Appetite ConsortiumAppetite DirectorInformation PackAncient GiantsThe Big Feast (2025)Photo by Jenny Harper PhotographyThank you for your interest in the post of Appetite Directorat the New Vic Theatre.We are looking for someone to lead on strategy and deliveryfor Appetite, an Arts Council England Creative People andPlaces programme. Appetite is an innovative model thatempowers residents of Stoke-on-Trent and Newcastle-under-Lyme to shape the programming that takes place intheir streets, parks and where they hope to bring peopletogether and ideas to life. Appetite is led by the New VicTheatre and our Appetite Director will join the New VicTheatre Senior Leadership Team and contribute to overallstrategy for both the Appetite programme and the theatre.Our ideal candidate will be someone with experience ofprogramming performance or other artistic works,developing and sustaining arts initiatives and engagingcommunities.Deadline for applications: 12 noon on Monday 17 November2025.Barrière by Sur Mesure - The Big Feast (2025).  Photo by Jenny HarperPhotographyParade - The Giant Wheel by Autin Dance (2024)Programme FundersConsortiumAppetite is part of Arts Council England's Creative Peopleand Places programme, which aims to increase engagementin the arts in areas where participation has traditionally beenlower. Based in Stoke-on-Trent and Newcastle-under-Lyme,Appetite is led by the New Vic Theatre in partnership withlocal organisations Partners in Creative Learning, 6TownsRadio, University of Staffordshire, Go Kidsgrove, KeeleUniversity, and Newcastle-under-Lyme BusinessImprovement District.Since its launch in 2013, Appetite has developed a reputationas a flagship programme with an international reputation,delivering a wide range of artistic projects designed toinspire and involve local communities. Highlights includelarge-scale outdoor events like circus spectacles, immersiveart installations, and transforming everyday spaces likeempty shops into creative hubs. Activities aim to make artaccessible and a vibrant part of daily life in the region.About AppetiteThe programme empowers local residents by involving themin decision-making and creating opportunities forvolunteering. It also works to build long-term relationshipswith arts partners, supporting local artists and organisationswhile fostering social and economic benefits for the area.Appetite's innovative approach and community focus havemade it a key contributor to the cultural and social vitality ofStoke-on-Trent and Newcastle-under-Lyme.A Magical Middleport Winter (2024). Photo by Andrew Billington.“Staffordshire’s New Vic proves what a regionaltheatre with ambition and imagination can do.”The Guardian Astley’s Astounding Adventures (New Vic production)NEW VIC THEATREThe New Vic is unique. The first purpose-built theatre-in-the-round in Europe and a ground-breaker in the integration ofprofessional theatre-work with an extensive community andeducation programme, we make theatre that is valued bylocal audiences and recognised nationally and internationally.We believe in the power of theatre to change lives. We alsobelieve that everyone should have access to great theatreand on average 180,000 people visit the New Vic each year.The New Vic has forged a national reputation for producingfirst class theatre. We have a full in-house creative team,including costume, scenic workshops, lighting, sound anddesign.Our extensive community and education programmes reachover 25,000 people annually, with award-winning New VicBorderlines, and New Vic Education departments ensuringwe are key to the cultural life of the region. Alongside thisthe theatre leads Appetite, an Arts Council England CreativePeople & Places programme, to engage more people inStoke-on-Trent and North Staffordshire in the arts.The New Vic is a registered charity with a turnover of £5million and operates thanks to a unique partnership betweenArts Council England, Newcastle-under-Lyme BoroughCouncil and Staffordshire County Council.Appetite DirectorContractThis post of Appetite Director is offered on a full-time,permanent contract of 40 hours per week. However, theoption to work flexibly between 30-40 hours will beconsidered, depending on the candidate and agreementabout job description priorities.Holiday EntitlementThis holiday entitlement for this post is 25 days plus bankholidays. The holiday year runs from 1 April to 31 March.Probationary & Notice PeriodThe probationary period for this post is six months. Thenotice period during the probationary period is four weeks.Following successful completion of the probationary periodthe notice period is 12 weeks.GeneralAll eligible staff are automatically opted in for the New Vic’sbasic pension scheme under auto enrolment legislation. Alloffers of employment are subject to the candidate beingable to provide suitable proof of their eligibility to work inthe UK, references, and an an enhanced DBS check.Work LocationThe role requires a deep commitment to being rooted in, andactively engaged with, the communities