Senior Head of Audiences

Senior Head of Audiences

Garsington Opera Closing date: Fri, 14 Aug 2026

Artform: Performing arts
Role: Marketing & Digital
Contract: Permanent
East
  • Full time
  • £50k+

Mon, 03 Aug 2026 "> published -

Job Summary

We are now seeking an exceptional Senior Head of Audiences to shape and lead our marketing, communications and audience development strategy, helping to strengthen our profile, grow income and ensure more people can experience and engage with our work.

Job Description

We are looking for a marketing specialist who combines strategic clarity with creative instinct - someone who values data and insight but understands that what ultimately connects people to us is a compelling story and a memorable experience. You will be a collaborative team-player, comfortable working across the organisation, and motivated by the mission of widening engagement with opera and the arts.

This is a rare opportunity to help shape the next chapter of Garsington Opera. We have strong foundations, real momentum, and a clear sense of ambition for the future - to remain artistically distinctive, financially sustainable, and increasingly accessible to those who encounter our work.

Job Requirements

- Significant experience developing and delivering successful marketing and communications campaigns, ideally within the arts, culture, live events or membership sectors.
- Strong strategic thinking combined with excellent creative, communication and storytelling skills.
- Experience of using audience insight, CRM systems and campaign analysis to inform strategy and improve outcomes.
- A track record of building organisational profile, growing audiences and delivering measurable commercial results.
- Experience of leading and developing teams, with a collaborative and supportive leadership style.
- Excellent stakeholder management skills and the ability to build effective relationships across multiple disciplines.
- A genuine passion for the arts and a commitment to broadening access, engagement and inclusion.

Job Responsibilities

- Develop and deliver ambitious audience development, marketing and communications strategies that support Garsington Opera's artistic, organisational and financial objectives.
- Lead integrated campaigns to grow audiences, strengthen membership engagement and support fundraising, ticket sales and commercial activity.
- Build Garsington Opera's profile and reputation locally, nationally and internationally through impactful communications, media relations and brand development.
- Champion a data-informed approach, using audience insight, CRM and campaign evaluation to drive decision-making and optimise performance.
- Work collaboratively across the organisation to expand the reach and impact of the Pathways programme and wider community engagement activity.
- Lead and develop a high-performing communications and marketing team, fostering a collaborative and inclusive culture.
- Act as an ambassador for Garsington Opera

Useful Links

Job Overview

  • Job Title: Senior Head of Audiences
  • Salary: £50k+
  • Hours: Full time
  • Artform: Performing arts
  • Role: Marketing & Digital
  • Contract: Permanent
  • Closing date: Fri, 14 Aug 2026
  • Location:
    East
    | view on Google Maps

Job: Senior Head of Audiences

Job: Senior Head of Audiences

Organisation: Garsington Opera

Postcode: HP14 3YF

How to Apply

Recruitment for the role of Senior Head of Audiences is being managed by Gatenby Sanderson. Full details of the role and how to apply can be found on their website: https://www.gatenbysanderson.com/job/GSe133907/Senior-Head-of-Audiences/

The application window closes at midday on Friday 14th August.