Executive Producer & Programme Director

Ref: 189-JH

Role: Executive Producer & Programme Director

Location: Sheffield

Salary: £45,000 to £48,000 Per Annum

Hours: 37.5 Hours Per Week – Office Based, Hybrid Considered

The role:

This is not simply a producing role. It is an opportunity to help shape the future of one of the UK’s most ambitious theatre companies. This is a rare opportunity to join an organisation at a pivotal stage in its development. Working in close partnership with the Artistic Director & CEO, the Executive Producer & Programme Director will lead the planning, producing and delivery of the theatre’s artistic programme.

The successful candidate will translate artistic vision into ambitious, sustainable and impactful programmes through exceptional producing, strategic planning, fundraising and partnership development. The successful candidate will combine strategic leadership with exceptional producing expertise, ensuring that artistic ambition is realised through outstanding planning, delivery and partnership development

Key Responsibilities

Producing 

• Lead the producing and delivery of the theatre’s artistic programme.
• Produce theatre productions, national tours, research and development projects, festivals and artist development initiatives.
• Develop production schedules, project plans and delivery timelines.
• Ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget and to the highest artistic standards.
• Contract and manage freelance artists, creative teams and production personnel.
• Oversee production budgets in collaboration with the Artistic Director & CEO and Operations Manager.

Programme Leadership 

• Work with the Artistic Director to shape the annual artistic programme.
• Develop opportunities for new productions, commissions and collaborations.
• Identify touring, co production and presenting opportunities.
• Oversee multiple projects simultaneously.
• Ensure robust monitoring, evaluation and reporting across programmes.

Strategic Development 

• Contribute to the theatre’s long term strategic development.
• Develop producing strategies that support sustainable organisational growth.
• Lead the development of producing systems and organisational processes that support the theatre’s continued growth.
• Identify new artistic opportunities and strategic partnerships.
• Help realise the theatre’s national and international ambitions.

Partnerships 

• Build and sustain relationships with theatres, festivals, presenters, universities and cultural organisations.
• Develop strategic partnerships across the UK, Africa and the wider diaspora.
• Represent the theatre at industry events, conferences and networking opportunities.
• Strengthen the theatre’s profile across the cultural sector.

Fundraising and Income Generation 

• Lead and contribute to funding applications.
• Work alongside the Artistic Director, fundraising consultants and external partners to secure investment.
• Develop proposals for trusts, foundations, Arts Council England and other public and private funders.
• Support sponsorship and partnership development.
• Identify opportunities for earned income and organisational growth.

Leadership

• Act as a member of the theatre’s senior leadership team.
• Coordinate freelance producers and project teams.
• Work collaboratively with the Operations Manager to ensure effective organisational delivery.
• Foster a culture of excellence, collaboration and innovation.
• Deputise for the Artistic Director & CEO where appropriate.

Some evening, weekend and UK and international travel will be required.

The successful candidate:

We are looking for someone who is excited by possibility rather than daunted by challenge. Someone who enjoys building organisations as much as producing exceptional theatre. Someone who is collaborative, entrepreneurial and generous in the way they work with artists, colleagues and partners.

Essential

• Significant senior level producing experience within theatre or the performing arts.
• Proven experience delivering complex artistic programmes.
• Experience managing substantial project and production budgets.
• Excellent project planning and organisational skills.
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrable ability to build trusted relationships with artists, funders, partners and stakeholders.
• Strong negotiation and relationship management skills.
• The ability to balance strategic thinking with practical delivery.
• A collaborative leadership style.
• A commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.
• A passion for theatre, artists and cultural leadership.

Desirable 

• Experience within an Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation.
• Experience producing national and international touring.
• Strong fundraising and bid writing experience.
• Experience of international cultural partnerships.
• Knowledge of African and Black British artistic practice.
• Experience commissioning and developing new work.
• Experience of community engagement and artist development.

Personal Attributes

We are looking for someone who is:

• Visionary
• Collaborative
• Entrepreneurial
• Highly organised
• Calm under pressure
• Solutions focused
• Inclusive
• Resilient
• Curious
• Ambitious