About Darbar
Darbar is a globally recognised organisation dedicated to bringing Indian classical music to wider audiences through live events, music education, and digital entertainment. We present world-class concerts, run an innovative online academy, and produce high-quality digital content. We are looking for an experienced Head of Programmes (Maternity Cover), reporting to the Artistic Director to lead the delivery of our programmes, ensuring their impact, growth, and sustainability.

About the Role
As Head of Programmes , you will play a key leadership role in shaping and delivering Darbar’s programme strategy across live events, education, and entertainment. You will provide strong line management to the programmes team, lead on Arts Council England reporting, and drive strategic oversight. This role requires someone with proven experience in programme leadership, team management, and donor engagement–ideally with Arts Council England.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Line Management

• Provide collaborative and supportive line management to direct reports.
• Play a key role in the senior leadership team , contributing to strategic planning.
• Lead on board paper preparation and governance support.
• Foster a culture of learning, adaptability, and programme excellence.

Programme Delivery & Impact Measurement

• Oversee and ensure the successful delivery of Darbar 's live events, education, and digital programmes, aiming to increase audience engagement by 20% annually.
• Support teams in programme planning, budgeting, and risk management.
• Strengthen and embed Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) processes to measure programme impact.
• Run monthly reporting sessions and quarterly strategy meetings with teams.

Strategy Oversight, Arts Council Reporting & Fundraising

• To build a strategic approach to new partnerships development, particularly with education and live events partners ensuring strong and accountable relationships
• Lead Darbar’s relationship with Arts Council England , ensuring all compliance and funding conditions are met.
• Prepare and submit quarterly reports to Arts Council England.
• Oversee and embed the implementation of Arts Council England 's Investment Principles across all programme areas.
• Develop new activity and investment principle plans annually in line with Arts Council England’s requirements.
• Support teams in identifying and securing funding opportunities , assisting with bid writing and submission.

What We 're Looking For

Essential Experience

• Minimum of 5 years in senior management roles within the arts sector, with a proven track record in programme delivery and fundraising.
• Extensive experience in line management , particularly overseeing multiple teams.
• Strong track record in programme design, implementation, and impact measurement.
• Demonstrable experience with Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) processes.
• Experience in budget management and financial planning.
• Proven success in fundraising, donor engagement, and reporting , ideally with Arts Council England.

Desirable Knowledge

• Understanding of Indian classical music and/or the wider arts sector.
• Knowledge of the UK arts funding landscape and connections with potential funders.
• Familiarity with Arts Council England 's funding frameworks and a network of potential funders.
• Knowledge of education courses and digital platforms.

Competencies

• Strategic Leadership - Ability to inspire and lead teams effectively.
• Strong Communication - Excellent verbal and written skills, particularly in donor and stakeholder engagement.
• Results-Oriented - Focused on delivering impact-driven, high-quality programmes.
• Technical Proficiency - Comfortable using Microsoft Office, project management tools (e.g. Monday.com).
• Commitment to Equity & Inclusion - Darbar is committed to fostering an inclusive environment and encourages applications from individuals of all backgrounds.

Why Join Us?

Darbar is a dynamic and forward-thinking organisation that champions excellence in Indian classical music. As Head of Programmes , you’ll have the opportunity to shape our work, lead high-impact projects , and play a key role in engaging audiences through world-class performances and education.

Pay : £45,000.00 - £50,000.00 per year, commensurate with experience (pro-rated)
Expected Hours : 16 - 24 hours per week, Monday to Friday

Interested? Apply now and be part of Darbar’s mission to bring exceptional Indian classical music to wider audiences!

Job Types: Part-time, Fixed term contract
Contract length: 12 months

Pay: £45,000.00-£50,000.00 per year

Expected hours: 16 - 24 per week

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Experience:

• Leadership: 5 years (required)

Willingness to travel:

• 100% (required)

Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 31/03/2025
Reference ID: DarbarHOP2025