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Students at the barre, holding on with one hand, their other raise deliberately above their head

Vacancy: Open Programme & Student Support Manager (Maternity Cover)

Northern Ballet is a powerhouse for inventive dance; raising the profile of ballet in the UK, expanding and challenging people’s perceptions of ballet and performing in places that otherwise wouldn’t have the opportunity to experience world class dance. Our Academy inspires the dancers of tomorrow in the only specialised classical ballet Centre for Advanced Training in the UK.

We now have an exciting opportunity to join our Academy as Open Programme & Student Support Manager (Maternity Cover). The Open Programme & Student Support Manager is a key role in the delivery, and evaluation of our work to reach Northern Ballet’s organisational mission to break down barriers to world class ballet.

With specific responsibility for managing the Open Programme, the Student Support Team, and other events, such as the International Summer Intensives and Pop-Ups, this role is responsible for ensuring smooth and efficient administration of the programmes, working with the Academy Team to maximise income opportunities and raise the profile of the Academy of Northern Ballet.

  • Salary: £30,000 per annum pro rata
  • Full time - 35 hours per week
    Hours can be worked flexibly on a hybrid basis depending on the needs of the business. Occasional Sundays for Open Days, rehearsals and other events are required. Time off in lieu can be taken when necessary. Holidays should be taken with regards to term time.
  • Contract: Fixed Term. 11 months, October 2026 – August 2027
  • Period of notice: 1 full term (maximum of 12 weeks) either side
  • Closing date for applications: Monday 13 July 2026 8.00am
  • Interviews will take place in Leeds, either Thursday 23 or Friday 24 July
  • Positions are subject to the successful candidate holding or obtaining a full enhanced DBS which must be registered on the update service. 

Job Description

Key Responsibilities

  • Act as a Safeguarding Champion for the Academy, and an active member of theSafeguarding Committee.
  • Maintain appropriate staff/student relationships.
  •  Alongside the Artistic Heads of Programmes and the CAT Manager, create the annual academy timetable, and schedules for intensives, and other events throughout the year.
  • Work with the Artistic Heads of Programmes to ensure staff cover across The Open Programme, and other events within your remit, including contracting.
  • Manage the Open Programme, the International Summer Intensive, and other commercial events, covering marketing, recruitment, registration, risk assessments, course handbooks, budget management, parent viewings, and end of year performances.
  • Ensure all budgets within your remit are updated on at least a weekly basis.
  • Manage the student support team, covering recruitment, safeguarding training, weekly rotas, and ensuring registers are complete and accurate. Send weekly hours to the Finance Manager and keep a detailed record of students support costs.
  • Manage the workload of any administrative support for your programmes.
  • Manage the Academy Pianist in HR/administrative matters.
  • Manage the Academy Administrator, regularly liaising with the Head of Programme (Associate & Graduate Programme), to ensure their workload is appropriately balanced between Associate and general administrative support.
  • Book all necessary studios for your programme activity on Artifax, regularly reviewing bookings to work effectively with other departments.
  • Coordinate all arrangements for Open Students auditioning for and performing with the Company.
  • In collaboration with the relevant Programme Managers, coordinate all logistics for Academy students performing with the Company, including wardrobe fittings, rehearsals, chaperone management, liaising with the Company Manager for performance licensing, and be a licensed chaperone backstage when required.
  • Work with colleagues to ensure thorough and effective evaluation of programmes, and ensure feedback is incorporated in continued planning.
  • Attend team and external network meetings, training sessions and other events that may take place outside normal working hours.
  • Carry out duties and responsibilities with regard to Northern Ballet’s Equal Opportunities, Health and Safety, and Safeguarding policies.
  • Contribute to the strategic development of the Academy of Northern Ballet.
  • Carry out any other duties which may be reasonably expected of the role.
     

Person Specification

Essential Criteria
  • A minimum of Level 1 Safeguarding Training, or willing to train.
  • A proven track record in arts management
  • Experience in devising and managing programme budgets
  • Excellent financial management skills, proficient in excel
  • A logical and methodical approach to planning and preparation
  • Experience of managing people
  • Experience in creating risk assessments
  • Experience in managing numerous programmes simultaneously, liaising with a range of stakeholders
  • The ability to think creatively and problem solve
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Flexible and adaptable approach and positive attitude

This role is subject to an enhanced DBS check.
 

Other Information

Key contacts include Director of Academy & Learning, Head of Programmes (Associate & Graduate) Head of Artistic Programmes (CAT & Open), CAT Programme Manager, Academy Administrator, Classical Ballet Teachers, Pianists, and the Student Support Team.

This job description is a guide to the nature of the work required of the role. It is neither wholly comprehensive nor restrictive and forms part of the contract of employment.

Application

Please send details of your relevant experience and tell us why you would like to be considered for this role. This should be in written formats, such as a CV, along with a covering letter. All details should be sent to recruitment@northernballet.com by 8am Monday 13 July 2026.

Please also complete our equal opportunities monitoring form.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to interview, will take place either Thursday 23, or Friday 24 July.

Positions are subject to the successful candidate holding or obtaining a full enhanced DBS which must be registered on the update service.

Our Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion

Northern Ballet is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion, and we actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences. We are happy to discuss access requirements and make reasonable adjustments at any stage of the recruitment process, including providing materials in alternative formats or adapting the interview process.

Header photo taken by Emily Spencer.