Streetwise Opera

Arts Council; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Part time

Job summary

A leading opera company in London is seeking an experienced Head of Producing & Participation for maternity cover. The role involves leading the production of participatory projects and managing logistics for freelance artists. The successful candidate will play a vital role in fostering collaboration between the arts and homelessness sectors, ensuring a creative space for vulnerable individuals. This position offers hybrid working options and requires a self-starter capable of thriving in a dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• Experience producing arts projects and performances.
• Knowledge of working with vulnerable adults is essential.
• Proven track record in line managing and developing others.

Responsibilities

• Lead all Streetwise Opera projects and productions.
• Manage logistics and scheduling for freelance artists.
• Ensure communication between arts and homelessness partners.

Skills

Producing participatory creative arts projects

Experience in an arts organisation

Understanding of the homelessness sector

Knowledge of safeguarding practices

Line management skills

Problem-solving skills

Administrative skills

Networking abilities

Self-starter

Ability to work in a fast-paced environment

Tools

Major office software programmes

Job description

Job Summary

Award-winning Streetwise Opera is hiring an ambitious, experienced producer and line manager who is skilled at delivering participatory work, to lead on all aspects of activity planning and production logistics.

Job Description

Streetwise Opera is looking to appoint an ambitious, experienced producer and line manager who is skilled at delivering participatory work. Working closely with the Artistic Director and three regional producers, the Head of Producing & Participation - Maternity cover will lead on all aspects of activity planning and production logistics. As a member of the Senior Management Team, the postholder will also contribute to the overall strategic direction of the organisation.

Streetwise Opera's producing team coordinates all artistic delivery including weekly sessions, taster workshops and regular performances/productions, alongside new programmes Opera Pioneers and Opera Futures, whilst developing relationships with homelessness partners.

Based at Streetwise Opera's office in Shoreditch, with hybrid working options. This role will also involve regular travel to Nottingham and Manchester.

Hours: 21 hours (3 days) per week.

Location: London.

Streetwise Opera is an opera company that enables people who've experienced homelessness to find inspiration and empowerment while they rebuild their lives and identities. We support participants to develop as creative people and, as we amplify their voices, change how society views homelessness.

We engage world‑class artists, both established and emerging, to co‑create bold new work and reimagine traditional repertoire. We create opera that is for everyone and, by bringing together diverse voices, change how society views opera.

Job Requirements

The attributes we are looking for:

• Demonstrable experience producing participatory creative arts projects and live performances.
• Track record of working in an arts organisation and/or social sector setting.
• Knowledge/understanding of the homelessness sector and/or experience of working with vulnerable adults.
• Knowledge/understanding of safeguarding practice for vulnerable adults.
• Track record of line managing, nurturing and developing individuals and their potential.
• A good problem‑solver, ability to think creatively and be flexible.
• Excellent administrative skills and knowledge of all major office software programmes.
• Excellent networks (or capacity to build relationships) with a range of stakeholders within the arts sector and/or homelessness sector.
• A self‑starter, with the ability to take the initiative and work independently, collaboratively, and autonomously.
• Ability to work well in a fast‑paced and varied environment.

More in the job pack.

Job Responsibilities

Producing

• Act as Lead Producer of all Streetwise Opera's projects and productions.
• Oversee all logistics relating to the scheduling and contracting of freelance artists and support workers.
• Devise, oversee and manage deadlines and schedules, delegating to Regional Producers where necessary.
• Planning: schedule production meetings, seek any copyright agreements, oversee engagement of all non‑artistic freelancers, ensure all freelance personnel are receiving guidelines and training.
• Production logistics: manage relationships with venues; manage production logistics and liaise on front of house and backstage arrangements; with the Regional Producers ensure links and communication with homeless / arts partners; oversee the appointment of freelance production staff, e.g. stage managers; where necessary manage the technical and back‑stage team; write risk assessments; work with colleagues to oversee booking of volunteers.

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Job Overview

• Job Title: Head of Producing & Participation - Maternity cover

Pleasesubmit an application formvia our website. You can send your response in written format, as a video file or as an audio file.

All applications will be considered anonymously using only the answers to the questions that you have provided. We will request your CV if you are invited to interview.

Closing date for applications:Friday 30 January 2026, at 4pm.
We do not close applications early.

We will contact all applicants regarding the outcome of their application by the end of the working day on Monday 2 February.

First round interviews:Thursday 5 February (online).

Second round interviews:Monday 9 February (in‑person, London).

Streetwise Opera is an opera company that enables people who’ve experienced homelessness to find inspiration and empowerment while they rebuild their lives and identities. We support participants to develop as creative people and, as we amplify their voices, change how society views homelessness. We engage world‑class artists, both established and emerging, to co‑create bold new work and reimagine traditional repertoire. And by bringing together diverse voices, we change how society views opera.