Programmes manager – career development

Closing date for applications: Tuesday 4th June at 5pm

Salary: £35,000-£40,000 

First interviews: 11th and 13th June 

Second interviews: Week beginning 17th June

Location: Creative Access, c/o ITV, The WestWorks, 195 Wood Lane, London W12 7FQ

Love to see people from under-represented backgrounds thrive in their career? Play a key role at Creative Access as a programmes manager specialising in career development.

Creative Access is one of the leading diversity organisations in the UK. We provide career-long access, opportunities, support and training to make the creative industries better reflect society. Our mission is to break down the barriers faced by those from historically under-represented groups to accessing and building careers.

The Thrive team at Creative Access works to support individuals from historically under-represented groups to thrive in the creative economy through career development, support, mentoring and training for individuals, as well as providing training for employers to help them build inclusive cultures.

Role objectives

• To lead on the development, funding and delivery of our Thrive: career development programme – a 12-month career support programme for mid-level individuals from historically under-represented backgrounds
• To manage key projects within the programmes team, including the Career Development Bursary and Creative Access Steering Group
• To play a key role in the development and launch of a pilot for a new career support programme for senior professionals in the creative industries, working in close partnership with the Head of Thrive
• To work closely with the Head of Thrive to support with programme development and future strategic initiatives to expand Creative Access’ offering and reach

Responsibilities

• Oversee delivery, funding and development of our mid-level Thrive: career development programme for Creative Access alumni, those enrolled via employers or recruited via funded partnerships. Responsibilities include:
  • Developing and implementing a funding strategy for the programme, including proactively marketing, reaching out to and pitching the programme to existing and new employer partners to enrol their employees and to potential programme sponsors to increase the number of funded places offered
  • Onboarding individuals enrolled onto Thrive through Salesforce, our CRM system, and leading online induction sessions for new cohorts
  • Coordinating and developing training sessions to build knowledge and skills (including liaising with attendees and freelance facilitators, follow-up and evaluation)
  • Providing pastoral care, advice and support including mental health and career advice
  • Dealing with line manager queries
  • Supporting the Mentoring Manager with our Thrive mentoring programme including matching mentees with suitable mentors
  • Overseeing the planning and delivery of regular networking events, designed to connect our community
• Alongside the Head of Thrive and CEO, play a key role in the development and pilot delivery of a career support programme for senior professionals. Responsibilities will include:
  • Researching and sourcing freelance trainers and coaches to work with us on the programme
  • Overseeing the application and recruitment process of the pilot programme
  • Project managing the pilot programme and being the lead point of contact for participants
• Lead on the Creative Access Steering Group, a year-long programme which provides a leadership pathway for participants to becoming trustees or non-executive directors of other creative organisations, social enterprises or charities. The group also provide feedback, input on and steer various Creative Access programmes and areas of development.
• Manage the Creative Access Career Development Bursary aimed at supporting candidates who aspire to work, or further their career, in the creative economy
• Maintain and develop relationships with existing and new funding partners
• Utilise tools to evaluate and monitor programme impact, and input to reporting processes for key stakeholders
• Create newsletters for our Thrive community and run campaigns to encourage community engagement in new initiatives
• Feed into programme strategy and support with programme development and future strategic initiatives to expand Creative Access’ reach and offering
• Work collaboratively with all team members across Creative Access to support the company’s key aims and objectives to ensure a wholehearted approach to diversity, equity and inclusion
• Contribute to regular planning meetings with the marketing team to ensure the brand message is strong and consistent across all events and platforms
• Line management and development of the Programmes Assistant

Knowledge, skills and experience

• Strong track record of developing, managing and delivering programmes and/or events
• Demonstrable ability to work across multiple programmes or projects whilst ensuring high standards and quality of experience
• Strong interest and commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion in the creative industries
• Experience of working with individuals to support their skills development (experience with mid-level and senior creative professionals particularly desirable)
• Some experience of one or more of the following: fundraising, generating new business, working with commercial partners
• A proactive approach to workload planning and delivery, with the ability to manage a full and varied workload whilst meeting deadlines and achieving project objectives
• An appetite for learning on the job and developing your skills set towards the needs of the organisation
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work in teams and independently
• Hardworking, detail orientated and a strong team player

To note

• We welcome applications from people from all backgrounds and will make reasonable adjustments for disabled individuals as required – you can read our accessibility policy here
• We welcome applications from people who do not meet all the requirements of the skills and experience section above, or from those who have transferable skills
• The successful candidate will need to complete a DBS check
• This is a description of the job as currently presented. Please note the role responsibilities are subject to change through review and discussion with post-holder
• We have an open and collaborative team culture and provide extensive support for personal professional development, including the opportunity to attend workshops on diversity, equity and inclusion and to receive mental health first aid training

Holiday entitlement: 23 days per calendar year, plus statutory English Bank holidays, the days between Christmas and New Year, and one day for your birthday (pro-rated for part-time staff). An additional days’ leave is accrued for each year of service. 

Hours of work & hybrid-working: Standard working hours for the Thrive team are 09:30 – 17:30 Monday to Friday. We operate a hybrid-working with a minimum of two days per week in either our White City or Camden offices. The post-holder will be expected to assume duties outside of working hours on occasion (including evening work) to support the delivery of the role and operation of the organisation. We operate a time off in lieu (TOIL) policy and are open to discussing flexible terms.

To apply

• Log in to your Creative Access account or register today to apply for this opportunity
• To apply please upload a CV and cover letter outlining why you’re interested in the role and skills relevant to the role description (applications without a tailored cover letter will not be considered)
• Please upload your CV and cover letter as one document
• Once submitted, you can no longer amend your application, so proof-read carefully
• Please email any queries about this role to Creative Access at this address: programmes@creativeaccess.org.uk

If you require any access support while completing the application form, or would prefer to submit your application in an alternative format (e.g. video or audio recording), please email programmes@creativeaccess.org.uk to discuss further.