of Stoke-on-Trentand Newcastle-under-Lyme.SalaryThe salary for the post at 40 hours is £48,743-£50,000 perannum. The salary will be pro rata if less than 40 hours perweek. Hours of workHours are to be worked flexibly on the understanding thatthe delivery of projects will require evening and weekendworking. All New Vic employees are expected to work someevenings and Saturdays if required. Any hours in addition toyour normal hours are to be agreed in advance with yourmanager.In certain circumstances you may be asked to work on Sundays and Bank Holidays.To lead on strategy and delivery for Appetite, an Arts CouncilEngland Creative People and Places programme rooted inStoke-on-Trent and Newcastle-under-Lyme. Appetite is aninnovative model that empowers local residents to shape thecreative activities they want to see in their communities andbrings those ideas to life, celebrating our local unique identity,pride and creativity.Principle purposeLead on artistic programming and community decision-makingProgramme in partnership with local peopleLead on community decision-making alongside theAppetite Supper Club of community curatorsEnsure artistic quality across the reach of the programmeDevelop artistic briefs for open and inclusive artisticprogrammingManage the programming budgetBuild and sustain local, national, and internationalpartnershipsLiaise with artists to deliver programme objectivesReports to: Artistic Director/Managing Director, New VicTheatreResponsible for: Appetite Project Team and Freelance staff.Appetite Director Job DescriptionAct as Lead Officer and overall Director for Appetite, theCreative People and Places programme for Stoke-on-Trentand Newcastle-under-Lyme:Lead the Appetite programme staff and freelance teammembersProvide regular updates on programme progress to theNew Vic leadership, Consortium and Board sub-groupand New Vic BoardLead the delivery of community decision-making throughthe governance structure for AppetiteAct as the representative for the Appetite Consortium inCPP consortia peer groups and other forumsEnsure timely delivery of reports to funders and maintainaccountability, supported by the General ManagerAct as an outward face and spokesperson for Appetite onbehalf of the Lead Organisation and ConsortiumLead the Appetite team to meet the aims and objectives ofthe Creative People and Places programme for Stoke-on-Trent and Newcastle-under-LymeLead on artistic programming and community decision-making that reflects local voices, stories and aspirations Develop and implement strategic and project plans thatrespond to the character, challenges and opportunities of thelocal areaOversee the effective management of resources, includingbudget setting and income generation, to deliver programmeobjectivesLead on partnerships and stakeholder relationships,championing the role of arts and culture in place-making forStoke-on-Trent and Newcastle-under-LymeLead on action research and sharing learning thatcontributes to national thinkingOverviewOversee the effective management of resources, includingbudget setting and income generation, to deliverprogramme objectivesTake overall responsibility for the Appetite projectbudget, ensuring the programme meets its financialtargets and responsibilitiesMeet the income targets agreed for the project during thelife of the current business plan and beyondEngage funding partners and work with the AppetiteGeneral Manager to initiate new funding streams,including sponsorshipsAttract partnership funding through joint bids andinitiativesWork with the Appetite General Manager to ensureregular reporting on project finances to the New VicManaging Director and the ConsortiumDevelop and implement strategic and project plansLead strategic planning focused on arts delivery,partnerships, engagement, and audience developmentLaunch and oversee new projects and initiativesLead on partnerships and stakeholder relationshipsDevelop and maintain partnerships and stakeholderrelationshipsLead partnership projects for key stakeholders, includingthe Lead Organisation, where they meet Appetiteambitions and generate programme incomeAct as the key contact for CPP programme funder ArtsCouncil EnglandOversee, and develop where necessary, monitoring andevaluation systems, supported by the General ManagerEnsure that project learning is shared with the wider artscommunityParticipate in the CPP Peer Network and other peerlearning forumsLead on Action Research and Sharing LearningEnsure Appetite activities work towards delivery of ArtsCouncil England ‘Let’s Create’ strategy objectivesUndertake training as appropriateActively participate in self-evaluation and appraisalAdvocate for and champion Appetite and the New Vic atevents, conferences and similarWork within New Vic’s established policies and practicesincluding: equal opportunity, artistic, and social policiesCarry out any other specific tasks as may be reasonablyrequired by the New Vic Artistic Director or ManagingDirectorGeneralProgramming performance or other artistic works