Exeter Northcott Theatre is seeking an experienced Creative Engagement Lead Facilitator to deliver Assemble, a creative engagement programme in partnership with National Youth Theatre.
The Creative Engagement Lead Facilitators will lead the delivery of the Assemble programme. This role has overall responsibility for the planning, facilitation, and delivery of sessions throughout the programme, ensuring sessions are inclusive, engaging and safe, and aligned with the values and aims of Assemble, Exeter Northcott Theatre, and National Youth Theatre.
The Lead Facilitator will be the senior practitioner in the room, working collaboratively with the Creative Engagement Team to support positive outcomes for young people and volunteers.
Role: Creative Engagement Lead Facilitator
Project: Assemble https://exeternorthcott.co.uk/news/exeter-northcott-becomes-the-south-west-partner-for-national-youth-theatres-assemble/
Responsible to: Youth Development Producer, Community Engagement Producer, & Artist Development Producer
Location: Onsite with partner organisation
Terms & Conditions
Contract type: Freelance / Fixed-term (project-based)
Fee: £27.09 per hour
Commitment: 14 weeks | 2-hour session per week
We particularly welcome applications from individuals with lived experience of disability and/or neurodiversity.
How to apply
As part of our commitment to inclusion we’re working to widen the pool of people who hear about vacancies at the theatre and make the process of applying for a job as straightforward as possible.
For this role we’re asking all candidates to click on the Apply Now link for this vacancy on our website and submit written and/or video/audio responses to the same three questions so you can tell us about yourself and why you’re the right person for this role:
* Tell us about yourself and why you want to work at the Northcott
* Tell us how your experience meets the person specification
* Tell us about what professional support you might need if we were to offer you this role
And then upload a copy of your latest CV.
If you would like the information in an alternative format, support in completing your application, or you would like an alternative way to make your application, please contact us at jobs@exeternorthcott.co.uk.
For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Jacob Blackburn, Youth Development Producer, j.blackburn2@exeter.ac.uk.
Closing Date: Friday 20th March 2026 at 9am
Date of Interviews: Week commencing 30th March 2026 at the Barnfield Theatre
NB
We’ll pay travel expenses for candidates invited to interview.
When we invite candidates to interview, we’ll ask if they have any access needs.
Key Duties & Responsibilities
* Plan and oversee the Assemble scheme of work and individual session plans.
* Lead and deliver the majority of workshop and session content.
* Ensure continuity, progression and skills development across the programme.
* Respond flexibly to the needs of the group, adapting sessions as required.
* First point of contact for Volunteers and Creative Support Workers (CSW) regarding session planning and delivery needs.
* Lead the creation, development and direction of creative outputs, including sharings and/or a final performance.
* Embed young people’s ideas, interests and feedback throughout the creative process.
* Identify and propose appropriate guest artists or contributors where relevant.
Inclusion, Access & Participation
* Embed equity, diversity and inclusion within all aspects of planning and delivery.
* Adapt practice to meet a wide range of access needs, including individual, group, and sometimes conflicting requirements.
* Create a supportive, inclusive and welcoming environment for all participants.
Safeguarding, Welfare & Health & Safety
* Take responsibility for safeguarding and health & safety within sessions, in line with organisational policies.
* Act as the lead point of responsibility within sessions, raising concerns promptly with the Creative Engagement Team and, where appropriate, education staff or delivery partners.
* Maintain clear professional boundaries and a culture of care and respect.
Partnership Working & Communication
* Liaise effectively with colleges, education settings, and delivery partners.
* Coordinate and support trips, visits, and additional activity linked to the programme as required.
* Track engagement and progression of young people and volunteers throughout the programme.
* Support the development of Assistant Facilitators, offering guidance, feedback and skills development.
* Raise any concerns regarding engagement, wellbeing, or progress with the Creative Engagement Team.
Practical & Operational Responsibilities
* Organise and manage materials, resources and equipment required for sessions.
* Ensure delivery aligns with programme aims, values and funding requirements.
The Creative Engagement Lead Facilitator is the senior facilitator within sessions, working collaboratively with partner staff. They are responsible for the quality, safety and inclusivity of delivery, and for ensuring the programme provides meaningful, positive experiences for all participants.
Person Specification
Experience & Practice
* Experience of planning and delivering creative workshops for young people.
* Experience of leading sessions or programmes and managing group dynamics.
* Experience of participatory, youth-led or co-creative theatre practice.
* Experience of working with neurodiverse and/or disabled young people.
Inclusion, Access & Safeguarding
* Strong commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.
* Experience of adapting practice to support a range of access needs.
* Understanding of safeguarding and health & safety in work with children and young people.
* Ability to create safe, supportive and inclusive environments.
Communication & Organisation
* Strong communication skills and ability to work collaboratively with partners and colleagues.
* Ability to plan, organise and deliver sessions with clarity and purpose.
* Willingness to reflect on practice and adapt delivery in response to feedback.
* Lived experience of disability and/or neurodiversity, and/or experience of working from this perspective within creative or educational settings.
* Experience of working in partnership with schools, colleges, or youth organisations.
* Experience of supporting or mentoring assistants, trainees or early-career facilitators.
* Ability to communicate in British Sign Language (BSL).
Equality, Diversity & Access
Exeter Northcott Theatre is committed to equity, diversity and inclusion. We particularly welcome applications from individuals who are currently under-represented in the arts, including people with lived experience of disability and/or neurodiversity.
We recognise the value that lived experience brings to creative learning environments and to the development of inclusive practice. Applicants are invited (but not required) to share relevant lived experience in their application, should they wish to do so.
Additional Information
* This role is subject to an enhanced DBS check (or willingness to undertake one. We can support you with this application).
* The successful candidate will be required to work in line with Exeter Northcott Theatre policies, including safeguarding, equality, and data protection.
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