Director of Learning and Participation (Interim)

Director of Learning and Participation (Interim)

The Director of Learning and Participation (Interim) will lead on the strategic development, management and implementation of the Marlowe Theatre's Learning and Participation work across three strands of Young People, Education and Community.

Job Description

This is an exciting opportunity to join us and help to shape the future of learning and participation at the Marlowe Theatre for a 12-month fixed term.

The Director of Learning & Participation plays a pivotal role in the theatre's social purpose. We currently engage with over 40,000 young people and community members a year, with 4,000 participants joining long term programmes focusing on depth of engagement and removing barriers to inclusion, including a thriving Youth Company, offering skills development and performance opportunities for ages 7-17.

Our programmes are oversubscribed and we know we can do more to respond to the needs of our community and young people in Kent. As a result, we are embarking on an ambitious capital project within the city walls. Our vision is to preserve, protect and re present the Poor Priests' Hospital, a Grade I and II listed 12th Century heritage building, creating a world class Creative Learning Centre ('The Hive') and Heritage Destination for Kent. As Director of Learning & Participation, you will be central to this work, supporting the development of an inspiring and aspirational creative learning centre for and with our young people.

A strategic thinker and experienced senior leader, you will bring your passion for inclusivity and widening access to the arts to the role. With proven experience of developing strategy and delivering impactful outcomes, you will lead the Marlowe Theatre's learning and participation work through a period of evolution and growth, building on the successes of our programmes to date, as well as growing new initiatives aligned to our next business plan. You will also be a strong relationship builder, able to harness the skills and expertise across the organisation and within our strategic partnerships with local and major national companies.

Fixed term for 12 months - Full time 37 hours per week £54979 per annum Closing date 17 May 2026 5pm

Job Requirements

• A strategic thinker and organised planner
• Quality focused
• A great communicator and confident advocate
• A team player
• Great with young people and vulnerable individuals
• A problem solver
• Passionate about theatre, its purpose and value
• Good knowledge of policy and practice in the education sector
• Good knowledge of community arts best practice
• Good knowledge of contemporary theatre
• A commitment to, and good understanding of, safeguarding and health and safety procedures within a theatre environment
• Good strategy development and project management skillsAdvanced written and verbal communication skills
• Good people management skills
• Good budgeting and financial planning skills
• Basic IT skills
• Significant experience in learning and participation within a performing arts venue or equivalent, including roles at a senior level
• Previous experience as a senior manager or as a member of a leadership team
• Experience of setting and managing budgets

Job Responsibilities

• To lead on strategy development as we enter the next phase of business plan development
• To develop and maintain key external learning and participation partnerships and relationships (including our Resident and Associate Companies, local schools and the wider education and community sectors)
• To work collaboratively across departments, ensuring that Learning & Participation programmes are embedded in the organisation's workflow
• To represent L&P internally at our Programming Committee and to champion the Marlowe Theatre's work both regionally and nationally
• To play a leading role in the development of our new Learning Centre, The Hive, at the forefront of contemporary practice
• To contribute to the development of policy and play a significant role in the strategic direction of the theatre as a member of the Strategic Management Team
• To lead and develop the team, ensuring that staff are effectively recruited, have development opportunities and are supported