We are recruiting for an Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Manager

3 March 2025

Without Walls is recruiting for an Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Manager. This is a new and exciting role responsible for the planning and delivery of Without Walls’ EDI strategy. The post holder will have the unique opportunity to shape and develop this role, bringing fresh ideas to advancing our equity, diversity, and inclusion goals.

Four performers are standing side on in a circle. They all have their arms outstretched with their right arms pointing into the circle. They all have their heads turned in the circle where they are smiling at each other.

RESPONSIBILITIES

A resourceful and self-motivated individual will thrive in this position, translating concepts into actionable initiatives and driving positive change within the organisation and the wider outdoor arts sector. This role covers a wide range of activities, from the specifics of making accessible performance, to fostering allyship within our network, driving staff development and influencing organisational culture.

You will focus on the following areas:

- Implementation and on-going review of Without Walls’ EDI policy and action plan, including our anti-racism action plan.

- Development and delivery of our portfolio of EDI related training and guidance for artists.

- Development and delivery of EDI related development programmes (currently Discover and Associates) and continue to evolve these initiatives.

- Evaluation of EDI related programmes and activities.

- Staff lead within our Diversity and Inclusion Action Group, scheduling meetings and producing agendas, meeting papers and minutes.

- Monitoring actions from within our Diversity and Inclusion Action Group meetings, providing updates across the Without Walls networks and governance groups.

- Budget holder for EDI related activity.

- Coordination of the work of freelancers and consultants delivering activities supporting EDI.

- Monitor EDI related staff training needs and identify appropriate support or development opportunities.

- Support the Chief Executive and Senior Communications and Development Manager in preparing information on EDI activities for funding applications and funding reports.

EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS

We don’t necessarily expect applicants to possess all the detailed knowledge and experience outlined, more important is lived experience and a genuine desire to make change. However, successful applicants are likely to have experience and skills in the following areas:

- Understanding of EDI. Proven knowledge of, and commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion, latest policies and best practice, particularly in the arts and culture sector.

- Communication and collaboration. The role requires close work with staff, artists, and partner festivals. Strong communication skills, the ability to engage in open two-way discussions, and the ability to share information effectively are essential.

- Organisational planning. The role involves implementing and reviewing EDI policies, delivering training and development programs, managing budgets, and coordinating the work of others. Excellent organisational, planning, and project management skills are crucial.

- Sensitivity and confidentiality. The ability to deal with sensitive issues and maintain strict confidentiality is very important, as the role will likely involve handling personal information and navigating complex social dynamics.

- Ideas iteration. As a new role, the EDI Manager will need to be self-motivated, resourceful, and able to take initiative to shape the position and translate ideas into action.

- Group facilitation. Leading the Diversity and Inclusion Action Group, including scheduling, setting agendas, preparing papers and taking minutes is a key requirement so experience of group facilitation would be beneficial.

- Training delivery. Developing and delivering training and guidance is key so experience here would be valuable.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Job title: EDI Manager
Duration: Permanent
Salary range: £27,000 – £30,000 p/a
Hours of work: Part-time, 3 days a week (.6fte)
Based: Without Walls Office in Manchester, with some home-working.
Reports to: Initially to Chief Executive. This will be reviewed after three months, when it is expected to move to another member of the Senior Management Team.

A performers posing. They are wearing colourful traiditional Indian garments and in front of a round window surrounding by lots of plants.

A person wearing white with a black hat and shoes stands facing the camera with their hands held to their chest. They are looking down at the ground while standing in front of an old blue car.

Two performers are interacting on stage. One is wearing a colourful head wrap while fixing the other's head wrap for them.

HOW TO APPLY

We realise that we could miss out on incredible talent joining Without Walls because someone might not see themselves in every single one of the person specification criteria. Do not be put off if you feel you do not tick all of the boxes below – if you think you could be great for this role, please apply anyway.

Alternatively, please contact Danielle Sherwood, Operations Manager via [email protected] and we would be happy to discuss the role with you or answer any questions you may have.

To apply, please send us:

A CV – which should detail your key skills, employment or voluntary experience relevant to this role, including responsibilities held and relevant education or vocational training. Please include two referees, one of which should be your current or most recent employer or someone else who has worked with you in a capacity relevant to this role. They will not be approached until after the interviews and with express consent from you.

A cover letter (2 pages of A4 max) – telling us why you are interested in this position, how your skills and experience meet the needs of the role.

Our Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form – this will be separated from your application at the shortlisting stage, but it helps us to understand and improve our job advertisements. You can download the form here. Completion of the form is voluntary.

We will also accept applications as audio or video files that contain the information described above. These should be no more than 10 minutes in length.

Please send your completed application to [email protected] with the subject header ‘Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Manager’. The deadline for applications is Wednesday 2 April at 12pm (midday). If selected for an interview you will be notified by Friday 4 April at 5pm.

Job Pack

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Policy

Image credits:
Image 1 © Tit for Tat / Luke Witcomb
Image 2 Frock Stopgap Dance Theatre © HotShot Creative
Image 3 Akademi, Pravaas © Justin Jones
Image 4 © Sonia Sabri Company
Image 5 Peaceophobia, Fuel Theatre and Common Wealth © David Levene
Image 6 Black Victorians ©David Levene