Programme manager - inclusive talent engagement

Closing date for applications: 31 August 2025

Salary: £37,500 - £39,000 per year

Design and deliver innovative programmes that break down barriers and champion representation for underrepresented young people in the creative industries.

We are seeking an experienced and collaborative inclusive talent programmes manager to lead the growth, delivery, and continuous improvement of some of our Entry Route programmes. This role will be pivotal in co-creating equitable pathways that enable more young people to thrive as artists, makers, audiences, and cultural leaders.

You will design and manage participatory talent development initiatives including Creative Industry Placements, the Young Artist Programme, Talent 25, and collaborate with the inclusive talent engagement team to shape and develop radical, equitable and connective programmes such as the flagship Upgrade Yourself Festival, the Digital Series and helping deliver elements of Paul Hamlyn evaluation programme.

Working closely with internal teams across Somerset House, external partners, and community organisations, you will help shape programmes that are accessible, culturally responsive, and centred on the leadership and lived experience of young people. This role is also responsible for establishing effective impact measurement and evaluation to ensure programmes remain relevant, evidence-led, and responsive to the needs of underrepresented young people.


Responsibilities

• Lead the design, implementation, and evaluation of talent development programmes targeting young people underrepresented in the creative industries
• Collaborate with the head of inclusive talent to develop strategic programme goals that deepen impact and broaden engagement.
• Build and maintain partnerships with community groups, education providers, and creative organisations to enhance access and participation
• Work collaboratively with Somerset House departments, including Studios, Exhibitions, Live Events, and Residents to develop ideas and integrate inclusive talent development into wider public programming
• Manage programme budgets with accuracy and transparency, reporting regularly to the head of inclusive talent
• Develop and sustain effective monitoring and evaluation frameworks that measure both quantitative outcomes and qualitative impact related to skills, empowerment, confidence, and career pathways.
• Support communications and collaborative event planning with the inclusive talent engagement team
• Champion equitable, accessible, and participatory approaches in all aspects of programme delivery, ensuring application and selection processes and participant support are barrier-free
• Promote a workplace culture that values diversity, accessibility, wellbeing, and professional growth

Knowledge, skills and experience

• Has a proven track record designing and delivering talent development or youth engagement programmes for 16–30-year-olds, ideally within or linked to the creative sector
• Demonstrates a strong commitment to equity, anti-racism, access and inclusion, with practical experience applying these principles through co-creation and participatory practices
• Is a skilled facilitator, able to design and lead inclusive, engaging workshops and group processes that build trust, confidence, and agency among young people from a range of backgrounds
• Understands the challenges faced by young people who experience multiple barriers and employs trauma-informed, culturally responsive approaches
• Has demonstrable project management and planning skills, with considerable experience of working in complex programme delivery, ideally in a high-volume environment with the ability to work effectively under pressure
• Is experienced in budget management, evaluation, reporting, and using data to inform programme development
• Understands safeguarding and pastoral care in youth work and/or learning and participation settings
• Has a background in community organising, cultural programming, youth work, or social justice-oriented education are welcome
• Has a passion for social change and supporting emerging creative talent to flourish on their own terms
• Is well organised, with demonstrable administrative, analytical and IT skills (Microsoft Office and other planning, budgeting and booking systems)
• Is skilled at building and nurturing partnerships across communities, organisations, and internal teams
• Maintains up-to-date knowledge of the creative industry landscape, youth workforce development, and policy contexts relevant to talent development and equity
• Communicates confidently and empathetically with young people, colleagues, partners, and stakeholders
• Is a collaborative team player with strong problem-solving skills and a flexible, pragmatic approach
• Has a commitment to continuous learning and reflective practice

Additional information

Somerset House is open to all, and we value everyone's unique skills. Somerset House Trust is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to championing equality, diversity, and inclusion in our workplace. We are committed to equal opportunity and encourage applications from all qualified individuals. We do not discriminate on the basis of age, disability, gender identity, race, religion, sexual orientation, or socioeconomic background.

Where candidates are equally qualified, we will seek to prioritise diversity to help us increase representation across the creative economy and the Trust. We anonymise all job applications to help avoid discrimination in the initial screening stage of our recruitment process. This reinforces our commitment to focusing on the skills and qualifications of all applications from the start.

Please state in your application that you found this role through Creative Access.