Freelance Science Programmer 10 months (September 2026 to June 2027)

Will need to be on site during the Cheltenham Science Festival

About Cheltenham Festivals

Cheltenham Festivals is a pioneering charity delivering world-class Jazz, Science,
Music and Literature Festivals and year-round outreach programmes. Our mission is
to create experiences that bring joy, spark curiosity, connect communities and
inspire change.

The Role

The postholder will work closely with the Head of Programming and the Learning and
Participation Manager (STEM) in shaping and delivering fresh, new and engaging
Schools and Family programmes for the Science Festival. This will include
researching possible events, liaising with and booking speakers and performers, and
taking the lead on our hands-on free interactive spaces. We hold excellent
relationships with the local education community.

The postholder will also have a key role in ensuring the festival’s commitment to
deliver a high level of customer care and a festival experience that makes speakers,
sponsors and audience members want to come back for more.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the development and delivery of engaging schools and family programmes for the Science Festival, working closely with senior programming and STEM learning leads
• Research, book, and manage speakers, performers, and partners, including commissioning new content and interactive experiences
• Oversee popular hands-on, free interactive spaces, ensuring high-quality, innovative visitor experiences
• Act as a festival ambassador, identifying fresh ideas, talent, and opportunities to enhance the programme
• Manage budgets, contracts, and financial tracking for programme delivery
• Coordinate operational delivery, ensuring compliance with health & safety and risk management standards
• Deliver excellent stakeholder and customer experience for audiences, speakers, and sponsors
• Support marketing and audience development, including writing engaging copy and using data insights to drive attendance and income

About You

• Experience in public engagement of science, particularly delivering activities for schools, families, and young people
• Strong organisation, communication, and interpersonal skills, with excellent attention to detail
• Creative and innovative, with the ability to research and develop engaging content
• Good understanding of event delivery and operations, including risk and compliance
• Confident managing budgets and administrative processes, with solid IT skills (e.g. Word, Excel)
• Able to work independently and collaboratively, with a proactive and flexible approach
• Committed to excellent customer experience and inclusive audience engagement
• Interest in or enthusiasm for the arts and sciences.

(Desirable: knowledge of the UK Science National Curriculum, KS1–KS4)

For a downloadable job description and application form please click on Apply Now.

Join us and help shape the future of one of the UK’s leading cultural organisations
through data.

Interview date: w/c 29 th June 2026

At Cheltenham Festivals we care deeply about inclusive practice and diversity. We are an
equal opportunities employer who understands the benefits of diversity so that everyone –
irrespective of individual identities, background, or any personal characteristics – receives
fair and equal treatment in a safe, welcoming and enjoyable environment.