Public Programmes Manager

We are looking for a passionate individual to join the Exhibitions and Public Programmes team. This is a unique opportunity to shape RIBA’s House of Architecture cultural output, by developing and delivering engaging and thought-provoking talks, events, and exhibitions related programmes for both specialist and broader public audiences. You will be responsible for nurturing and managing existing programming partnerships, as well as for cultivating new ones, and for delivering our flagship sponsored and named talks series as well as programming alongside exhibitions.

What are we looking for?

• A creative thinker with the ability to create a diverse range of programme tailored for different audience needs, combined with a strong understanding of those audiences.
• Solid experience of public and specialist engagement and creative production of talks and events within a cultural organisation, including liaising with other organisations, partners and speakers.
• Proven excellent project management and budget management skills.
• Ability to work under pressure to meet deadlines and willingness to work outside hours, including evenings as required.
• Strong knowledge of and passion for architecture, both contemporary and historic, as well as critical theory and contemporary practice.
• London based with occasional travel to our office in RIBA North, and other locations depending on events.

Essential

• Solid experience of public and specialist engagement and creative production of talks and events within a cultural organisation, including liaising with other organisations, partners and speakers.
• Experience of project management, delivering on time, budget and to a high standard.
• Experience in following an audience‑focused approach, including evaluation, in shaping project outcomes.
• Strong knowledge of and passion for architecture, both contemporary and historic, as well as critical theory and contemporary practice.
• Experience of effectively managing partnerships and external stakeholders.

Desirable

• Interest in and experience of testing the boundaries of existing public programmes format, to deliver innovative programmes, whether onsite, offsite, or online.
• Experience of line managing other team members, effectively setting their workloads and nurturing them into growing into their roles.
• Knowledge of Safeguarding requirements and procedures.
• Knowledge of GDPR legal requirements.

Why Join us?

RIBA offers an amazing employee benefits package which includes (a) a generous pension scheme with employer contributions (up to 12%), (b) life assurance, (c) annual leave of 27 days plus bank holidays and paid closure of 3 discretionary days between Christmas and New Year.

Essential application information

Please note that applications without a covering letter will not be considered. Additionally, please ensure that you complete our Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form which will be submitted separate from your application.

Hiring timeline

Closing date: 28 June 2026. Candidates shortlisted for interviews will be notified on Thursday 2 July. Interview date: 6 & 7 July 2026.

Equal opportunities

RIBA aims to be an inclusive employer, committed to building an authentic and diverse environment where all are encouraged to be themselves. We champion work/life balance and welcome requests for flexible working across our organisation. We value applications from all sections of society and appreciate divergent experience, therefore if you are excited about the role and working with us, yet your experience may not align perfectly with every single skill or competency, we encourage you to apply anyway.