We are delighted to be able to offer an exciting and rare opportunity for a Programme Manager to lead the Cultural Development and Delivery team in Solihull. The post will be responsible for developing and shaping new and challenging opportunities for artists and audiences to come together in an exciting creative programme at The Core and across the Borough.
The venue
The Core is a thriving multi-purpose venue and flagship community building in Solihull’s town centre. The Core Theatre is at the heart of the venue comprising a 336-seat raked theatre with a smaller multi-use Studio and a gallery. With over 67,000 tickets sold for over 250 performances each year, a busy programme of weekly classes, activities and exhibitions, plus its own highly regarded Encore Café Bar, the venue is key to the cultural landscape of Solihull and the wider area.
Introduced in 2023 the new Core Creatives also provides space for professional artists to develop their work and practice supporting Solihull’s cultural community at this vibrant venue.
The role
The Programme Manager - Culture will play a pivotal role in driving cultural initiatives that enhance the offer at our venue and promote the cultural diversity of the borough.
This role involves overseeing the development of innovative and diverse programming, managing financial and operational aspects, and enhancing the venue's reputation and profitability. You will also oversee the food and beverage services and the hiring and utilisation of community rooms.
Key responsibilities will see you
- leading the management of The Core to provide a sustainable arts venue, where people can be entertained, educated, challenged and informed, and where they can perform, exhibit, meet and participate.
- Supporting the Strategic Lead for Culture in the development of an innovative, inclusive Solihull-wide arts and culture strategy that facilitates opportunity for the full breadth of artistic activity, ranging from amateur to professional.
- Developing and managing a programme of artistic and cultural events in Solihull, working in partnership with internal and external partners, including venues, community groups and artists.
- Driving the financial strategy of the venue to increase revenue through ticket sales, partnerships, sponsorships, and fundraising activities.
Key requirements
To succeed you will be an enthusiastic and highly motivated individual who has developed their programming expertise and knowledge in a professional theatre, events, or similar environment. You will have experience of developing a strategic or long-term programme of cultural activity and negotiating agreements with artists, promoters and agents including ongoing contractual management. You will have experience of staff management with the ability to lead, motivate and develop team members across a range of specialisms.
Communication and inter-personal skills will also be one of your key strengths, able to identify, engage and work effectively and collaboratively with a wide range of stakeholders, across multiple services and platforms.
You will be confident in the use of IT, with knowledge of Box Office/ticketing systems and event booking software.
The offer
In return, we offer the opportunity to develop your marketing experience and expertise, ideas and skills within a friendly, welcoming and dynamic environment and alongside a team of passionate, experienced and skilled professionals. You will also have the opportunity to contribute to positive and high-profile events and initiatives, key to supporting Solihull’s cultural development.
As an employee of Solihull Council, you will benefit from a competitive salary, a range of flexible working options, an extensive wellbeing offer, as well as attractive staff benefits including generous leave entitlement, staff discounts and access to the Local Government pension scheme.
Additional information
For an informal discussion about this post, please contact Kate Bunting, Strategic Lead – Culture on 0121 704 6958 or at kate.bunting@solihull.gov.uk
Closing date: 13 October 2024.
Interviews date: 28 & 29 October 2024.
The Fluency Duty is outlined in the Code of Practice on the English language requirements for public sector workers. The Fluency Duty for this role is required.
Solihull Council is proud to be an Equal Opportunities Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees - a place where we can all be ourselves and succeed on merit.
Solihull Council has a responsibility for, and a commitment to, safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults at risk and requires all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.