Can you inspire the next generation's relationship with Shakespeare, theatre and creativity? Are you a visionary leader who can connect artistic excellence with social impact? How do we ensure that Shakespeare belongs to everyone?

2026 marks 20 years of transformative learning partnerships across England. As we build on this extraordinary legacy, we are looking for an exceptional leader to shape the next chapter of our impact with schools, theatres and communities.

Join our Senior Leadership Team as a bold, strategic and inspiring Director of Creative Learning & Engagement. Leading one of the UK's most influential portfolios of learning, participation and public engagement activity, you will shape how children, young people, teachers, communities, families and audiences engage with Shakespeare and theatre.

As we look to the future, we want to deepen our impact, extend our reach and ensure that creativity, culture and theatre are accessible to all. This is a rare opportunity to lead a nationally and internationally recognised programme, championing access, inclusion and creativity while helping to define the role of a major cultural organisation in society today.

In this role you will shape and lead our strategy for learning, participation and public engagement, ensuring that people of all ages and backgrounds can develop meaningful, sustained relationships with Shakespeare, theatre and the RSC. This influential leadership role will connect artistic ambition with educational excellence, civic purpose and national impact.

Key areas of responsibility include (please see the Role Profile for the comprehensive details):

• Shaping the future of the RSC's Creative Learning & Engagement strategy, ensuring Shakespeare and theatre remain accessible, relevant and impactful for all.
• Leading one of the UK's most influential creative learning portfolios, reaching children, young people, teachers, communities and audiences across the globe.
• Forging strategic partnerships that extend the RSC's influence and position it at the forefront of arts education and cultural participation.
• Creating an empowering environment where talented teams can thrive, innovate and deliver exceptional public impact.
• Driving sustainable growth through strong financial stewardship, evaluation, fundraising and strategic investment.
• Playing a pivotal role on the Senior Leadership Team, helping to shape the future direction of the RSC.

To be successful in this role, you will bring:

• A distinguished leadership career within the cultural, education or public sectors, with a track record of delivering impact at scale.
• Deep sector knowledge and a clear vision for the future of creative learning, participation and audience engagement.
• The ability to inspire and lead diverse teams through change, growth and innovation.
• Exceptional stakeholder management and advocacy skills, with experience building influential partnerships and securing support for ambitious programmes.
• Strong commercial acumen and financial credibility, with experience translating strategy into sustainable organisational outcomes.
• A personal commitment to inclusion, access and ensuring the transformative power of culture reaches the widest possible audience.

Location, working hours and salary

This is a full time (40 hours per week), permanent position, based in Stratford-upon-Avon but with work across different locations. To fulfil the requirements of the role, a significant presence in Stratford-upon-Avon is required to provide visible leadership and to attend performances and events. Given the nature of our work, there will be evening and weekend working. This role will require some national and international travel.

The RSC is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. Please note that all employees of the Creative Learning and Engagement team are required to undergo enhanced checks with the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). No offer of employment will be made until references have been checked. 

Application Process

Application is by submission of your curriculum vitae and a one-page statement/covering letter. In your letter, you must include details of the scale and impact of education and learning work you have previously delivered, as well as a brief overview of your core strengths in response to the person specification.

All applications should be made online using the RSC website. If you need any assistance when applying or would like to have a conversation regarding the opportunity, please email Rachel.lloyd@rsc.org.uk

First interviews will be in person, in London, during the week commencing 23 November 2026, with second interviews during the week commencing 30 November 2026. If you are not available on these dates, please let us know in advance.

About the RSC

The RSC strives for accountability, creativity, collaboration, excellence, inclusivity and sustainability.

We aim to create a welcoming, supportive environment which is happy, healthy and safe. We place great importance upon developing a diverse, highly motivated and energised workforce to help achieve our priorities. We put our values at the heart of everything we do.

We are committed to building a diverse workforce and welcome applications from all individuals.

We believe that safeguarding children and adults is everyone's responsibility, and everybody working at the RSC has a duty to place safeguarding at the heart of their work.

The Royal Shakespeare Company (no. 212481) is a registered charity.