Head of Programmes
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About Symphony Collective
Symphony Collective exists to build platforms and create spaces that help young people find and thrive in their purpose, using Arts, Education and Advocacy as tools.
What began as a vision has grown into a thriving ecosystem including music education, academic support programmes, wellbeing and social justice initiatives, live events, podcasts, short films and community convenings. As our work expands, so does the need for strong delivery and operational leadership.
The Role
We are seeking an experienced Head of Programmes to co-lead Symphony Collective alongside the Founder & CEO.
This is a senior, hands-on leadership role for an operational and delivery partner who will:
- Develop and implement our cross-pillar delivery strategy
- Embed strong operational systems across all programmes
- Oversee delivery staff, freelancers and contractors
- Ensure safeguarding, compliance and quality assurance standards are consistently met
- Translate vision into structured, scalable execution
While the CEO focuses on vision, partnerships, fundraising and storytelling, you will ensure that Symphony’s programmes run with clarity, discipline and operational excellence.
This role combines programme leadership with embedded operational oversight — it is as much about systems and structure as it is about delivery.
Key Responsibilities
Programme Strategy & Delivery
- Develop and implement Symphony’s cross-pillar programme strategy
- Oversee delivery across Arts, Academics and Advocacy
- Translate organisational vision into clear plans, timelines and execution
- Ensure quality assurance metrics and impact frameworks are embedded
Operations & Systems
- Design and implement operational systems and workflows across programmes
- Improve internal coordination, reporting and accountability
- Embed automation, tools and processes that support scale and efficiency
- Oversee safeguarding protocols and compliance processes
People Leadership
- Line manage programme leads, freelancers and volunteers
- Build an inclusive, high-performing delivery culture
- Support recruitment, onboarding and performance development
Governance & Risk
- Maintain operational integrity and risk awareness
- Ensure safeguarding standards are embedded across all delivery
- Support trustee reporting in relation to programme performance and compliance
Symphony Studios
- Oversee the day-to-day programme delivery within Symphony Studios
- Ensure the space functions effectively as a hub for education, creativity and community life
- Align studio operations with wider programme growth
Programme Areas
Arts — music school (choirs, live instrument tuition, production), podcasts, short films and live events
Academics — exam support (GCSE extra tuition), mentoring, soft skills and wider learning programmes
Advocacy — wellbeing and health campaigns, social justice convenings and community work (including our flagship event, TRIBE: Festival of Hope)
About You
You may come from the charity, social enterprise, education, arts or community sector and will bring:
- Senior programme or operational leadership experience
- Strong organisational and people management capability
- Experience building systems and structures in growing organisations
- A collaborative, values-driven leadership style
- Deep alignment with Symphony Collective’s mission and communities
Above all, we are looking for someone who wants to build something brave and meaningful, and who understands what it takes to expand opportunity, support social mobility and create inclusive spaces where young people from marginalised communities can belong, grow and imagine a bigger future.
Registered Charity The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