in avariety of settings at a variety of scalesDeveloping and sustaining arts initiatives andprogrammes that deliver artistic excellenceTrack record of engaging communities as decision-makers and leaders in creative projectsExperience of working in areas of low arts engagementwith diverse communitiesManaging project budgets and resourcesLeadership, managing and developing staffEngaging the public and stakeholders in projects fromplanning to deliveryExperience of income generation and securingpartnership supportExperience of monitoring and evaluationRepresenting your organisation or project professionallyat every levelExperienceArts project management with budget of £100,000 oroverExperience of work with national and international artistsExperience of working on consortium-led arts projectsKnowledge of outdoor arts programming and deliveryExperienceKnowledge of the Stoke-on-Trent and North StaffordshireareaKnowledge of the national and international arts sceneConfidence in the use of digital technologyAn understanding of the concept of action researchKnowledge and SkillsThese are the qualities we are looking for in our AppetiteDirector.Person SpecificationFollowing successful completion of theprobationary A deep commitment to being rooted in, and activelyengaged with, the communities of Stoke-on-Trent andNewcastle-under-LymeAbility to plan and organise own workload, meetdeadlines and work under pressure on own initiativeAccessible and supportive to a wide range of productionstaff, artists and communitiesAn understanding of, and commitment to, diversity andinclusionA passion for a wide variety of performance and creativepracticeUnderstands the public sector and the particularresponsibilities of dealing with public subsidyPersonal AttributesEssential CriteriaDesirable CriteriaKnowledge and SkillsAbility to develop and sustain a range of partnershipsand networks, including artistic developmentAbility to manage multiple projects with a common goalAn understanding of audience development andinnovative approaches to communications and marketingExcellent communication skills, both oral and writtenThe Company of Wolves (New Vic production) Audience Comments for Appetite"A totally wonderful event, the quality of artists and performerswere incredible, what a brilliant thing for Stoke.”The Big Feast (2025)“Great showcase of the diversity in the area, excellentperformances. thank you.”Sensasian (2025)“This event was incredible. So informative and a really fun day.”A Canalside Arcana (2025)“I absolutely love Appetite's events - I've been to a handful over theyears but always find them to be both really wholesome andinclusive whilst also boundary pushing and having a sense ofurgency about them which is really exciting. And the art is alwayshigh quality.”Art Slam (2025)Reviews for New Vic Theatre work“a tasty gem of a production” The British Theatre Guide on Big Big Sky (2025)“A nostalgic glimpse into Stoke’s history and culture”A View to a Kiln on Whatever Happened To Phoebe Salt (2025)“visually impressive and directed with verve” The Stage on A Matter of Life and Death (2025)“A dark and dynamic production, ravishing in both senses”The Guardian on The Company of Wolves (2024)We appreciate the time and effort it takes to apply for a role, so we willcontact you whether you are successful or not at every stage of the process. Appetite and the New Vic aim to attract, develop and retainthe best talent for all roles and will always appoint based onmerit. We consider that diversity is good for the art wemake, good for artists, good for audiences, and good for thecultural sector.We are an equal opportunities employer. We value diversityin our workforce and positively encourage applicants from allsections of the community, particularly applicants under-represented across the arts workforce, especially applicantswith a disability, applicants who are LGBTQIA+ or applicantsof African or Caribbean heritage, South, East and South-EastAsian heritage or anyone who experiences racism.Please forward your CV and a covering letter giving anoutline of why you think you would be suitable for this roleand how your skills match the person specification torecruitment@newvictheatre.org.uk using the subject lineAppetite Director, or post them to AdministrationDepartment, New Vic Theatre, Etruria Road, Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire ST5 0JG.The deadline for applications is 12 noon on Monday 17November 2025.We want to make sure that our application process isaccessible to everyone, so please do tell us if you need any ofthis information in another format (e.g. large print, audio).ApplyingHow to applyNew Vic Theatre , Etruria Road, Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire, ST5 0JG. Stoke-on-Trent & North Staffordshire Theatre Trust Ltd. Companyregistration number: 911924. Charity registration number: 253242. The New Vic Theatre operates thanks to partnership betweenArts Council England, Newcastle-Under-Lyme Borough Council and Staffordshire County Council.