Chief Operating Officer (COO)

About Symphony Collective

Symphony Collective exists to build platforms and create spaces that help young people find and thrive in their purpose, using Arts, Education and Advocacy as tools.

What began as a vision has grown into a thriving ecosystem including music education, academic support programmes, wellbeing and social justice initiatives, live events, podcasts, short films and community convenings. As our work expands, so does the need for strong operational leadership.

The Role

We are seeking an experienced Chief Operating Officer (COO) to co-lead Symphony Collective alongside the Founder & CEO.

This is a senior, hands-on leadership role for an operational partner who will steward delivery, people, systems and processes, enabling the CEO to focus on vision, partnerships, resourcing and storytelling.

You will play a central role in shaping the organisation's next chapter, turning ambition into sustainable structure.

Key Responsibilities

Operations & Delivery

• Oversee the day-to-day operational management of Symphony Collective
• Translate organisational strategy into clear plans, timelines and execution
• Ensure operational excellence across arts, education and advocacy initiatives

People & Culture

• Lead and support staff, freelancers and volunteers
• Build inclusive, supportive and high-performing teams
• Develop systems for recruitment, onboarding, performance and wellbeing

Systems & Governance

• Design and embed effective operational systems and workflows
• Oversee governance, compliance and risk management
• Improve efficiency, clarity and accountability across the organisation

Symphony Studios

• Oversee the day-to-day running of Symphony Studios, our physical creative and community space
• Support its role as a hub for education, rehearsals, content creation and community life
• Ensure the space operates as a launchpad for Symphony's wider work

Programme Areas

• Arts: music school, choirs, instrumental tuition, production, podcasts, short films and live events
• Academics: GCSE exam support, tutoring, mentoring, soft skills and wider learning programmes
• Advocacy: wellbeing and health campaigns, social justice work and flagship community events, including TRIBE: Festival of Hope

About You

You may come from the charity, social enterprise, education, arts or community sector and will bring:

• Senior operational leadership experience (COO, Head of Operations, Director of Operations or similar)
• Strong people management and organisational capability
• Experience building systems and structures in growing organisations
• A collaborative, values-driven leadership style
• A deep alignment with Symphony Collective's mission and communities

Above all, we are looking for someone who wants to build something brave and meaningful, and understands what it takes to expand opportunity, support social mobility and create inclusive spaces where young people from marginalised communities can belong, grow and imagine a bigger future.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit a CV and short statement of interest via the button below.

Compensation

£2,000-£2,400/month consultancy retainer (4 days/week), depending on experience. Non-PAYE role.