11.08.2026
People Express believe everyone is creative, and that inclusive, accessible and fun creative experiences can develop confidence and self-esteem and bring people together to share and celebrate what they have created. In our projects, participants become the curators, designers, makers and/or performers of their own artwork.
People Express is an ambitious and groundbreaking participatory arts organisation, rooted in communities in South Derbyshire since 1990 and East Staffordshire since 2023, whose work has been used as a model of good practice in Bangladesh, Japan and across Europe. We support local groups to work with highly skilled and inspirational artists and practitioners across all art forms. Our projects are co-designed and co-delivered with a wide range of communities (often under-represented in the arts) and reflect their aspirations, ambitions and identity.
“We have worked with People Express several times over the years, most recently on the Linton Greenways project. Their knowledge and expertise have helped shape and elevate our ideas, and through their engagement with professional artists, our volunteers have broadened their sense of what is possible. This collaboration has inspired positive change and lasting improvements for the benefit of our community”. Elaine Clamp, Rickman’s Corner Community Centre 2026.
We are looking for a Programme Manager to join our small and dynamic team at People Express to bridge the gap between community groups, artists and partners, co-managing and co-curating creative projects that engage the communities of South Derbyshire and East Staffordshire. They will be responsible for community relationships, project logistics, budgeting, artist coordination and monitoring and evaluation.
We are looking for individuals who are passionate about how inclusive arts and culture can positively impact communities and who have been working within the participatory/community arts sector and/or with artists and communities professionally, for no less than three years.
Programme & Projects
To build relationships with residents, groups, and organisations across South Derbyshire and East Staffordshire to ensure projects reflect the community’s needs and aspirations, particularly those who are under-represented in the arts.
To work with community groups/participants through Steering Groups to develop, plan and deliver participatory and community arts projects, empowering them to take on leadership roles and become self-sustaining.
To develop opportunities for young people to train in the arts and cultural sector (including, for example, gaining the Arts Award, school-based projects, and work placements).
To work with the CEO to research and recruit inspirational freelance practitioners at all stages of their careers, develop relevant training /CPD opportunities, and programme them across all projects, festivals and events.
Partnerships and Stakeholders
To build and maintain strong partnerships with community organisations, schools, funders and local authorities, represent People Express at meetings, forums and public events and contribute to the organisation’s regional and national profile.
Administration, budgeting & fundraising
To manage & prepare project budgets, track income and expenditure and report variances, support the CEO to identify and apply for project funding and manage project logistics and co-ordination.
Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting
To ensure artistic quality, project delivery and impact and working practice is continuously monitored and evaluated across programmes by collecting feedback, documenting the work and monitoring outcomes/outputs. To use the evaluation to produce Board and Funder Reports.
Communications, Marketing and Profile
To work with the CEO and freelance staff to ensure People Express’ online presence (social media and website) is current, high quality and reflective of our work and ethos and is compliant with our Policies.
To support the marketing of projects and the production of Newsletters and Social Media posts by collating/capturing content including stories, photos, videos and blogs about projects.
Compliance and Governance
To work with the CEO and Board to contribute to strategic planning, and programming, attend/plan relevant Board and Away Day meetings, ensure People Express has accessible, compliant and relevant Policies and support the delivery of relevant Action Plans
To undertake any other duties reasonably required for the post
Experience
● Working with a range of communities to manage high quality arts, cultural or community projects.
● Working within the voluntary/charity sector and small teams
● Participatory, community and/or socially engaged arts practice.
● Managing multiple projects and stakeholders/partnerships
● Experience of working with artists, makers, volunteers and specialist consultants/freelancers
Knowledge
● Understanding of participatory, community arts practice and artistic quality and ambition
● Knowledge of equality, inclusion and safeguarding within community settings.
● Understanding of project budgeting and financial monitoring.
Skills
● Strong project and programme management skills.
● Excellent communication and partnership-building skills.
● Strong written communication
● Good digital and administrative skills.
● Ability to work independently and manage competing priorities.
● Willingness to work flexibly (including occasional evenings and weekends).
● Knowledge of Arts Council reporting systems.
● Experience working with schools, young people or community groups.
● Knowledge of the South Derbyshire/East Staffordshire’s cultural landscape and/or communities
● Experience of writing/developing funding applications
● Ability to contribute to long term strategies
● Understanding of environmental issues and sustainability
● Experience of issuing freelance Contracts and monitoring compliance (e.g. DBS, Safeguarding, Public Liability cover)
● Creative/Arts background
● Understanding of social media, marketing and publicity and public events
A CV and an Expression of Interest or covering letter (500 words maximum) telling us why you are interested in this role, why you feel you are suited, illustrating a clear connection to the job description above, with up to 6 links to images/projects that you would like to share with us.
Please email your application to: julie.goodwin@people-express.org.uk
(Please note that, as Julie Goodwin is on extended leave, the emails are managed by Helen Litherland)
Deadline for Applications: Friday 28th August 2026
Notification of shortlisting: Tuesday 8th September 2026
Interview Dates: Tuesday 15th Wednesday 16th September 2026
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