WORK WITH US!

We are currently recruiting for a new

PROGRAMMES & OPERATIONS DIRECTOR


Job Title: Programmes & Operations Director

Hours: 40 hours per week (including occasional evenings and Saturdays) 

Salary: £35,000 - £37,000 per annum

Based at: Various London locations incl remote working and visits to other areas of UK

Contract type: Permanent

Reporting to: Chief Executive & Artistic Director

Responsible for: Project Manager, Freelance staff, Other Open Door staff as required

Holiday entitlement: 28 days (excluding bank holidays) 

Application Closing Date : January 20th 2025


Open Door is an award-winning charity that helps talented people aged 17+, who do not have the financial support or resources, gain a place at one of the UK’s leading drama schools. 

Whether they want to pursue a career in acting, production arts or technical theatre, we support them by breaking down barriers. This allows them to compete for drama school training on a level playing field, unburdened from financial strain.

Our awards include; School of the Year at The Stage Awards (2019); Big Issue’s Top 100 Changemakers (2019 and 2022); and BIFA’s Special Jury Prize for Contribution to the Industry (2022). 

Partner organisations include: the Donmar Warehouse, Spotlight, Royal Court London, Nottingham Playhouse, Derby Theatre, Leicester Curve, Leeds Playhouse, Liverpool Everyman and Royal Exchange Manchester.

Patrons include: Woody Harrelson, Emilia Clarke & Riz Ahmed


Job Purpose

The Programme & Operations Director is a key role for the effective delivery of all aspects of Open Door’s Programmes alongside the day-to-day operation of the charity. They will help lead in its vision of helping people who do not have the financial support or resources to gain a place at the UK’s leading drama schools. They will maintain and nurture relationships with our partners to further our aims, as well as lead on pastoral support for Open Door’s participants.


Key Responsibilities include but are not limited to:- 

Programme & Operations

  • Ensuring all Open Door programmes run smoothly, effectively and to budget including reaching agreed targets around recruitment and other areas. 

  • Responsible for policies and procedures including taking the lead on safeguarding

  • Working with the project manager to prepare marketing materials.

  • Raising the profile of Open Door through communication channels such as social media platforms


Participants

  • Overseeing participant documents such as codes of conduct and letters of agreement

  • Dealing with and logging participant disciplinary procedures

  • Offering pastoral care and one-on-ones with Open Door participants where appropriate


Staffing and Management

  • Line managing Project Manager and all freelance members of staff

  • Interviewing and staffing all tutor and workshop leader positions 

  • Staffing and managing Open Door events in collaboration with CEO

  • Overseeing HR procedures including contracts, logging leave and staff policies and procedures


Partnerships

  • Maintaining our safeguarding checks and evaluations of partner Drama Schools using established metrics and processes

  • Supporting the CEO in managing relationships with our partner Drama Schools

  • Nurturing existing, and making new relationships with project partners in the collaboration with CEO 


Strategy & Planning

  • Supporting the CEO to devise and deliver the artistic plan and vision of Open Door including workshops for each region 

  • Contributing to fundraising including trusts and foundations and Arts Council England applications

  • Any other duties as may be required as part of the Programme & Operations Director role


    Person Specification 

    Essential 

    1. Previous experience in senior management or head of a department 

    2. Previous experience in managing and overseeing budgets

    3. Previous experience working with young people and/or people with complex needs

    4. Strong understanding of safeguarding policies and procedures

    5. Has successfully applied for funds and grants 


    Desirable

    1. Familiarity with the UK drama school landscape and the arts sector

    2. Understanding of community engagement and delivery practices

    3. Previous experience working within a non-profit or charity organisation, particularly in arts and education

As an equal opportunity employer and advocates of Diversity and Inclusion, we proudly welcome applications from people of all races, ethnicities, disability statuses, ages, religions, gender identities, and sexual orientations. We encourage you to apply even if you don't think you meet all of the criteria above but are still interested in the role and mission. Nobody checks every box, and we're looking for team members who are genuinely excited to join Open Door. We welcome applications from individuals who are underrepresented in the arts and culture sector.

All appointments are made subject to satisfactory references, proof of eligibility to work in the UK and an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

If you have any questions about this role or your application, you can contact jobs@opendoor.org.uk

To apply for this post, please:

Email a current C.V with either a cover letter or 1 minute video, detailing your experience and why you think you'd be a good match for the position to joy@opendoor.org.uk.

https://opendoor.org.uk/job-applicant-privacy-statement

Please download and return with your application a completed Equal Opportunities Monitoring form. This form is for our evaluation purposes and will not be used in our assessment of your application.

If you would like to submit your application form in another format or require this information pack in a different font or format, we would be happy to accommodate this. Please contact Joy Saloman at joy@opendoor.org.uk to arrange this.