Salary: Up to £50,000 per annum
Location: Greater Manchester or London, with regular travel between both locations
We're looking for an experienced Head of Learning & Participation to lead and shape ENO Engage's ambitious learning and participation programme across Greater Manchester and London. Working closely with the Director of ENO Engage and as a key member of the Engage Management Team, you'll drive the strategic development of programmes that open up access to opera, nurture creativity, develop skills and enrich lives through meaningful cultural experiences.
This is a pivotal leadership role with responsibility for a diverse portfolio spanning schools, young people, teacher development, artist development, family programmes and community participation. You'll lead the development of innovative, inclusive and high-quality programmes that create clear progression pathways for participants while ensuring artistic excellence, educational value and measurable impact. You'll also build and strengthen strategic partnerships, champion equity, diversity and inclusion and help secure the long-term sustainability and growth of ENO Engage's work.
If you're a passionate advocate for creative learning and cultural participation, with the vision to develop ambitious programmes and the leadership skills to inspire teams and partners, we'd love to hear from you.
Requirements:
Leadership experience within learning, participation, education or community engagement
Experience leading complex programmes and multidisciplinary teams
Experience developing organisational strategy and translating this into successful programme delivery
Strong understanding of creative learning, participation and audience engagement practice
Experience managing significant budgets and financial planning
Experience developing strategic partnerships across education, cultural and community sectors
Experience securing funding or contributing to successful fundraising initiatives
Strong understanding of evaluation, impact measurement and evidence-based programme development
Excellent communication, influencing and stakeholder management skills
Ability to lead organisational change and inspire high-performing teams
Strong planning, organisational and decision-making skills
Commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, safeguarding and accessibility
Hold a valid Enhanced DBS check or be prepared to complete an Enhanced DBS screening process if appointed
Please see our recruitment pack for full details of the role.
Application deadline: 5pm, Wednesday 29 July 2026
1st Interviews: Thursday 6 August 2026
2nd Interviews: w/c 10 August 2026
Reasonable adjustments: If you require any reasonable adjustments for the application or interview process, please contact [email protected]
Feedback: Due to the high volume of applications we receive, we are only able to provide individual feedback to those candidates who reach the 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, we particularly encourage 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.
