Learning Engagement Officer

We are seeking an experienced and motivated Learning Engagement Officer to lead the development and delivery of high-quality cultural learning services. This is a temporary, position to cover a period of maternity leave, offering an exciting opportunity to drive impactful educational and cultural initiatives.


WHAT IS INVOLVED?

We are seeking an experienced and motivated Learning Engagement Officer to lead the development and delivery of high-quality cultural learning services.

Working across the Council’s diverse cultural portfolio, you will manage a comprehensive learning programme that supports engagement, education and audience development. You will collaborate closely with colleagues, partners, education providers and communities to ensure learning activities are inclusive, inspiring and aligned with local and national priorities.

This is a key leadership role for someone with a passion for cultural education, strong partnership skills and experience of managing people, projects and programmes.

You’ll be joining a committed and creative team dedicated to expanding access to culture, lifelong learning and educational engagement across County Durham. We offer flexible working, professional development opportunities and the chance to make a meaningful impact through culture and learning.


What you’ll be doing

• Acting as the internal and external lead for cultural learning activities across the Culture Service
• Leading the development and operational delivery of a high-quality cultural learning programme
• Developing strong partnerships with schools, children’s services, teachers and education professionals to increase access for children and young people
• Building and maintaining relationships across the cultural, education and creative sectors
• Leading engagement projects, activities, events, exhibitions and interpretation for educational audiences
• Managing staff, including recruitment, supervision, training, performance and development
• Managing allocated budgets, income targets and learning resources
• Supporting the identification of funding opportunities in collaboration with commissioning colleagues
• Producing reports, monitoring performance and evaluating impact using appropriate frameworks
• Ensuring health, safety and safeguarding requirements are met across learning activities
• Promoting excellent customer service, equality, diversity and continuous improvement

We encourage you to contact Emma Hermon | emma.hermon@durham.gov.uk to arrange an informal discussion about the role.


WHAT WILL I NEED?

• A relevant degree or equivalent experience, with evidence of continuing professional development
• Significant experience developing and delivering learning provision within a cultural, heritage or visitor attraction setting
• Experience of leading teams, managing change and delivering projects to agreed priorities
• Strong understanding of cultural education and relevant national agendas
• Familiarity with the National Curriculum and learning across different settings
• Proven experience of partnership working and budget management
• Excellent communication, organisational and analytical skills
• A creative, confident and proactive approach, with the ability to work independently and collaboratively
• Willingness to work flexibly, including evenings, weekends and occasional overnight stays

Please refer to the attached Person Specification for the full criteria.

If successful, you will be required to apply for a Disclosure and Barring Service Enhanced Disclosure and have the ability to travel across the County and North East as required to deliver learning sessions, attend meetings, events, or training sessions.


INTERVIEWS

It is expected interviews will be held on 3 December 2026.

We operate a guaranteed interview scheme for applicants that can show they meet all the essential criteria and have indicated they have a disability, are a looked after young person, care leaver or a veteran.


OUR OFFER TO YOU

We offer a competitive rewards package that includes attractive salaries, a generous annual leave entitlement of 27 days (rising to 32 after five years’ continuous local government service), membership of the excellent contributory career average Local Government Pension Scheme, and a range of flexible working arrangements including hybrid working (home and office) where applicable. Explore the full range of rewards and benefits on our website.

Rewards and benefits are subject to individual terms and conditions.


EQUALITY, DIVERSITY, AND INCLUSION

We are a proud equal opportunities employer and believe a diverse workforce brings fresh ideas and drives service improvement. We welcome applications from everyone and make employment decisions based on skills and ability. As a Disability Confident Leader, we actively encourage applications from disabled and neurodivergent people and offer support throughout the recruitment process.


HOW TO APPLY

Please note, we do not accept CVs. All applications must be submitted online via the Northeast Jobs portal. Use the ‘Person Specification’ section of the form to clearly demonstrate how you meet the essential (and where possible, desirable) criteria. Applications that do not evidence the essential requirements will not be shortlisted.

Please visit our website to understand our position on using AI to support your application and for guidance on completing your application.

If you require assistance when applying for this role, please contact our Recruitment Helpdesk on 03000 26 27 27, or via email RecruitmentREG@durham.gov.uk

All correspondence relating to your application will be sent from donotreply@northeastjobs.org.uk. Kindly check your spam/junk folder regularly to ensure you don’t miss any updates.


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Attachments

• REG Cul Learning Engagement Officer - N11629.docx