Overview
Arts Administrator (Creative Programmes) – Derby Theatre (0056-26) – Derby, DE22 1GB
About the University
We have one simple promise – to make a positive impact. Through our ground-breaking research, teaching excellence and commitment to sustainable living, we are changing lives for the better.
The University of Derby is a modern university with a modern outlook. Everything we do is driven by delivering excellence and opportunities for our students, our staff and our region.
We have some of the best university facilities in the UK and achieve outstanding results for our teaching and research and have been awarded Gold in the prestigious Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023 – making it one of the top universities in the country recognised for its outstanding student experience and student outcomes.
Financially strong and seriously ambitious we offer our employees an inclusive culture that centres itself around staff wellbeing, where you can be confident you will receive all the help and encouragement you need to build a rewarding career with lots of opportunities to enhance your skills.
About the College/Department
At Derby Theatre, we are a charity and a National Portfolio organisation for Arts Council England, and we’re known for artistic excellence. We’re committed to education. And we believe that theatre can change your life.
Previously Derby Playhouse, we have a long and important theatrical history. As Derby Theatre, we work in partnership with the University of Derby and are a home for higher education students. We produce new plays and projects, collaborate with artists and local people, and offer training for young people too, with opportunities for learners of all ages. It’s all about empowering people to tap into their potential and achieve.
About the Role
You will provide high-quality administrative support to Derby Theatre, with a particular focus on supporting the Theatre’s produced and received programmes. This role is integral to ensuring that departmental operations are delivered to the highest standards of quality, efficiency, and professionalism.
Working closely with the Arts Administrator, you will also contribute to the wider administrative function of the organisation. You will help ensure that Derby Theatre operates smoothly and effectively, meeting the needs of all users in a manner that is efficient, safe, and cost-effective.
This position forms part of a job share arrangement. You will work collaboratively with another team member who works two days per week, maintaining clear communication and coordination to ensure continuity and the timely completion of all responsibilities.
Working Pattern: This role is 24 hours per week, preferably with the hours split over Wednesday to Friday, however, we are open to discussing viable alternatives.
The anticipated interview date is Tuesday 28th April 2026.
About You
We are seeking a highly organised and proactive individual with excellent attention to detail to join our team. This role is central to the organisation, supporting the effective delivery of both produced and received work, so strong communication skills are essential.
The successful candidate will demonstrate excellent organisational and administrative abilities, along with outstanding written communication skills and a high level of accuracy. Strong interpersonal skills are key, as you will work collaboratively with people at all levels across the organisation. You will also have good numeracy skills and be confident managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
You should be confident using Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, and Outlook, and able to quickly learn new systems such as Midas. The ability to set up, maintain, and clearly communicate administrative systems and processes is essential. You will be self-motivated, able to work on your own initiative, and take a proactive approach to your work.
An interest in theatre and the arts is important. Previous experience in contracting and administration within an arts organisation would be desirable, but is not essential.
What should I expect if I am invited to an interview?
We aim to make the interviews as accessible and engaging as possible, and we want you to talk about yourself and your work experience in a relaxed and friendly setting.
We believe an interview is a chance for you to find more information about the role, us as an organisation and for you to get a sense of whether this is the right environment for you.
With this in mind, we have designed an interview process which will enable potential candidates to meet members of the team and partners, see some of the spaces you might be working in, and of course a chance to talk about you and your work experience.
Benefits
Please refer to the job description for Derby Theatre benefits. Please note benefits from University of Derby do not apply.
Key Contact
For further information and informal enquiries regarding the role, please contact Lauren Riley, Arts Administrator via jobs@derbytheatre.co.uk
For enquiries regarding your application and for sponsorship eligibility, please contact the recruitment team via recruitment@derby.ac.uk
Important Information
This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA) 1974 and is therefore subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
Any information you provide will be treated in confidence and only used when considering your suitability for the post.
To enable us to process your DBS check please ensure you are able to supply the documentation listed on the DBS website at interview stage.
The Theatre is unable to sponsor the employment of international workers under the Skilled Worker route for this role; however, applications are welcome from candidates who are able to demonstrate an alternative right to work in the UK.
The University of Derby is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all our staff, students and children. At the University of Derby, safeguarding is everybody's concern.
Please find our Safeguarding pages including our Safeguarding Policy here.
Closing Date: 13 Apr 2026
Area: Operational Support
Salary: £25,489 to £28,322 per annum pro rata
IMPORTANT: Before applying for this role, please make sure you have the right to work in the country where the role is based. Unless it clearly stipulates within in the job advert above that the hiring company is looking to or able to sponsor applicants it is deemed that the hiring employer will only consider applications from those able to comply with and work in the country where the role is based.
