Job Summary
Lead Re-centre, Salford's new Creative People and Places programme. This is a rare opportunity to shape an ambitious £1m community‑led cultural programme and help realise a long‑term vision for cultural democracy, participation and creative opportunity across the city.
Job Description
Re-centre is Salford's new Creative People and Places programme, funded by Arts Council England and supported by a consortium led by the University of Salford alongside Salford City Council, Lowry, Salford Community Leisure and Salford CVS. With £1 million in confirmed funding, Re-centre is the first phase of a wider 10‑year vision for community‑led cultural development in Salford. At its heart is a commitment to cultural democracy, supporting residents, artists and communities to shape, influence and participate in the cultural life of their neighbourhoods and the city as a whole.
We are seeking an exceptional leader to become Re-centre's founding Programme Director. This is a rare opportunity to establish a new programme, build relationships across communities and sectors, and create the conditions for ambitious artistic and cultural activity rooted in lived experience, collaboration and shared decision‑making.
The Programme Director will lead programme development and delivery, working closely with residents, artists, consortium partners and Arts Council England. The role combines strategic leadership, artistic thinking, partnership development, community engagement, governance and operational oversight.
The successful candidate will help establish Re-centre as a trusted and visible programme, develop community‑led approaches to decision‑making and commissioning, build partnerships across culture, local government, health, education and the voluntary sector, and ensure effective delivery, learning and evaluation.
Based in Salford and employed by the University of Salford on behalf of the Re-centre Consortium, this role offers the opportunity to shape an ambitious long‑term programme that seeks to unlock potential, strengthen communities and create lasting civic and cultural impact.
Job Requirements
We are looking for a collaborative and values‑led leader with experience of developing and delivering ambitious cultural, community or place‑based programmes.
* Leadership experience within arts, culture, community development or related fields
* Experience of community‑led, participatory or co‑created programmes
* Experience of building partnerships across multiple sectors and stakeholders
* Experience managing budgets, public funding and reporting requirements
* Understanding of cultural democracy, co‑creation and community engagement
* Strong strategic thinking, communication and relationship‑building skills
* Ability to balance long‑term development with practical delivery
* Commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, accessibility and shared ownership
* Experience of consortium working, fundraising, governance or Creative People and Places programmes is desirable
Job Responsibilities
* Provide strategic and artistic leadership for Re-centre
* Lead programme development and delivery in line with Creative People and Places priorities
* Build relationships with residents, artists, community organisations and partners
* Develop community‑led approaches to decision‑making, commissioning and participation
* Create and oversee an ambitious programme of community‑led cultural activity across Salford
* Manage partnerships, governance arrangements and Arts Council England relationships
* Lead programme planning, financial management, monitoring and reporting
* Embed learning, evaluation and reflective practice throughout delivery
* Recruit, support and manage the Re-centre team and freelance workforce
* Champion inclusive practice, accessibility and community participation across all aspects of the programme
Equal Opportunity Statement
Re-centre is committed to equality, diversity, inclusion and accessibility. If you require adjustments or support at any stage of the recruitment process, please contact Kate Atkin at K.R.Atkin@salford.ac.uk.
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