PROJECT CO-ORDINATOR

Thank you for your interest in this role.

In this pack you will find:

  • Information about the Forge
  • Job Description
  • Person Specification
  • Recruitment Process and Timetable

If you find you have a question which isn’t answered in this pack, please feel free to email enquiries@intheforge.com

 

ABOUT THE FORGE

The Forge is an Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation specialising in participatory work with young people. We work closely with disadvantaged schools co-creating arts-based programmes to improve children’s outcomes.

The Forge is the North East’s leading arts-in-education agency. We specialise in multi-agency projects that use the arts to improve the life-chances of children and young people. The majority (95%) of our programme occurs in places of least cultural engagement and focuses on overcoming barriers that prevent people from accessing arts and culture. We have over 23 years-experience of co-creating programmes with North East school partners. In recognition of The Forge’s skills in teacher development, we delivered the Arts Council’s Artsmark training programme for Culture Bridge North East from 2015 until 2023. We are a research-informed organisation and have delivered two research programmes for Paul Hamlyn Foundation – Teaching Things Differently, involving seven North East primary schools, and Seeing Things Differently (involving one Northumberland primary school). We are currently delivering a new PHF funded three-year Talking Cameras programme in SEND settings.

Find out more about The Forge at www.intheforge.com

 

JOB DESCRIPTION

Deadline for applications: Friday 13 March 2026

Reports to: Executive Director

Location: The Forge, Stanley, County Durham, and some working from home

Working hours: 22.5 hours per week (following a normal working pattern of three days per week, although some flexibility is required)

Salary: £28,000 (pro-rata per annum)

 

ROLE PURPOSE AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The Project Co-ordinator is a new role, responsible for helping to shape the design and support delivery of high-quality creative learning programmes for schools and communities across the North East. Rooted in both arts and education, this post ensures that our projects are impactful, evidence-led, and strategically aligned to both the curriculum and the wider cultural sector.

Working closely with the wider team, you’ll help monitor the quality and impact of our participatory programmes, develop and maintain strong partnerships with school, artists, and grassroots community groups, and ensure our programmes are safe, inclusive, and responsive.

Key Responsibilities

Programme Design and Delivery

  • Contribute to the planning and design of new programmes in response to school and community needs.
  • Contribute to project briefs and liaise between schools and creative practitioners.
  • Work with the team to ensure programmes align with current educational priorities, including curriculum changes and strategic developments in education policy.
  • Contribute to the planning and delivery of outcome-focused events (eg visual arts exhibitions, in-school performances).
  • Attend schools where needed to observe, support artists, or troubleshoot delivery issues.
  • Co-design community-based programmes with The Forge team and local grassroots groups to ensure they are relevant and responsive to local needs.
  • Develop relationships with community stakeholders to identify/create opportunities for out-of-school creative engagement for young people and families.

Project Coordination

  • Create schedules and delivery plans.
  • Contribute to project budgeting.
  • Liaise with the Finance Manager to track and monitor resources budgets
  • Contribute to project risk assessments and The Forge’s policy updates.
  • Ensure projects adhere to The Forge’s policies.

Partnerships and Communication

  • Maintain The Forge’s strong, trust-based relationships with schools, artists, grassroots community organisations, and other cultural partners.
  • Maintain and enhance the positive reputation of The Forge.
  • Contribute to project reports, marketing communications and website updates.
  • Regularly contribute to The Forge’s social media platforms.

Evaluation, Learning and Impact

  • Ensure that evidence-based evaluation frameworks are used across all projects.
  • Gather qualitative and quantitative data (as appropriate) to demonstrate impact of The Forge’s programmes, improve practice, and inform funders.
  • Contribute to wider organisational learning and reflection.

Fundraising and Income Generation

  • With the team, identify potential revenue streams for new and existing programmes.

Other duties

  • Undertake any other reasonable duties consistent with the role and aligned with the organisation’s aims and objectives.

Equality and Diversity

We are committed to inclusive and representative creative practices. The Project Coordinator will support the development of programmes that reflect the diversity of our communities, ensuring equity and accessibility are embedded throughout our artistic work and partnerships.

Person Specification

Essential

  • Proven experience in developing and delivering participatory arts or cultural education programmes.
  • Sound understanding of education systems and curricula in England.
  • Strong project coordination skills – ability to multitask.
  • Experience of evaluating participatory programmes.
  • Strong interpersonal skills – able to liaise effectively with teachers, artists, and community group members.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Knowledge of safeguarding, health and safety and other relevant legislative requirements in an educational or cultural settings.
  • Confident using Microsoft Office and digital communication tools.
  • Collaborative team player.
  • Able to travel to schools across the region.

Desirable

  • Qualification or training in education, creative arts, or community practice.
  • Experience working within the charity or voluntary sector.
  • Confidence in using a range of social media platforms.

Additional – Child Protection

  • Successful applicants will need a current Enhanced DBS check (which can be organised by The Forge) and understand and adhere to The Forge’s safeguarding, child protection, health and safety, and equality and diversity policies.

 

RECRUITMENT PROCESS AND TIMETABLE

Key Dates

Deadline for Applications: Friday 13 March 2026

Shortlisting Completed and Candidates Notified: Tuesday 17 March 2026

Interviews/Assessment: Tuesday 31 March 2026

How to Apply

Please send a CV, together with a supporting statement (no more than two pages) demonstrating in detail, how you meet each of the requirements of the Person Specification. In addition, please provide an explanation for any gaps in your employment record.

Applications can be posted to The Forge, Stanley Education Centre, King Edward VIII Terrace, Shield Row, Stanley, County Durham, DH9 0HQ or emailed to enquiries@intheforge.com. All applications will be acknowledged.

Shortlisting and Interviews

Once shortlisting is complete, we will inform every applicant – successful or otherwise – whether they have been successful in making it through to the next stage.

Interviews will be with Michael Gilbey, The Forge Chair of Trustees, Tony Harrington, Executive Director of The Forge, Bev Briggs, Creative Producer of The Forge and held in person at The Forge’s offices in Stanley, County Durham.