At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the design and delivery of a vibrant cultural events programme.
- Company: Join The Light, County Durham’s newest cultural destination opening in 2026.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, generous leave, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Great opportunities for growth in a dynamic, inclusive environment.
- Why this job: Be part of shaping a creative hub that inspires and connects communities.
- Qualifications: Experience in project management and a passion for creativity and collaboration.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Help to Shape the Creative Heartbeat of County Durham’s New Landmark
Opening in summer 2026, The Light will be County Durham’s newest cultural destination—a vibrant space where art, science, technology and community come together. Alongside a bold exhibition programme and the new DLI Gallery, The Light will host an ambitious year‑round events programme across indoor and outdoor spaces.
We’re looking for a creative and highly organised Programme Support Officer to support in the design and delivery of this programme, working closely with the Programme Producer and Exhibitions’ Curator to establish The Light as a national hub for innovation and creativity.
What is involved?
As Programme Support Officer, you will:
- Support in the curation, administration and delivery of a world‑class events programme blending art, science and technology
- Support in the delivery of exceptional, inclusive experiences for diverse audiences
- This is your chance to support in the creation of a distinctive cultural offer from the ground up—shaping programmes that inspire, challenge and bring people together.
What will I need?
- Experienced in supporting project management, logistics, and administration.
- A creative thinker excited by experimentation and cross‑disciplinary work
- Ability to own projects, manage resources and maintain accurate records.
- Committed to accessibility, community engagement and high‑quality visitor experiences
- Collaborative, organised, and able to thrive in a fast‑paced, future‑focused environment
- Aware of current trends and best practice in Cultural Producing.
- A strong communicator, able to adapt your communication style to a range of audiences both verbally and in writing.
- Hold an NVQ Level 3 or equivalent experience in a relevant discipline
Please refer to the attached Person Specification for the full criteria.
We encourage you to contact Ruth Chittenden via email ruth.chittenden@thelightdurham.org.uk to arrange an informal discussion about the role.
Our offer to you
We offer a competitive rewards package that includes attractive salaries, a generous annual leave entitlement of 27 days (rising to 32 after five years’ continuous local government service), membership of the excellent contributory career average Local Government Pension Scheme, and a range of flexible working arrangements including hybrid working (home and office) where applicable. Explore the full range of rewards and benefits on our website.
Rewards and benefits are subject to individual terms and conditions.
Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
We are a proud equal opportunities employer and believe a diverse workforce brings fresh ideas and drives service improvement. We welcome applications from everyone and make employment decisions based on skills and ability. As a Disability Confident Leader, we actively encourage applications from disabled and neurodivergent people and offer support throughout the recruitment process.
Programme Support Officer in North East employer: North East Ambition
Centurion Multi-Academy Trust is an exceptional employer that prioritises the professional growth of its staff while fostering a collaborative and innovative work culture. With a competitive salary and a commitment to operational excellence, employees are empowered to make a meaningful impact on the educational outcomes of pupils and the wider community. Located in a supportive environment, the Trust offers unique opportunities for leadership development and strategic involvement in shaping the future of education.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Programme Support Officer in North East
✨Get Involved Locally
Dive into local volunteer opportunities or social initiatives. This not only beefs up your CV but also connects you with like-minded folks in nonprofits. Plus, it shows your passion for social impact, which is key for getting noticed by North East Ambition.
✨Tap into Professional Networks
Join networks like the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) or local charities to meet professionals in the sector. Attend events and workshops to build relationships and learn about potential openings at organisations like North East Ambition.
✨Showcase Your Commitment
When prepping for interviews, be ready to speak about your personal connection to social issues. Dive into specific examples of how you’ve contributed to community projects – this will resonate with the mission-driven vibe at North East Ambition.
✨Utilise Online Platforms
We’re all about making connections, so use platforms like Idealist and CharityJob to hunt for full-time roles. And of course, you should keep an eye on our website for exciting opportunities at North East Ambition. Apply directly through us to stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Programme Support Officer in North East
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for the Cause:In the nonprofit sector, it's super important to demonstrate genuine passion for the mission of North East Ambition. Use your cover letter to showcase any personal experiences or volunteer work that connects you to their social impact initiatives. This emotional connection can really help your application stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:When crafting your CV, be sure to include any relevant projects or roles that showcase your skills in social impact. Whether it's community organising, fundraising, or advocacy, highlight what you've done and the difference it's made. Don’t just list tasks; quantify your achievements and the outcomes of your efforts.
Tailor Your Documents to the Role:For a full-time role like Programme Support Officer, ensure your CV and cover letter specifically address the responsibilities outlined in the job description. Use their language to describe your skills and experience, making it easy for the hiring team to see how you fit into their vision.
Emphasise Teamwork and Collaboration:Nonprofits thrive on teamwork, so make sure to emphasise your collaborative experiences. Whether you've worked in a team setting, partnered with community organisations, or facilitated group projects, highlight these experiences in your application. Show them you understand the importance of working alongside diverse individuals to achieve shared goals.
How to prepare for a job interview at North East Ambition
✨Show Your Passion for Social Change
When we’re prepping for interviews in the nonprofit space, it's vital to demonstrate our genuine passion for social impact. Be ready to discuss not just your skills and experiences but also why you care about the mission of North East Ambition. Sharing personal stories or insights can really make us stand out.
✨Highlight Project Experience
We should focus on specific projects we've worked on that align with the goals of social impact. Whether that’s a community initiative, volunteering, or a class project, having solid examples that showcase our role and the outcomes will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Familiarity with Relevant Tools and Practices
Let’s brush up on tools and methodologies commonly used in the nonprofit sector, like project management software or outcome measurement frameworks. Being able to speak fluently about these will show that we’re not just passionate but also knowledgeable and ready to hit the ground running.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that evaluate our problem-solving skills in real-world social issues. Think about how we’d handle challenges in the nonprofit environment and prepare stories that demonstrate our critical thinking and adaptability. Role-playing with a friend could help us feel more confident!
