Head of Engagement (Maternity Cover)

Job Reference: 00004248-1
Date Posted: 22 September 2025
Recruiter: Cardboard Citizens
Location: Hoxton
Remote Working: Some remote working possible
Salary: £40,000 to £45,000
Role: Senior Manager jobs
Job type: Contract
Work hours: Full Time

Job Description

Cardboard Citizens creates theatre and training with, and for, people who experience homelessness, inequity, or poverty. Our work challenges injustice and empowers individuals to make positive change for themselves and their communities.

We are seeking an experienced Head of Engagement (Maternity Cover) for a one-year post starting January 2026. This is a senior leadership role, responsible for delivering and enhancing our Engagement Programme of workshops and activity engaging people with experience of homelessness and poverty. You will be responsible for strategy and operations, driving income generation, providing training, developing projects and partnerships and providing strong line management to a dedicated team of engagement professionals.

You will lead a team of four (directly managing three), ensuring clarity of objectives, professional development, and alignment with organisational strategy. As part of the Senior Management Team, you will work closely with the Executive Director and Artistic Director to integrate engagement and income strategies across the organisation.

For further information please refer to the Application Pack

Job Requirements

Proven senior experience leading engagement or participatory programmes.
Demonstrated success in income generation through training, fundraising, or partnership development.
Strong leadership and line management experience, with the ability to inspire and support a small team.
Financial management skills and experience overseeing budgets.
A track record of building and sustaining partnerships across the social and/or arts sector.
Understanding of safeguarding and inclusive practice for marginalised communities.
Strong negotiation, communication, and organisational skills.

Job Responsibilities

You will be responsible for:

Income generation & sustainability.
Identify and pursue statutory and partnership funding opportunities to strengthen our engagement work, including the core workshop programme for people experiencing homelessness and poverty, as well as our information, advice, and guidance service.
Lead and expand Cardboard Citizens' work with the social sector and higher education partners (including local authorities, NHS, homelessness organisations, and research bodies).
Develop and secure external training opportunities, consulting on pricing and delivery models to ensure financial sustainability.

As well as multiple responsibilities within the following key areas:

Partnership Development
Team Leadership
Programme Oversight
Strategic & Operational Responsibilities
Collaboration with Artistic Director

Job Overview

Job Title:Head of Engagement (Maternity Cover)
Salary: £40k-£50k
Hours: Full time
Artform: Charity
Contract: Contract
Closing date: Wed, 22 Oct 2025

How to Apply

To apply for the position of Head of Engagement at Cardboard Citizens, please email recruitment@cardboardcitizens.org.uk with your CV alongside a brief overview of how your expertise and skillset aligns with the Main Duties for this contract, by Wednesday 22nd October, 9am.

You can submit your cover letter using one of the following mediums:
- Letter (no more than 2 sides of A4)
- Video (no more than 5 minutes)
- Audio (no more than 5 minutes)

If you need any support with your application, or have any questions about this position, please email recruitment@cardboardcitizens.org.uk or you can connect with us on Facebook, Instagram and X.

First stage interviews will take place on Tuesday 28th or Thursday 30th October.

Contact email: recruitment@cardboardcitizens.org.uk