Interim Head of Programme at Artsadmin

Organisation: Artsadmin
Location: London, United Kingdom
Salary: £47,858 per annum (£38,286 for 32 hours per week)
Contract: Fixed-term, 12–13 months
Working hours: Full-time, 40 hours per week; part-time arrangements of at least 32 hours per week considered
Working arrangement: Primarily office-based at Toynbee Studios, East London, with 80% office attendance expected
Start date: Mid-January 2027, or as soon as possible thereafter
Application deadline: 16 November 2026, 10am

Artsadmin is seeking an experienced, committed live performance producer to join its team as Interim Head of Programme, leading its multi-strand artist support, projects and touring programme during 2027 while the permanent Head of Programme takes a planned career break.

The successful candidate will bring a deep understanding of access, inclusion and sustainability, centring care in their relationships with artists and in their management of in-house producers, freelance producers and assistants.

The role combines strategic leadership with hands-on programme development, project delivery, fundraising and team management.

About Artsadmin

Artsadmin is an arts charity based in East London, supporting visionary live artists working across contemporary performance, socially engaged and live art practice.

For over 45 years, Artsadmin has supported artists through professional development, creative spaces, producing partnerships and international touring.

Its work encompasses four main areas:

• Delivering artist support programmes that develop skills, share resources and encourage collaboration.
• Providing creative space and community, particularly at Toynbee Studios.
• Producing and managing live projects and tours internationally.
• Working to expand access to making, producing and experiencing live art through partnerships and sector-wide change.

Artsadmin’s work is guided by commitments to accessibility, inclusion, sustainability, collaboration and care.

Key Responsibilities

Team Leadership and Management

• Lead, manage and support the Programme Team and freelance producers through a care-centred approach that prioritises staff wellbeing.
• Ensure clear planning, communication and accountability across the team.
• Foster a generous, collaborative and inclusive working culture.
• Support the professional development of producers and programme staff.

Strategic Development

• Work closely with the Artistic Director to develop Artsadmin’s artistic strategy and deliver a cohesive programme.
• Develop activities and partnerships that respond to the needs of live artists at different career stages.
• Build and maintain relationships with artists, partners, funders and stakeholders.
• Contribute to wider organisational strategic planning alongside the joint CEOs and General Manager.

Project and Programme Delivery

• Lead the delivery of Artsadmin’s programme of new work, touring projects and artist support activities.
• Oversee project planning, resources, budgets and production processes.
• Provide additional oversight for new and complex projects.
• Strengthen the inclusion of artists’ perspectives in future programme development.
• Collaborate on communications campaigns to engage live artists, independent producers and other priority audiences.
• Manage programme monitoring and evaluation, ensuring learning informs future work.
• Represent Artsadmin at performances, festivals, conferences and events in the UK and internationally.

Fundraising and Budgets

• Lead the development, submission and management of major project funding applications.
• Oversee funder relationships, reporting and evaluation.
• Support producers in preparing and managing smaller funding bids.
• Develop the annual programme budget in collaboration with the joint CEOs.
• Oversee project budgets, balancing artistic ambition with financial viability.

Access, Inclusion and Sustainability

• Provide leadership in embedding access, inclusion and sustainability across the programme.
• Support initiatives that expand who can make, produce and experience live art and contemporary performance.
• Ensure the organisation’s commitments are reflected in programme planning and delivery.
• Develop approaches to monitoring progress and identifying areas for change.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

Applicants should demonstrate:

• The ability to centre care in professional relationships, build trust and respond calmly to challenging situations.
• Experience managing teams with different skills, experiences and support needs.
• Multiple years of experience producing ambitious live art, contemporary performance and/or socially engaged practice, including touring work.
• Experience overseeing programmes involving multiple projects and competing priorities.
• Strong financial project management skills, including preparing and managing budgets.
• Successful project fundraising experience, including funder relationships, evaluation and reporting, and working knowledge of the current Arts Council England Project Grant.
• Excellent organisational skills and experience developing systems that support collaborative working.
• An understanding of leadership within a wider organisation and the ability to contribute to strategic objectives.
• A demonstrable commitment to access, inclusion, sustainability and international collaboration.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills within the arts sector.

Contract and Benefits

The position is offered on a 12–13-month fixed-term employment contract, with an annual salary of £47,858 for 40 hours per week.

Artsadmin will also consider part-time arrangements of 32–36 hours per week. The salary for 32 hours per week is £38,286.

The role includes:

• 25 days of annual leave for full-time employees (20 days for 32 hours per week).
• Public holidays and any working days between 27 December and 2 January.
• A two-month probation period.
• A two-month notice period.

The role is primarily based at Artsadmin’s office at Toynbee Studios in East London. Staff are expected to work from the office for 80% of their working time, equivalent to four days per week for full-time employees.

Some travel within London, nationally and internationally will be required.

The Interim Head of Programme reports to the Artistic Director and manages the Producer (Projects & Touring), Producer (Artist Support & Development), Programme Coordinator and freelance producers.

Recruitment and Accessibility

Artsadmin is committed to accessible, inclusive and equitable recruitment.

Its positive action policy applies to applicants who identify as D/deaf or disabled, or from the Global Majority, and choose to be considered under the policy.

Applicants who opt into this process and demonstrate that they meet the minimum shortlisting criteria will be invited to a first interview.

Applicants may also request adjustments or alternative formats to support their application.

Application Process

Applications must be submitted through Artsadmin’s online recruitment portal, Awardstage.

Applicants should provide:

• A current CV outlining relevant work experience, qualifications and training, including dates.
• Answers to three questions relating to the Knowledge, Skills and Experience section of the recruitment pack.

An offline version of the application form is also available through Artsadmin’s website.

Applicants who wish to have their applications reviewed anonymously may remove their name and contact details from their CV. A separate anonymous Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form is also part of the application process.

Application deadline: Monday, 16 November 2026, at 10am.

Selection Timeline

• 20 November 2026: Shortlisting completed and applicants notified.
• 30 November and 1 December 2026: First-round interviews, online.
• 7–8 December 2026: Second-round interviews, in person at Toynbee Studios.
• Mid-January 2027: Preferred start date, or as soon as possible thereafter.

Applicants may request a conversation with members of Artsadmin’s leadership team before applying. The organisation will endeavour to accommodate requests received by 9 November 2026.

Image: The Peoples Palace of Possibility, What Shall We Build Here Festival 2023. Photo by Sophie Le Roux