Location: Hybrid (London-based)
Contract: Full-time
Salary: up to £38,000 per annum (dependent on experience)
Reports to: Operations Manager

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We are seeking an experienced, motivated Programme Manager with a passion for music and culture, and the confidence to drive projects forward in a small, collaborative team.

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This is an exciting time to join CDR as we grow nationally and you will play a pivotal role in shaping and scaling three of our core programmes at a time of real momentum.

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The ideal candidate will have 5+ years experience in delivering music education programmes, be highly organised, and proactive.

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CDR is an organisation committed to equity, diversity and inclusion in everything we do, from our programmes to our hiring practices. We particularly welcome and encourage applications from Black people and others who are currently underrepresented in the music and cultural industry.

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About CDR

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CDR is a community-first music organisation working towards an equitable music industry for producers and artists. Founded in 2002, we have a 20-year track record of nurturing independent music makers and pushing UK electronic music forward.

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We connect education with modern music culture, empowering people to create new music, define their sound, and release music on their own terms. Our programmes span schools, youth centres, grassroots venues and international collaborations — from Newham to Nairobi.

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As a Black-led, London-based National Portfolio Organisation (Arts Council England), we are building the CDR Pathway: a cohesive journey that unlocks creativity in people at a young age and supports them to develop their creative practice throughout their lives.

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This is an exciting time to join CDR: after recently becoming an Arts Council National Portfolio Organisation, we are rapidly growing our projects around the country. Building on 20 years of heritage in the UK underground music scene, there is a significant opportunity to push on further and grow CDR’s profile to establish ourselves as a leading music and education organisation nationally.

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The Programmes You’ll Lead

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• Music Producer Club (MPC) – digital music-making for young people aged 12–18, delivered in schools, youth centres and online. Taught by ‘producer educators’ - working music producers we train to educate the next generation, MPC builds creativity, skills and confidence while connecting participants with electronic music culture and the national curriculum.
• Process – a development programme for women, non-binary and trans+ music makers. Structured across three strands for different abilities (Create, Define, Release), Process combines workshops, mentoring and masterclasses to build skills, confidence and community for underrepresented producers.
• Out The Box (OTB) – hands-on analogue mixing workshops in leading London studios, giving emerging producers practical experience with desks, outboard gear and professional engineers while bridging digital and analogue production techniques.

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Key Responsibilities

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Programme Management

• Lead planning, scheduling and delivery of MPC, Process and Out The Box programmes and events.
• Manage a growing team of freelance staff who help deliver and coordinate our projects.
• Manage budgets and ensure all programmes are delivered within budget.
• Build and maintain relationships with all programme stakeholders and partners, acting as the main point of contact.
• Work in partnership with the Communications Manager on refining marketing strategies and promotional materials.
• Lead recruitment and selection of programme participants and act as the main point of contract for participants, providing pastoral support where relevant.
• Build strong, ongoing relationships with participants, ensuring CDR remains responsive to their creative development and continues to build our community.
• Contribute to the development of online/digital delivery models that complement in-person programming and expand access to underrepresented communities.
• Represent CDR at events, conferences and networks.
• Review and manage all relevant invoices in collaboration with Operation Manager.
• Complete administrative tasks where necessary.

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Quality Monitoring & Evaluation

• Collect and analyse participant data, case studies and feedback, and drive solutions in response to pain points.
• Support continuous improvement by feeding programme insights into CDR’s evolving evaluation framework, learning outputs, and communications strategy.
• Ensure safeguarding, risk assessments and health and safety are adhered to across all programmes. Implementing training, good practice and further planning where necessary.
• Ensure programme curriculums are adhered to and quality is upkept across all programmes.
• Oversee evaluation processes for participant progress.
• Report to funders, trustees and stakeholders.
• Contribute to programme design improvements.
• Ensure programmes are inclusive, culturally relevant and aligned with CDR’s strategic objectives.
• Monitor accessibility needs.
• Organise annual training for MPC educators.

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Strategic Development

• Work with senior management to scale and embed programmes nationally.
• Ensure programmes align with and contribute to the CDR Pathway, supporting participants to progress from entry-level engagement to sustained creative practice and professional development.
• Support the Communications & Partnerships Manager with documentation of programme impact through stories, media, or participant content, contributing to CDR’s growing digital archive and visibility.
• Work with the Communications & Partnerships Manager to develop new partnerships to increase our programme’s reach and impact
• Identify and pursue growth and collaboration opportunities.
• Support fundraising and development.

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Person Specification

Essential

• Track record of managing and growing programmes in education, youth, or the arts.
• Strong organisational and time-management skills.
• Experience working with schools, youth centres, studios or community partners.
• Safeguarding knowledge and practice.
• Experience working directly with young people.
• Experience managing freelance or creative teams.
• Excellent relationship-building and communication skills.
• Strong digital literacy, with confidence in using tools for asynchronous planning, comms, and evaluation (e.g. Google Drive, SmartSuite etc.).
• Commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.
• Interest in electronic music, grassroots culture, and community-focused work.
• Proactive self starter, comfortable working in a small, dynamic team.

Desirable

• Knowledge of music education or digital music production.
• Report-writing or fundraising experience.
• Familiarity with major funding reporting requirements - i.e. Arts Council England and PRS.
• Understanding of talent development models and pathways into the music industry.

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Terms & Benefits

• Full-time, hybrid working with a London office base.
• 25 days annual leave + bank holidays + office closure (Christmas week).
• Pension scheme.
• Training and professional development opportunities.

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How to Apply

Please send a CV, along with a cover letter (1 page max) detailing your relevant experience and why you are interested in this role to sophie@createdefinerelease.com. Include examples of past projects you have managed the delivery and growth of, highlighting your contributions to their success. Closing date for applications is 10am Monday 9th March.

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Equity, Diversity and Inclusion at CDR

CDR is committed to equity and inclusion in everything we do, from our programmes to our hiring practices. We believe a diverse team is essential to a thriving music and cultural industry.

We particularly welcome and encourage applications from Black people and others who are currently underrepresented in the music and cultural industry. In line with the Equality Act 2010, we guarantee equal opportunity regardless of any protected characteristic.

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Accessibility and Reasonable Adjustments

We provide reasonable adjustments for all candidates. If you require support or specific arrangements for the application or interview process, please contact sophie@createdefinerelease.com. We are here to ensure you can perform at your best during the recruitment process.