About the Role
Circus of the Kids Ltd creates engaging circus, performance, movement, and creative learning experiences for children and young people.
We are seeking an experienced Creative Programme Director to lead programme strategy, artistic development, safeguarding standards, partnerships, and delivery across the organisation.
You will oversee the planning and delivery of workshops, performances, holiday activities, community programmes, and special events. You will also manage programme budgets, guide creative and operational teams, and ensure that every activity provides a safe, inclusive, and positive experience.
This position is suited to an accomplished professional with substantial experience in youth arts, performing arts, education, recreation, community programmes, or children’s services.
Why Join Us?
Creative Leadership
Shape imaginative circus, performance, and movement programmes for children and young people.
Meaningful Impact
Help participants build confidence, creativity, communication skills, and positive social connections.
Programme Ownership
Lead programme planning, partnerships, budgets, safeguarding, team development, and service quality.
Collaborative Environment
Work with instructors, performers, families, schools, community organisations, and creative partners.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and implement the organisation’s creative programme strategy
- Plan a varied calendar of workshops, performances, holiday activities, and community events
- Oversee programme delivery across venues, schools, and partner locations
- Maintain effective safeguarding and child-protection procedures
- Act as a designated safeguarding lead or appoint suitable safeguarding representatives
- Lead programme managers, instructors, performers, facilitators, and support staff
- Establish clear standards for programme quality, safety, accessibility, and participant experience
- Manage programme budgets, staffing plans, schedules, resources, and equipment requirements
- Recruit, train, support, and evaluate creative and programme personnel
- Build relationships with schools, local authorities, community groups, venues, and funding partners
- Develop new programmes based on community needs and participant interests
- Monitor enrolment, attendance, feedback, outcomes, and programme performance
- Ensure activities are inclusive and appropriately adapted for different abilities and needs
- Oversee risk assessments, incident procedures, consent records, and emergency planning
- Respond professionally to concerns raised by participants, parents, carers, or partners
- Support marketing, audience development, and community-engagement activities
- Prepare reports, proposals, funding applications, and programme presentations
- Maintain accurate programme, safeguarding, and operational records
- Ensure activities follow company policies and relevant regulatory requirements
What We Are Looking For
Experience
- Seven or more years of experience in youth arts, performing arts, education, recreation, community programmes, or children’s services
- Proven experience designing and managing creative or educational programmes
- Experience leading employees, freelance practitioners, instructors, or multidisciplinary teams
- Experience managing programme budgets, schedules, partnerships, and performance targets
- Strong safeguarding experience within an organisation working with children or young people
- Circus, theatre, dance, movement, sports, or live-events experience is beneficial
Skills
- Strong creative programme and people-management abilities
- Excellent understanding of safeguarding and child-centred practice
- Confident planning, budgeting, and resource-management skills
- Clear written, verbal, and presentation abilities
- Strong partnership and stakeholder-management skills
- Ability to manage several programmes, deadlines, and delivery locations
- Effective problem-solving and decision-making abilities
- Strong attention to safety, quality, inclusion, and participant wellbeing
- Ability to evaluate programme outcomes and prepare professional reports
- Competence with Microsoft Office, scheduling systems, and digital record management
- Calm, responsible, and professional approach to sensitive information
Education and Requirements
- Degree or professional qualification in Performing Arts, Arts Management, Education, Youth Work, Recreation, Community Development, or a related subject preferred
- Relevant safeguarding and first-aid training is beneficial
- Substantial relevant programme leadership experience may be considered in place of formal qualifications
- Appointment will be subject to satisfactory references and an appropriate Disclosure and Barring Service check
Pay: £78,000.00-£92,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Private dental insurance
- Private medical insurance
Work Location: In person
