Head of Programming for Science

Hours: Full-time (37 hours per week). Part-time and freelance applications will also be considered. Some evening and weekend work is required during festivals.

Salary: £40,000-£45,000 per annum equivalent, depending on experience and engagement type (permanent employment or freelance contract).

For employee, benefits include:

• 33 days annual leave including bank holidays (pro rata for part time employees), increasing to 34 days after five years' service (pro rata)
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Staff ticket allocation for Festivals
• Westfield Health Cash Plan

Help shape the future of one of the UK's leading Science Festivals

Science is changing. Audiences are changing. Festivals are changing.

We're looking for an ambitious, imaginative and commercially-minded Head of Programming (Science) to lead the next chapter of Cheltenham Science Festival.

This is an exciting opportunity for someone who doesn't just want to programme a festival but wants to reimagine what a science festival can be.

You will build on our outstanding reputation while creating an innovative, relevant and inclusive programme that excites audiences, attracts new partners, champions emerging talent and strengthens our position as a world-class destination for science, creativity and discovery.

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

As Head of Programming (Science), you will lead the artistic vision, development and delivery of Cheltenham Science Festival and be its principal ambassador.

This is a role for someone who sees opportunity where others see challenge. We know audience expectations are evolving, and that attracting new audiences and growing income requires fresh thinking, bold ideas and a willingness to innovate and that’s where you’ll come in.

We are looking for someone who will work collaboratively across the organisation, and beyond, to refresh and evolve our programme, develop exciting new formats and partnerships, embrace the opportunities presented by STEAM, and maximise the Festival's box office and commercial potential.

You will create an annual programme that is internationally respected, culturally relevant and financially sustainable; one that delights loyal audiences while attracting the next generation of festival-goers both local and further afield.

Key Responsibilities:

• Set the artistic direction, business plan and budget for the Science Festival alongside the Co-CEOs.
• Create a bold, balanced, inclusive and high-quality programme that cements Cheltenham Science Festival as a must-attend event for both the science community and the wider public.
• Lead the evolution of the Festival programme, introducing fresh ideas, contemporary formats and innovative experiences that grow audiences and increase commercial success.
• Build strategic partnerships across science, technology, education, business, the arts and industry to create unique content, commission new work and secure exclusive events.
• Drive audience growth and maximise box office potential through compelling programming, strong commercial awareness and close collaboration with our Marketing team.
• Develop long-term creative and financial partnerships that generate sustainable income and expand the Festival's reach.
• Work closely with our Learning & Participation team to maximise the Festival's social impact and create opportunities for year-round engagement.
• Act as the public face and ambassador for Cheltenham Science Festival, building relationships and networking across sectors and representing the Festival through media and public engagement.
• Oversee scheduling and collaborate with Operations and Production teams to deliver an exceptional festival experience.
• Lead, inspire and develop the Science Programming team.
• Use insight, evaluation and audience data to inform decision-making, continually improving the programme and identifying opportunities for growth.
• Manage departmental budgets, negotiate fees and contribute to pricing strategy.
• Lead, and actively contribute to, the Science Festival Advisory Group.

About You:

• Will have a successful track record of curating programmes (preferably in STEAM) that engage and grow public audiences.
• Experience developing innovative, audience-focused programming that combines creativity with commercial awareness.
• The ability to build trusted relationships with senior leaders across science, research, education, industry and the creative sectors.
• Broad knowledge of research and innovation across STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics).
• Experience leading and inspiring high-performing teams.
• Strong financial and commercial acumen.
• A collaborative approach and a passion for co-creation.
• Experience using audience insight and data to drive growth in attendance and income.
• Excellent communication and influencing skills.
• A commitment to inclusion, accessibility and widening participation.

If you're energised by innovation, collaboration and the opportunity to make a real impact, we'd love to hear from you.

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

For any queries, please email us at the email address to the right of this advert.

At Cheltenham Festivals we care deeply about inclusive practice and diversity. We understand 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.