Programme Administrator
Part-time | 22.5 hours per week (0.6 FTE) | Fixed-term (5 months)
September 2026 – January 2027
Reporting to: Programme Manager
Salary
£35,000 per annum (pro rata), plus employer pension contribution.
The salary is offered on a fixed-term contract for the duration of the project mobilisation phase (September 2026 – January 2027).
Contract
Fixed-term contract for approximately five months, commencing as early as possible in September 2026 and ending in January 2027.
This role forms part of the initial mobilisation phase of a longer-term programme. Subject to the successful completion of this phase and the securing of follow-on funding, we anticipate opportunities for the successful candidate to continue into the next phase of programme delivery from early 2027.
Working Pattern
Part-time (22.5 hours per week).
Flexible and hybrid working arrangements are available.
Occasional travel across England may be required to support meetings, workshops and programme events.
Location
UK based only.
Unfortunately, we are unable to provide sponsorship for candidates who do not already have the right to work in the UK.
Remote working is an option, although attendance at meetings in London and other locations across England may be required from time to time.
Pension
Employer pension contribution of 3% in line with organisational policy.
Annual Leave
25 days annual leave (pro rata), plus public holidays.
Expenses
Reasonable travel and subsistence expenses incurred whilst undertaking project activities will be reimbursed in accordance with Culture Commons’ expenses policy.
Reporting To
Programme Manager
Overview
Help build the foundations of a nationally significant programme exploring the future of culture and devolution in England.
Culture Commons is seeking an organised, proactive and collaborative Programme Administrator to join a small, ambitious team at an exciting stage of our development.
Over the past two and a half years, we have brought together local government, national cultural organisations, universities, policymakers and practitioners to explore how culture can play a central role in England’s rapidly evolving devolution agenda.
The next five months are about turning that momentum into action. Working alongside partners from across government, Strategic Authorities, academia and the cultural sector, we’ll co-design a national programme that has the potential to influence future policy, strengthen partnerships and shape how culture is embedded within England’s evolving system of devolved governance.
As Programme Administrator, you’ll play a vital role in making this happen.
You’ll provide the operational support that enables the programme to run smoothly, coordinating meetings, managing documentation, supporting stakeholder engagement and ensuring that day-to-day delivery is organised, efficient and professional.
Working closely with the Programme Manager, Director & CEO and Communications & Digital Officer, you’ll help create the systems, processes and organisation that will underpin the programme as it prepares to launch in early 2027.
This is initially a five-month fixed-term appointment to support this important mobilisation phase. Subject to future funding, there may be opportunities to continue into the programme’s delivery phase.
About the role
This is much more than a traditional administration role.
You’ll be an integral member of a small, collaborative team, helping to coordinate a complex programme involving senior leaders from government, Strategic Authorities, universities, arm’s-length bodies and national cultural organisations.
From organising meetings and workshops to maintaining programme documentation, coordinating travel, managing stakeholder information and supporting financial administration, you’ll ensure that every aspect of the programme runs efficiently.
Success in this role will come from your ability to anticipate what needs doing, stay organised under pressure and provide high-quality support across a fast-moving programme where no two days are the same.
Key Responsibilities
Working closely with the Programme Manager, you will:
Provide day-to-day administrative support across the programme.
Coordinate meetings, workshops and stakeholder events, including scheduling, invitations, agendas and papers.
Manage diaries, travel arrangements and logistics for the programme team.
Maintain accurate programme documentation, records and filing systems.
Support financial administration, including processing invoices, monitoring expenditure and maintaining budget records.
Maintain stakeholder databases, contact lists and CRM systems.
Prepare meeting notes, action logs and programme reports.
Support procurement and commissioning processes where required.
Assist with governance, reporting and grant administration.
Respond to enquiries professionally and act as a first point of contact for programme stakeholders.
Work collaboratively with colleagues to ensure the smooth delivery of programme activities.
Person Specification
We’re looking for someone who combines exceptional organisational skills with the confidence to work alongside senior leaders and partners.
We’re looking for someone who is exceptionally organised, enjoys supporting others and takes pride in helping ambitious projects succeed.
Essential
You will be able to demonstrate:
Experience providing high-quality administrative or project support.
Excellent organisational and time management skills.
Strong attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple priorities.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Experience organising meetings, workshops or events.
Confidence using Microsoft Office and cloud-based collaboration tools.
Experience maintaining records, databases or CRM systems.
The ability to work independently while contributing positively to a small team.
A proactive, flexible and solutions-focused approach.
Desirable
It would be advantageous if you have experience of:
Supporting grant-funded or publicly funded programmes.
The cultural, creative or heritage sectors.
Local government, higher education or the public sector.
Financial administration and procurement processes.
Working within small organisations or start-up environments.
Recruitment Timetable
Applications close: Midnight, Sunday 23 August 2026
Interviews: Week commencing 24 August 2026
Interviews will be held online or in central London.
Preferred start date: Early September 2026
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
Culture Commons is committed to building a diverse team and creating an inclusive working environment where everyone can thrive.
We actively welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and communities and particularly encourage applications from groups currently under-represented within the cultural and policy sectors.
Appointments will be made on merit following a fair and transparent recruitment process.
How to Apply
If you’re excited by the opportunity to help shape one of the UK’s most ambitious programmes exploring the future of culture, creativity and devolution, we’d love to hear from you.
Please submit:
A current CV (maximum two pages).
A covering letter (maximum two pages) outlining:
your interest in the role and why you would like to join Culture Commons at this exciting stage of its development;
how your skills, knowledge and experience meet the requirements of the role; and
examples of relevant experience that demonstrate your ability to deliver in a fast-paced, collaborative and partnership-focused environment.
Applications should be submitted by Sunday 23rd August 2026 to contact@culturecommons.uk, quoting ‘Programme Administrator application [your name]’ in the RE window.
Interviews are expected to take place during the last week of August 2026, either online or in central London. We are looking for successful candidates to start early September 2026.
About Culture Commons
Culture Commons is an independent think and do tank dedicated to strengthening the role of culture, creativity and heritage in shaping thriving places, inclusive economies and stronger communities.
We work across research, policy and practice, connecting local and regional government, universities, cultural organisations, businesses and communities to develop practical solutions to complex public policy challenges. Our work focuses on translating ideas into action through evidence, collaboration and ambitious partnership programmes.
We believe culture is essential civic infrastructure – contributing not only to creative expression, but also to economic growth, place-making, health, wellbeing and social cohesion. Our work seeks to ensure that culture is embedded within the decisions that shape the future of towns, cities and regions across England.
Working nationally with partners across government, Strategic Authorities, universities, arm’s-length bodies and the wider cultural sector, we design and deliver programmes that help influence policy, strengthen collaboration and create lasting public value.
Though small in size, Culture Commons is ambitious in its outlook, bringing together expertise from across sectors to tackle some of the most significant opportunities facing culture, creativity and place in England today.