Public Programme Producer
| Posting date: | 17 November 2025 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | £28,840 per year |
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 01 December 2025 |
| Location: | Manchester, Greater Manchester, M3 4JP |
| Remote working: | Hybrid - work remotely up to 3 days per week |
| Company: | Science Museum Group |
| Job type: | Contract |
| Job reference: | SMG03333_1763392700 |
Summary
About us
At the Science Museum Group, we're here to inspire futures. Our vision is to "think big" in the delivery of compelling, creative programmes that share authentic stories in science, technology, engineering and maths.
At the Science and Industry Museum (SIM), our Public Programme team brings this mission to life. Using our unique collections and resources, they create innovative, interactive experiences that celebrate Manchester's scientific heritage and its creative future. Working as part of a combined exhibitions and learning team, we are shaping an effective, visitor-centred approach to science engagement - ensuring consistency, quality and accessibility in everything we do.
We are now looking for a Public Programme Producer to join the team on a fixed-term contract until 2030. In this role, you will help make SIM the northern home of creative science engagement. You'll produce inspiring live and learning experiences for all audiences - from schools and families to adults and communities - working on everything from exhibitions and festivals to workshops and performances.
You will lead small-scale projects from concept to delivery, and support larger initiatives, ensuring they meet our objectives for inclusivity, creativity, quality and audience impact, while also meeting income and engagement targets.
About the role
A typical day might include meeting a partner to shape a new Museum Lates event, developing creative briefs, or planning an interactive family workshop. You could be coordinating with our Explainer team to introduce a new show, preparing risk assessments, or supporting the delivery of a major exhibition. Throughout, you'll work collaboratively to make sure every project is safe, accessible, and engaging for a wide range of audiences.
You will also take a confident, proactive role in managing relationships with external partners, artists, communities, organisations and suppliers - a core aspect of successful programme delivery in this role.
What you will be doing:
- Contributing to the creative development and project management of the public programme, including leading work packages within large-scale projects such as exhibitions and festivals
- Producing high-quality, accessible small-scale projects and live events that meet the needs of diverse audiences
- Ensuring all events are delivered safely, on time and within budget, while meeting income and KPI targets
- Supporting large-scale projects, working closely with internal teams and partners to ensure smooth delivery and effective decision-making
- Prioritising inclusivity and accessibility in all programming, building strong, productive relationships with community organisations, partners, artists, and audiences to co-create meaningful experiences
- Managing budgets, procurement processes and contractor relationships in line with SMG procedures
- Developing briefs, scopes of work and overseeing contract and health & safety compliance
- Evaluating programmes and embedding learning into future projects
- Collaborating across SMG to champion sustainable and audience-focused programming
- Supporting fundraising applications and sponsorship activation
- Mentoring junior colleagues and volunteers, supporting their professional development
- Preparing and presenting reports and updates for internal and external stakeholders, ensuring clear communication and effective management of partner expectations
- Continuously demonstrating inclusive behaviours and promoting a culture of openness
- Taking care of your own health and safety and contributing to the safety of others
What you bring to the team:
You will have:
- Experience coordinating engaging public programme projects from idea to delivery, for varied audiences including schools, families, adults and communities
- Strong organisational and project management skills, with attention to detail and the ability to manage competing priorities
- Experience coordinating live events safely and effectively
- Demonstrable experience building and managing effective relationships with a wide range of external partners, collaborators, artists, communities and suppliers - with the confidence and judgement to represent SIM professionally in external-facing contexts
- Experience of managing project budgets and understanding procurement processes
- Creative problem-solving abilities and a collaborative, flexible approach
- An understanding of diverse audience needs and access requirements
- Good negotiation and influencing skills, and confidence in decision-making
- Strong ICT skills and practical understanding of health and safety
- A values-driven approach and passion for contributing to an open and inclusive organisation
It would be great if you also have:
- Experience delivering high-quality visitor or audience experiences
- Awareness of project management principles, including RIBA stages (training can be provided)
- Experience in science communication or public engagement with STEM
- Experience supervising or mentoring staff and volunteers
- Experience producing programmes in collaboration with external partners (e.g., cultural organisations, suppliers, community groups, artists or event partners)
What we offer
Working with the Science Museum Group means joining a world-leading cultural organisation with a strong sense of purpose. You'll benefit from the following:
- Meaningful work: be part of a mission-led organisation that inspires futures through science.
- Career growth: we offer excellent support for personal and professional development.
- Work/life balance: 27 days annual leave (plus bank holidays) and flexible working options.
- Health & dental insurance: provided from day one for extra peace of mind.
- Wellbeing support: access to employee assistance, the Unmind app, and peer networks.
- Colleague networks: inclusive, colleague-led groups that foster community and belonging.
- Enhanced pension: with employer contributions to support your future.
- Interest-free loans: for travel, life events, or home improvements.
- Great discounts: free entry to exhibitions, and discounts in our shops and cafés.
Open for All
Open for All is one of the Science Museum Group's core values. We are committed to building a culture that values different backgrounds, skills, experiences and perspectives. We welcome applicants who bring diversity and difference - because by being more inclusive, we can better inspire the futures of everyone we reach.