Come and work with MKIAC! We have the current opportunities available:
Programmes Manager
£29k - £32k per year | Fixed-term contract to 31 March 2028 (possibilty of extension)
MKIAC is seeking a skilled and motivated Programmes Manager to help shape and deliver an ambitious programme of festivals, events and community-based creative activity over the next three years. Following our recent success in becoming an Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation, and with further funding from the National Lottery Reaching Communities programme, this is an exciting time to join our team. We're delivering innovative, inclusive projects that explore Islamic arts and heritage, support migrant and displaced communities in our city, and bring people together through creativity.
About the Role
The Programmes Manager will play a key role in delivering MKIAC’s vision. You will:
- Lead on the delivery of NPO-funded programmes and the Stronger Together wellbeing project
- Manage budgets, monitor progress, and support fundraising and evaluation
- Work closely with the Founding Director, freelance creatives, and partner organisations
- Support the planning and delivery of major events such as Art in the Park and the City of Codes and Light Festival
Who We’re Looking For
This is a hands-on role suited to someone with experience in participatory arts, project management and working with diverse communities. You’ll have a strong track record in delivering community or cultural programmes, with an understanding of the value of inclusive practice. You’ll be organised, collaborative and comfortable managing multiple projects at once.
How to Apply
For full details on how to apply and for more information on the person specification, click here to download / save the MKIAC Programmes Manager Job Application Pack here to find out more.
We are happy to consider applications from candidates who wish to apply on a part-time basis, as part of a job share arrangement or put forward other flexible working options.
For any questions about this role or to arrange a time to speak with a member of MKIAC, contact Lynn Simmonds at Art Reach on hello@artreach.org.uk. Art Reach is the appointed partner supporting MKIAC with this recruitment process.
Deadline: 8am, Tuesday 24 June, 2025
Creative Session Coordinators (Freelance) x 2 roles available
Fee: £120 per day (£6,360 fixed fee per year) - up to 53 days days per year (to cover delivery of 30 creative sessions per year and planning time)
We are looking for two experienced Creative Session Coordinators to deliver activities with local community groups, as part of our major National Lottery – Reaching Communities funded project – Stronger Together.
We primarily serve migrant and displaced communities in Milton Keynes who can face isolation as they struggle to integrate into the local community.
As a Creative Session Coordinator, you will facilitate the building of positive relationships and support participants’ wellbeing through delivery of regular creative activities.
We need 2 x Creative Session Coordinators:
- 1 x Creative Session Coordinator to lead 'Stories Amongst Women' women’s group - this group engages women – many from displaced communities—who might be experiencing discrimination. This group aims to create connections between women attending the sessions, and help them integrate and settle into Milton Keynes.
- 1 x Creative Session Coordinator to lead 'Building Bonds' fathers' and sons’ group – this group will support young Somalian boys to build positive male relationships with cultural ‘uncles’.
Role Outcomes
- Positive relationships with group participants achieve supportive and creative environments that enable connections between people and tackle isolation.
- Creative outputs from the sessions will be shared at our annual Art in the Park festival.
Detailed Responsibilities
- Familiarise and maintain up-to date awareness and knowledge with MKIAC’s programmes, and with the make-up of Milton Keynes communities
- Deliver creative workshops with a local community group, supporting an artist who will lead on the creative element of the activities
- Work closely with individuals in group settings, and on occasion in 1-2-1 contexts at community centres / venues
- Engage with participants in between creative activities to encourage attendance and remove any barriers to taking part in sessions
- Provide creative and safe environments conducive to building and maintaining positive relationships
- Encourage conversation and connection within groups to reduce isolation
- Support participants to define their own desired outcomes from the project
- Work towards a community exhibition of work produced at a large outdoor festival – Art in the Park
Person specification
Essential skills, qualities and experience:
- Experience of facilitating participatory creative workshops (supporting artists/crafts people)
- Experience of designing flyers and other promotional materials to promote sessions
- Experience of utilising a range of social media
- Experience of working for a charity, voluntary or not-for-profit organisation
- Experience of reporting and documenting activities to share with funders or other stakeholders
- Excellent communication skills
- Interest in diverse cultural practice
- Enthusiasm for Festivals and Outdoor Events
How to Apply
If you are interested in working with MKIAC as one of our Creative Session Coordinators, please email the following documents for the attention of Anouar Kassim, Founding Director of MKIAC on anouar.kassim@mkcollege.ac.uk
To apply, please send:
- a CV (maximum 3 sides of A4)
- a covering letter (maximum 2 sides of A4) outlining your interest and suitability for the role
- DBS Enhanced Check obtained in the last two years and references.
Please include ‘MKIAC Creative Session Coordinator’ in the email subject.
