Programme Lead: RicNic Forge (Creative Careers)

Job Summary

RicNic's Forge programme provides creative careers training for teens and young adults in the Midlands. We are seeking a Forge Strand Lead to deliver and grow this programme over the next 18 months. You will be joining our friendly, small staff team at a crucial time in our charity's development.

Job Description

RicNic's FORGE programme supports young people and adults aged 13+ to explore and access creative careers. Forge offers training, mentoring and hands-on experience supporting participants to enter the creative industries and to develop their transferable skills.
As this programme continues to expand, we are now seeking an excellent Forge Strand Lead to join our team. We're looking for a passionate individual with a wide range of creative and cultural sector knowledge who can support us as demand for this work grows across the Midlands and further afield. Our ideal candidate will combine facilitation experience and strong administrative skills, with experience of working with young people. If you're committed to opening doors, offering guidance, and helping young people navigate creative pathways, this could be the role for you.
This role is funded with support from the National Lottery.
Part-time fixed term contract to September 2028 with potential to extend.

Job Requirements

Experience of creative practice within the arts and culture sector.
Strong sector knowledge across multiple disciplines and an ability to 'keep a finger on the pulse' across the creative industries for sector data, news, opportunities, and signposting.
Experience of working with community groups, schools, young people, or intergenerational audiences.
Creative facilitation or workshop delivery experience.
Budget management and administrative skills.
Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships with a wide range of stakeholders.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and familiarity with project management tools.
A proactive and flexible approach to problem-solving with the ability to work independently.
Willingness to work flexible hours, including some evenings and weekends.
A strong understanding of safeguarding, diversity and inclusion.

Job Responsibilities

1. Lead on the development and delivery of RicNic's Creative Careers Programmes, including group training, 1:1 support and attendance at regional careers fairs.

2. Support the recruitment and training of RicNic facilitators to also deliver these sessions, including overseeing scheduling of staffing, preparation for sessions, acting as the main point of contact.

3. Contribute to RicNic's online creative careers presence, such as through writing blog posts or running online masterclass sessions.

4. Seek out and build relationships across the creative and education education sectors, and with local authorities,

5. Promote RicNic's paid schools workshop packages to schools, colleges, and other education settings.

6. Support the monitoring and evaluation of participants who engage with RicNic through Upshot CRM.

7. Manage referrals into and out of RicNic's creative careers programmes

8. Ensure compliance with safeguarding best practice throughout all activity.

Useful Links

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Job Overview

Job Title: Programme Lead: RicNic Forge (Creative Careers)
Salary: £25k-£30k (pro-rata)
Hours: Part time
Artform: Charity
Role: Teaching
Contract: Hybrid
Closing date: Fri, 27 Nov 2026
Location:

West Midlands

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Job: Programme Lead: RicNic Forge (Creative Careers)

Organisation: RicNic

Postcode: WS4 1BU

How to Apply

To apply to this role please send a CV and cover letter (maximum 2 pages) or videoed cover letter to [email protected]. Your application should link your experience to the criteria and specifications above.
If you are interested in this role but would like an informal conversation prior to applying or require this job pack in an alternative accessible format, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. No agencies please.

Contact name: Jennifer Holyhead
Contact email: [email protected]

Apply now

About RicNic

RicNic is an arts charity based in Walsall, West Midlands supporting children and young people to develop confidence, skills and aspirations through participation in youth-led, creative projects. Our 3 strand programme supports individuals 'from early years to early careers' across family hubs, community spaces, schools and colleges and through creative training, mentoring and career support. We work across the Midlands and Staffordshire.

Find out more