STOKE-ON-TRENT AND NORTH STAFFORDSHIRE THEATRE TRUST LIMITED

Director: Appetite ProgrammeAncient GiantsThe Big Feast (2025)Photo by Jenny HarperThank you for your interest in the post of Director:Appetite Programme at the New Vic Theatre.Appetite’s aim is to get more people to engage with andbe inspired by the arts. Participation, partnership, andhigh quality arts experiences are central to our model.Our Appetite Director will oversee all aspects of theprogramme including planning, producing and leadingthe staff team. They will join the New Vic TheatreLeadership Team and contribute to overall strategy forboth the Appetite programme and for the theatre.Our ideal candidate will be an ambitious creativeproducer who is looking for a leadership role. Someonewho has experience of programming and producing andis excited by the idea of working closely with our localcommunities.Deadline for applications: 12 noon on 30 January 2026.Parade - The Giant Wheel by Autin Dance (2024)Photo by Jenny Harper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. Working across Stoke-on-Trent and Newcastle-under-Lyme,Appetite is led by the New Vic Theatre in partnership with aconsortium of local organisations -  Partners in CreativeLearning, 6Towns Radio, University of Staffordshire, GoKidsgrove, Keele University, and Newcastle-under-LymeBusiness Improvement District.Appetite is a small staff team, all based at the New Vic, ledby the Director with support from the Appetite GeneralManager. 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.About AppetiteA Magical Middleport Winter (2024) Photo by Andrew BillingtonAppetite Supper ClubSince its launch in 2013, Appetite has developed a wide rangeof artistic projects - including large scale outdoor circusspectacles; immersive art installations; a large-scale lightnight; empty shops transformed into creative hubs; open airgalleries. Volunteers are key to the programme, and so are our deliverypartners, who currently include Business ImprovementDistrict, Canal and River Trust, Middleport Matters.The current programme includes:Supper ClubLocal residents work year-round in collaboration with theAppetite team to curate, plan and produce the programme,putting community decision-making at the heart of our work.The Big FeastA two-day summer festival on the streets of Stoke-on-Trent,bringing national and international artists and artsorganizations to our streets, parks and shopping centres.SensasianA celebration of South Asian Heritage which takes over theNew Vic building every year Light Up WinterLight events taking place in three of our local townsThe programme“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 informationThe 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 Director employment detailsContractThis 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 activelyengaged with the communities of Stoke-on-Trent andNewcastle-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.Lead on strategy and delivery to meet the aims and objectivesof the Creative People and Places programme for Stoke-on-Trent and Newcastle-under-Lyme.Principle purposeLead on artistic programming and community decision-makingLead on community decision-making alongside theAppetite Supper Club of community curatorsProgramme in partnership with local people Ensure 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: Reports to: Joint Chief Executive, New VicTheatre.Responsible for: Appetite Project Team and Freelance staff.Appetite Director Job DescriptionOversee the effective management of resources to deliverprogramme objectives:Take overall leadership of the Appetite budget(£450,000)Supported by the Appetite General Manager, ensure thatthe programme meets its financial targets andresponsibilitiesMeet the income targets agreed for the project Work with the Appetite General Manager to initiate newfunding streams, including sponsorshipAttract partnership funding through joint bids andinitiativesWork with the Appetite General Manager to ensureregular reporting on project finances to the New VicManaging Director and the ConsortiumLead the programme staff and freelance team membersProvide regular updates on programme progress to the NewVic leadership, Consortium, Board sub-group and New VicBoardSupported by the Appetite General Manager, ensure timelydelivery of reports to funders and maintain accountability, Act as an outward face and spokesperson for Appetite As Lead Officer and overall Director:Develop 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 Act as the key contact for CPP programme funder ArtsCouncil EnglandSupported by the General Manager, develop and overseemonitoring and evaluation systemsEnsure 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 appropriate Actively 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 ManagingDirectorGeneralGAIA, Luke Jerram,Humanhood (2022)Photo by Jenny Harper Producing and programming performance or otherartistic works in a variety of settings at a variety of scalesDeveloping and sustaining arts programmes that deliverartistic excellenceEngaging communities as decisionmakersWorking in areas of low arts engagement with diversecommunitiesManaging 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 actively engaged with thecommunities of Stoke-on-Trent and Newcastle-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 networksAbility to manage multiple projects with a common goalUnderstanding of audience development and innovativeapproaches 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)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.How to applyPlease 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 30 January 2026.We want to make sure that our application process isaccessible to everyone, so please do tell us if you need anyof this information in another format (e.g. large print, audio).We appreciate the time and effort it takes to apply for a role,so we will contact you whether you are successful or not atevery stage of the process. ApplyingLuminarium, Architects of Air (2024)Photo by Jenny Harper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.