Contract: Fixed-term freelance contract (6 months)
Time commitment: Part-time (approx. 24 hours/ week)
Fee: Competitive
Location: Leicester, UK
About Nupur Arts:
We are the East Midland’s largest South Asian dance academy. We want people to be inspired by the artistic possibilities of dance movement and be enriched through the power of community and heritage. In the 35 years we have been operating, we are proud to have developed globally recognised and award-winning artistic talent. We draw on the dynamism of the youth, and self-expressive power of the British diaspora to make South Asian dance accessible. We do this in three ways:
1. We teach dance to 200+ people ranging from ages 3 through to 55+ supporting grassroot level training and qualifications
2. We carry out pre-professional development programmes, bridging the journey to becoming professional artists across multiple disciplines
3. We curate professional showcases and commissions, engaging professional artists and bringing high-level performances to our audiences
With the support of the Arts Council’s National Portfolio Organisation (NPO) fund, we have embarked on a five-year journey to grow our organisation and extend our reach. We are looking for a Project Management Officer to manage the portfolio and support further growth.
About the Role:
We are looking for a Project Management Officer to support us with the delivery of our portfolio. This includes, but is not limited to:
The academy
The funded NPO projects and events
Additional funded or non-funded activities
You will manage the team members responsible for delivering the projects and activities within your remit. You will oversee full project lifecycles and maintain oversight of the organisation’s wider portfolio, while also leading on NPO governance and reporting. You will report to the Associate Director and Artistic Director, and occasionally to the Board of Directors.
Events may vary each year as part of our growth plans but typically events range from:
City wide festivals & outdoor tours
Theatre shows and productions
Wellbeing classes
Educational and cultural workshops
Awards evenings & celebration sharing
Artist development programmes and residencies
Curation of professional work through digital film and other mediums
Sector wide research initiatives and collaborations
The role is primarily based in Leicestershire and 3 days a week is required in the Leicester City Centre office. You will also be expected to be on-site for key event days, which may include occasional weekends; these dates will be agreed in advance. This role is offered as a 6-month fixed-term freelance engagement, with the possibility of an extension into a rolling contract, subject to performance.
Key Responsibilities:
Project & Portfolio Management
- Lead, manage, and coordinate the end-to-end delivery of assigned projects across the organisational portfolio (e.g., The Academy, NPO-funded projects, events, and additional activities/ other funded projects).
- Oversee the full project lifecycle from initiation and planning to delivery, evaluation, and close-down.
- Maintain a clear, up-to-date view of the organisation’s overall project portfolio, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives and deadlines.
Governance & Compliance
- Own and manage all aspects of the funders reporting requirements including (but not limited to) NPO governance- which includes activity plans, investment principles, financial reporting, and annual surveys.
- Ensure projects comply with funding requirements, organisational policies, and external regulatory standards.
- Support preparation for board-level reporting, audits, funding reviews and funding applications.
Team Leadership & Coordination
- Line-manage and support team members delivering the projects within your remit, providing clear direction, task allocation, and performance oversight.
- Facilitate effective communication and workflow between project teams, stakeholders, and organisational leadership.
- Promote a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.
Planning, Tracking & Reporting
- Develop and maintain project plans, timelines, budgets, and risk registers.
- Track progress against objectives, milestones, and KPIs, identifying emerging risks or issues and escalating where needed.
- Produce regular status updates and project reports for senior leadership, funders, and the Board of Directors.
Financial Oversight
- Manage project budgets, forecasting, and expenditure tracking to ensure financial accuracy and responsible use of funds.
- Support grant management, including budget monitoring, claims, and evidence submissions.
Stakeholder Engagement
- Engage with internal and external stakeholders, including artists, practitioners, partners, funders, and community groups to support effective delivery and maximise impact.
- Maintain strong relationships with funding bodies, ensuring timely and accurate communication.
Continuous Improvement
- Review and refine project management processes, tools, and documentation to strengthen efficiency and consistency across the organisation.
- Capture learning and impact across the portfolio to support organisational development and future planning.
Essential:
Minimum of 2 years of experience in project management, evidencing the ability to manage a team
Working knowledge of project management tools & communication platforms (e.g., MS Excel, Trello, MS Projects, MS Teams or Slack)
Experience and knowledge of the Performing Arts sector in the UK
Strong ability to strategically plan, manage, coordinate and evaluate projects
Ability to take initiative to ‘get things done’ whether independently or by coordinating teams
Strong data analysis and reporting skills
Effective time management and workload prioritisation skills
Confident written and verbal communication skills; including negotiation skills, customer service and relationship management
Desirable:
Local knowledge of the Leicestershire area and community
Knowledge of the arts, culture and heritage-based funding frameworks in England
Strong ability to engage with stakeholders
Prior experience working with a funded arts organisation / an NPO
Enhanced DBS clearance
Understanding of the EDI and safeguarding policies in place within the sector
Project Management qualifications
Our Offer:
A collaborative mission-led work culture, combining passion and purpose which brings meaningful experiences to thousands of people
The opportunity to work with and grow the largest South Asian dance organisation in the East Midlands
Ownership and autonomy to deliver community impact
Personal growth opportunities and development through relevant training and networking
Occasional hybrid working, flexible hours, and opportunities for rapid career progression
Competitive fees and long-term growth incentives
Job type:
Fixed-term freelance contract (6 months)
Compensation: Competitive
Hours: Approx. 24 hours/ week
Schedule: Monday, Tuesday & Thursday 9:30am-5:30pm
Location:
Leicester, UK
Review: Potential for extension after the initial term, subject to performance
To apply:
Please send your CV and up to 500-word cover letter to enquiries@nupurarts.org.uk and CC shreya@nupurarts.org.uk