring income and expenditure, maintaining accurate financial records and ensuring activity is within agreed budgets.
• Support financial forecasting, reporting and reconciliation as required.

Communications & Marketing

• Coordinate communications activity supporting participant recruitment, programme engagement and the visibility of both programmes.
• Support the creation and distribution of participant, stakeholder and partner communications, ensuring information is clear, accurate and timely.
• Coordinate relevant website and social media content and support the promotion of programme activity, opportunities and achievements.

Participant Experience, Monitoring & Evaluation

• Support the Programme Leads in ensuring participants receive a high-quality, inclusive and well-organised experience throughout the programmes.
• Monitor participant engagement, feedback and outcomes, maintaining accurate records and identifying issues requiring attention.
• Coordinate evaluation, assessment and associated paperwork, using participant feedback and programme data to inform future development and continuous improvement.
• Prepare written reports on programme progress, participant outcomes, impact and learning.

Stakeholder & Team Support

• Develop positive and effective working relationships with participants, tutors, creative practitioners, partners, suppliers and other internal and external stakeholders.
• Work collaboratively with both Programme Leads, providing practical support and cover as required to ensure continuity and the smooth running of both programmes.

General Responsibilities

• Work flexibly, including occasional evenings and weekends, where required by programme activity.
• Travel regularly across the UK as required.
• Maintain high standards of professionalism, confidentiality, accuracy and customer service.
• Undertake other reasonable duties consistent with the level and responsibilities of the role.
• Provide support to NFTS Cymru Wales short courses and other departmental activity where required.

Person Specification

• Significant experience in a development, programme, project or business management role, ideally within the screen, broadcast, digital media, creative or education sectors.
• Experience of supporting or managing the development and delivery of complex programmes or projects, with the ability to manage multiple workstreams and competing priorities.
• Experience of developing and maintaining effective relationships with industry partners, stakeholders, suppliers and external organisations.
• Experience of business development, outreach, partnership development or recruitment, with the ability to identify and pursue opportunities.
• Excellent organisational, planning and time-management skills, with the ability to plan ahead, manage resources and deliver to tight deadlines.
• Strong financial and administrative skills, including experience of budget monitoring, expenditure tracking, contracts, purchase orders and financial processes.
• Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to build positive relationships with participants, colleagues, creative practitioners and external stakeholders.
• Proactive and solutions-focused, with the ability to use initiative, resolve problems and make effective decisions.
• Self-motivated and adaptable, with the ability to work quickly and efficiently in a fast-paced environment, manage changing priorities and respond positively to evolving programme requirements.
• Strong attention to detail and a commitment to maintaining accurate records, documentation and communications.
• Confident using digital systems and technology, with the ability to quickly acquire new skills and work effectively with limited documentation or support.
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a small team, while also taking ownership of individual areas of responsibility.
• Willingness and ability to travel regularly across the UK, including occasional evenings and weekends.
• Experience of using social media and digital platforms to support communications, engagement or recruitment.

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