The Communications Assistant will join our creative and ambitious department promoting a varied and exciting programme.
The Audiences & Communications department is responsible for all internal and external communications at Northern Ballet. The department supports the company’s national and international tours, a digital programme, the Academy of Northern Ballet, outreach activity and fundraising initiatives. We operate with audiences at the heart of all our decision making.
You'll have the chance to use the full marketing and PR mix across a range of different campaigns. Northern Ballet has amazing resources at its fingertips, with world-class ballet dancers, multiple studios, and in-house wardrobe and technical departments. This presents an excellent opportunity for an imaginative and enthusiastic person to thrive.
- Salary: £22,400
- Our full-time hours are 35 per week.
- We are open to applications from candidates wanting to work full-time or part-time (e.g. 4 days a week).
- We are based on Leeds, hybrid working is available
- Closing date for applications: Monday 22 September 2025
- Interviews in Leeds week commencing 29 September 2025
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Key Responsibilities
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- Work with the Communications Manager to create and deliver communications campaigns (marketing and PR) for tour and in-house productions. This may include events in the Stanley & Audrey Burton Theatre, our children’s ballet tour and large-scale touring.
- Lead on communications campaigns for the Learning department and assist with campaigns for the Development department.
- Plan print production for children’s ballets and any Northern Ballet performances at the Stanley & Audrey Burton Theatre.
- Create positive and productive working relationships with tour venues, visiting companies, external agencies and printers to ensure campaigns are well-supported and that Northern Ballet’s objectives are effectively met.
- Work with the Communications Manager and Director of Audiences & Communications on evaluation of marketing, sales and audience insights for activities across the business.
- Take responsibility for mandatory Arts Council England reporting via the Illuminate portal (training provided) and collate supporting materials, case studies and data for reports and bids as required including Arts Council England and Leeds City Council
- Ensure crediting is correct and up to date (website, print, email comms, foyer screens) and that print and posters around Northern Ballet’s HQ are up to date and well stocked.
- Assist with merchandise including researching potential suppliers and price points as well as existing merchandise (pointe shoes, posters).
- Support the PR strategy when required which may include setting up, managing and attending press interviews, filming, photocalls and press events including opening nights and launches.
- Take responsibility for cataloguing and sharing press coverage.
- Help the Communications Manager with ticket holds requests for touring productions.
- Contribute content to the Northern Ballet website, social media and tour programmes as requested.
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Additional Responsibilites
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- Attend Communications and Company events as and when necessary.
- Be committed to equal opportunities practice.
- Assist with cover of reception lunchtimes.
- Any other duties as reasonably required for the effective running of the department.
- Some evening and weekend work will be required, time off in lieu is offered.
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Who we are Looking for
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- Some experience in a communications role, with a willingness to learn and grow your skills in campaign planning, research and delivery.
- Proactive and self-motivated, with the ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
- Strong organisational skills and a tried and tested systems for balancing your workload.
- Excellent written communication skills, we want you to be able to weave exciting stories around Northern Ballet’s work.
- An eye for detail, and experience proofreading and editing your work.
- A confident and can-do attitude, ready to learn new skills.
- An interest in learning more about data analysis, compilation and research.
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How to Apply
Please submit a copy of your CV, along with a covering letter stating why you would like to be considered for this role, to recruitment@northernballet.com by Monday 22 September 2025. Interviews will take place week commencing 29 September 2025.
We also ask applicants to complete our equal opportunities monitoring form.
Our Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion
Northern Ballet strives to understand, respect and champion diversity in all its forms and believes in embracing diversity within our workforce, repertoire and practices. Therefore, we support and encourage people from a variety of backgrounds and experiences to apply.
As part of our commitment to the disability confident employer scheme, we guarantee to interview disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for our vacancies.
If you require any adjustment during any stages of our recruitment process, please contact recruitment@northernballet.com and we will be in touch with you to make the necessary arrangements. Some examples of adjustments could include sending documentation in alternative formats such as large print, braille or audio. Adapting the environment for the interview or allowing additional time for you to answer questions.
Header image from Fools, choreographed by Mthuthuzeli November featuring dancers Harris Beattie and Sarah Chun.
About Northern Ballet
One of the world's leading ballet companies. Based in Leeds, UK, we tour the UK with our unique brand of dance storytelling, on a mission to make ballet accessible to everyone.
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Watch Northern Ballet
On stage and screen, Northern Ballet's mission is to bring world-class ballet to as wide an audience as possible.
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