Head of Audiences and Communications
Longborough Festival Opera | Full time | Cotswolds-based (with flexible working)
Salary: £40,000–£45,000 depending on experience
Closing date: Monday 11th August 2025 at midday
Are you a strategic, creative, and audience-focused marketing leader with a passion for the performing arts? Longborough Festival Opera (LFO) is seeking a dynamic and effective Head of Audiences and Communications to shape the way we are seen, experienced and remembered.
We are looking for someone who can lead our marketing, communications, audience development, and box office strategies—while placing community, accessibility and engagement at the heart of everything we do.
About Us
LFO is a world-class opera festival based in the heart of the Cotswolds. Each summer, we welcome audiences to our intimate theatre overlooking the Evenlode valley, offering bold, ambitious productions that have gained national and international recognition. We are especially known for our presentation of Wagner’s operas, and alongside the festival, we nurture children and young people through our thriving year-round education programmes.
Founded with a spirit of audacity and creative endeavour, Longborough has grown from humble beginnings into one of the UK’s most exciting opera destinations. With a committed team, a loyal supporter base and a fast-growing reputation for high quality ambitious work, there has never been a more exciting time to join us as we expand our reach, deepen our impact and shape the future of opera in the UK.
About the Role
As Head of Audiences and Communications, you’ll be responsible for:
- Leading our brand, marketing, press and communications strategy
- Growing and diversifying audiences locally, nationally and online
- Overseeing the box office, data analysis and ticketing strategies (Spektrix)
- Shaping our public voice, increasing our reach and strengthening our identity
- Developing meaningful community, youth and education engagement in partnership with our Learning team
- Supporting fundraising and membership messaging through compelling storytelling and impact reporting
You’ll report to the Executive Director, work closely with the Artistic Director as well as our Learning, Development, Events and Finance staff. You’ll be a key part of our core year-round staff team, with leadership responsibility at an important stage in our organisational development.
Who We’re Looking For
We’re seeking a collaborative and engaging individual who combines:
- Proven success in arts marketing and audience development
- Experience in managing cross-functional teams and projects
- Confidence in using data and systems (e.g. Spektrix) to guide strategy
- A passion for the arts and a commitment to sharing the artform of opera widely
- Strong communication skills, with flair for copywriting, press and brand development
- A hands-on, solutions-focused attitude and a collaborative leadership style
You’ll line manage a small, talented team including the Box Office Manager and Social Media Manager, with support from freelance marketing and PR consultants. You’ll also help shape the future structure of our Audiences and Insights team.
Why Join Longborough?
We are:
- A small, ambitious team with big ideas and international reach
- Based in an inspiring rural setting with beautiful views and a strong community spirit
- Known for nurturing talent and creative audacity, from being the only summer festival to present three Wagner Ring Cycles to our groundbreaking education work
- At a pivotal stage of growth, with a rebrand and digital transformation underway
Additional Info
- Salary: £40,000–£45,000 depending on experience
- Location: Our Longborough offices, with hybrid working offered out of season. A valid driving licence and access to a car are required due to our rural location
- Contract: Full-time, permanent
- Evening and weekend work will be required during the Festival season (May–August) with the flexibility to work evenings expected at a number of external events throughout the year, as well as to attend performances
- Start date: September/October 2025