Our Hinterlands Programme Director

Our Hinterlands is looking for an experienced Programme Director to lead a bold new cultural programme, putting rural communities at the centre of decision-making in the former Selby District.

Our Hinterlands is a new Creative People and Places (CPP) project, funded by Arts Council England and supported by North Yorkshire Council.

You’ll lead our community on a journey – from having a look, to coming along, taking part, making decisions and deciding what happens next. You’ll bring residents, artists and partners together and turn conversations into joyful, high-quality arts activity.

You will guide the programme from planning to delivery, ensuring it is collaborative, inclusive and transformational.

Across the life of the programme, you will grow partnerships, support artists and residents to collaborate and shape an inspiring programme of creative activities, projects and events.

You will lead with transparency and generosity, building a programme that generates joy and confidence, bringing towns and villages closer together, honouring heritage, stories, culture and identity through artistic endeavour.

You will be supported by a consortium of dedicated local organisations;
Up For Yorkshire, Tadcaster & Rural CIC, North Yorkshire Council and consortium lead ARCADE.

A small team of staff, freelancers and volunteers will work alongside you to deliver.

This is an exciting leadership role with plenty of space and support to make it your own.

The post is offered until 31st March 2029, with the ambition of an extension, subject to renewed Arts Council England funding.

Job Share options are available for applications from 2 people, but this must be discussed with the team in advance.

• Translate the consortium and local people’s ambitions into a programme plan, including priorities, timelines, delivery frameworks and decision-making processes.
• Provide leadership for the Our Hinterlands team, establishing the programme’s identity, values and ways of working that are rooted in co-creation and community decision-making. Shape and oversee a programme that grows participation across the district, with a focus on being relevant, inspiring and responsive.
• Balance projects with district-wide initiatives, addressing reach, impact and legacy.
• Embed environmental responsibility, access, inclusion and safeguarding from the outset Consider legacy from the outset, horizon scanning and building a pathway to continued funding beyond 2029.

• Programme in partnership with local people, using community-led decision-making. Lead and manage the commissioning of a programme aligned to the needs and requirements of decision-makers and funders.
• Build and manage partnerships with stakeholders, from funders and artists, to local decision-makers to national networks.

• Recruit, lead and develop the team and partners, building a culture that is community centred, rigorous and ambitious.
• Provide day-to-day line-management enabling the delivery of the programme and objectives.

• Oversee programme planning, resource allocation and risk management, ensuring activity is delivered safely, effectively and on schedule.
• Manage budgets and financial reporting in line with funder requirements and ARCADE’s systems, ensuring strong governance and value for money.
• Ensure robust operational policies and procedures are upheld across the programme, including safeguarding, health & safety, equality and data protection.

• Develop and deliver an income strategy that supports programme resilience.
• Advocate for Our Hinterlands across sectors, building support, visibility…