Lead a new Creative People and Places programme in Salford
We are seeking an exceptional Programme Director to establish and lead Re-centre, Salford’s new Creative People and Places programme.
Re-centre has secured £1 million in confirmed funding and will support a long-term vision for community-led culture across the city. Funded by Arts Council England, the programme is supported by a consortium led by the University of Salford alongside Salford City Council, The Lowry, Salford Community Leisure and Salford CVS.
Creative People and Places is Arts Council England’s national programme supporting places where participation in arts and culture has historically been lower than the national average. Through long-term investment, local partnerships and shared decision-making, CPP programmes enable residents to shape and influence the cultural life of their communities.
At its heart, Re-centre is about cultural democracy — supporting more people to participate in, shape and lead culture in ways that reflect local priorities, identities and aspirations. Working across neighbourhoods and through city-wide partnerships, the programme will create opportunities for residents, artists and organisations to work together to imagine and realise new cultural possibilities for Salford.
As the founding Programme Director, you will provide strategic, artistic and operational leadership for an ambitious programme rooted in collaboration, creativity and community voice. You will work with residents, artists, partners and stakeholders to build a programme that is locally grounded, nationally significant and capable of creating lasting civic and cultural impact.
Programme Director – Re-centre
· Salary: Grade 8 starting salary of £49,063.68 per annum
· Location: Salford / hybrid working
· Contract: Fixed term until 31 March 2029
· Application deadline: 17 June 2026, 11:59pm
· First-stage interviews: 3 July 2026
· Second-stage interviews: 17 July 2026
Apply
Apply
To apply, complete the online application form and upload:
· A CV (maximum two pages)
Before applying, please read the Recruitment Pack – available with the online application form via the Apply Online link below.
For an informal conversation with one of the consortium leads, please contact Kate Atkin: K.R.Atkin@salford.ac.uk
Terms and Benefits
· Full-time (36.25 hours per week) with flexible working considered, including reduced hours (minimum 0.8)
· Hybrid and agile working
· 32 days annual leave plus bank holidays and additional Christmas closure leave
· Generous pension scheme
· Training and development opportunities through the University of Salford, Creative People and Places Peer Network
The role will require occasional evening and weekend working, with TOIL available in line with University policy.
Equality, Diversity, Inclusion and Accessibility
Re-centre and the Salford Creative People and Places Consortium are committed to building a programme and team that reflect the diversity of Salford and the communities we work alongside.
We actively encourage applications from people currently underrepresented across the arts and cultural sector, including people from Global Majority backgrounds, disabled people, LGBTQ+ people and people from working-class communities.
We are committed to an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. If you require adjustments or support at any stage, please contact Kate Atkin at K.R.Atkin@salford.ac.uk
