PETWORTH FESTIVAL
Learning And Participation Manager
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Learning & Participation Manager (0.5 FTE) - Help shape the future of creativity at Petworth Festival.
Deadline for application - Friday 21 August 2026
As Petworth Festival approaches its 50th anniversary and welcomes two new Artistic Directors, Lizzie Ball and Charles Owen, this is an exciting moment to join one of the South East's leading arts organisations.
Building on nearly five decades of artistic excellence, the Festival is entering a new chapter; expanding opportunities for audiences of all ages to engage with world-class music, literature and cultural experiences.
We are seeking an experienced, energetic and adaptable manager to co-ordinate our growing Learning and Participation programme. Working across music, literature and year-round activity, you will create inspiring opportunities for children, young people and adults to engage with artists, authors and musicians through workshops, talks, creative projects, competitions and community partnerships.
You will build strong relationships with schools and community organisations, ensuring that our festivals reach new audiences and create meaningful impact across West Sussex.
This is a hands-on role for a confident self-starter who thrives in a fast-paced environment. No two days are the same, and the successful candidate will enjoy the challenge of solving problems creatively, thinking on their feet and adapting quickly when plans change.
We're looking for someone who:
- Has at least five years' experience in arts learning, participation or community engagement
- Is an outstanding communicator and relationship builder
- Can manage multiple projects and priorities with confidence
- Is resourceful, adaptable and calm under pressure
- Has experience working with children, young people and community groups
- Is committed to inclusion, accessibility and safeguarding
- Holds an Enhanced DBS certificate or is willing to undertake one
- Has full driver’s licence with access to a car
- Is passionate about music, literature and widening access to the arts
We offer:
- A flexible 0.5 FTE role with hybrid working
- The opportunity to shape an ambitious and growing programme
- The chance to work with leading artists, authors and musicians
- A supportive and collaborative team environment
- Salary: £32,000–£38,000 per annum pro rata, depending on experience.
- Location: Petworth, West Sussex.
The Role
The Learning & Participation Manager will co-ordinate and deliver Petworth Festival's Learning and Participation programme across music, literature, creative arts and year-round activity. Working closely with the co-Artistic Director, the Executive Director, Literary Director, Operations Manager and Marketing & Development Manager, the postholder will enable learning and participation to be embedded throughout the Festival's artistic programme.
The role will create meaningful opportunities for children, young people and adults to engage with artists, authors and musicians through inspiring and accessible learning experiences that broaden participation, foster creativity and deepen engagement with the Festival. This is a hands-on role for a highly motivated self-starter who is equally comfortable developing strategy, building partnerships and delivering projects and managing budgets with excellent financial oversight.
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The successful candidate will be an excellent communicator, able to think on their feet and respond confidently to changing circumstances. Festival environments are dynamic and fast-paced, and the Learning & Participation Manager will be expected to solve problems creatively and adapt quickly when plans need to change.
Programmes may include:
- Non-selective school workshops especially where there is limited access to the arts
- Curriculum-linked resources
- CPD opportunities to inspire teachers
- Creative writing competitions and young writers' programmes
- Artist, author and musician talks, masterclasses and Q&A sessions
- Music and literary participation projects and family events
- Community and inter-generational programmes
- Programmes specifically designed for those with additional needs (e.g. SEND and health conditions)
- Partnerships with libraries, schools, further educational institutions and community organisations
- Learning activities linked to the Summer Festival, Literary Festival and Petworth Proms to be delivered year-round.
The Learning & Participation Manager will act as an ambassador for Petworth Festival and ensure that all learning activity is accessible, inclusive, safe and impactful.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Strategy and Programme Development
- Work with the Executive Director, co-Artistic Directors and Literary Director to create and deliver a year-round learning and participation strategy aligned with the Festival's artistic vision and organisational objectives
- Understand educational and community needs in the rural area around Petworth
- Develop and manage a programme of learning activities across music, literature and other Festival disciplines
- Identify opportunities for learning, participation and audience engagement across all Festival programmes particularly in areas with limited access to the arts
- Develop innovative projects that attract new audiences and deepen engagement with existing audiences
- Ensure all activity reflects best practice in creative learning, inclusion and accessibility
- Ensure all programmes follow the Petworth Festival code of conduct and safeguarding policy
Partnerships and Engagement
- Build and maintain strong relationships with schools, colleges, universities, libraries, community organisations and cultural partners
- Work collaboratively with artists, authors, musicians and facilitators to design and deliver engaging learning experiences
- Develop opportunities for people who may not traditionally engage or have access to the Festival
- Create meaningful opportunities for participants to shape and co-design activity
- Represent the Festival at external meetings, networking events and community forums
Project Delivery and Operations
- Lead the planning, delivery and evaluation of multiple projects simultaneously
- Recruit, brief and manage freelance artists, workshop leaders and volunteers
- Manage project budgets and resources effectively
- Ensure learning activities are delivered safely and efficiently
- Anticipate challenges and respond quickly and creatively when plans need to change
Safeguarding and Compliance
- Ensure all learning activities comply with safeguarding legislation and Festival policies
- Hold an Enhanced DBS certificate or be willing to obtain one prior to appointment
- Maintain up-to-date safeguarding knowledge and undertake regular training
- Ensure appropriate risk assessments, permissions and procedures are in place for all activities involving children and vulnerable adults
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Evaluation and Reporting
- Monitor and evaluate programme impact using qualitative and quantitative measures
- Produce reports for trustees, funders and stakeholders
- Gather participant feedback and use insights to inform future programme development
Fundraising and Advocacy
- Co-ordinate funding applications (including Trusts and Foundations that fit with projects) and reports relating to learning and participation
- Develop relationships with funders, sponsors and donors interested in education and community engagement
- Coordinate with the Operations Manager to support participant booking processes, audience insight and data collection
- Act as an ambassador for Petworth Festival
General
- Confidently represent the Festival's values and vision in all areas of work
- Work collaboratively across the organisation to maximise impact and audience reach
- Undertake any other duties reasonably required
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Essential
- A minimum of five years' experience delivering learning, participation, arts education or community engagement programmes
- Demonstrable experience of developing and delivering projects involving children, young people and adults especially those with challenges
- Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships with a wide range of stakeholders
- Ability to think on your feet, solve problems quickly and adapt effectively when circumstances change
- A proactive, resourceful and resilient approach, with the ability to work independently and take initiative
- Proven experience of managing multiple projects, scheduling, budgets and deadlines simultaneously
- Experience of recruiting and managing freelance practitioners and volunteers
- Strong evaluation and reporting skills
- Knowledge of safeguarding legislation and best practice
- Enhanced DBS clearance, or willingness to undertake an Enhanced DBS check prior to appointment
- Confident IT skills, including Microsoft Office and CRM systems
- Full driver’s licence and access to a car
- Willingness to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends during Festival periods
- A passion for the education and the arts and widening access to cultural experiences
Desirable
- Experience of delivering learning programmes spanning music and literature
- Experience of delivering creative writing initiatives or competitions
- Knowledge of Arts Council England priorities and funding frameworks
- Experience of working within a charity or festival environment
- Understanding of evaluation frameworks for arts and cultural participation
Terms and Conditions
- Hours: 17.5 hours per week (0.5 FTE)
- Working Pattern: Flexible by agreement
- Some evening and weekend working will be required, particularly during Festival periods.
- Salary: £32,000 - £38,000 per annum pro rata, depending on experience.
- Holiday: 28 days per annum pro rata, including bank holidays
- Pension: Employer contribution in line with auto-enrolment requirements.
- Working Arrangements: Hybrid working available by agreement
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