Programmes Assistant

Job Description

Job Title: Programmes Assistant

Reports to: Production Manager

Job Type: Full time fixed-term contract (2 March - 22 May 2026)

Deadline: 16/01/26

Interviews: W/C

Location: Hybrid working (2-4 fixed days in the London E2 office a week)*

Salary: 25250 pro rata

Hours: Monday - Friday (9:30am-5:30pm)* Flexibility is required when working to deadlines and covering team hours. Please note you must be available to work on Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 May as part of our Judging & Festival (16-20 May).

*Please note that the number of days in the office may increase during busy periods and according to the needs of the business.

About D&AD

Founded in 1962 D&AD is an organisation that is all about the pursuit of creative excellence within advertising and design - inspiring it celebrating it and enabling it. A fundamental way of us achieving this is through our world class learning programmes which upskill the current and future workforce.

Whilst our remit focuses on the advertising and design industry there is a broader goal: to demonstrate the positive impact that creativity can have across education the economy and within society.

Purpose of the Job

The D&AD Awards and New Blood Awards spotlight the worlds most outstanding creative work across commercial design advertising production and craft judged by over 260 global creative leaders. While the main D&AD Awards celebrate professional excellence the New Blood Awards champion emerging talent attracting thousands of entries from students and young creatives worldwide.

As a Programmes Assistant youll play an essential role in the end-to-end delivery of both programmes. This includes supporting the processing and quality control of submitted work to ensure it meets judging standards as well as providing excellent customer service to entrants throughout the entry process. Additionally youll play an active role in collecting precise and high-quality credits for the winning entries. Your meticulous attention to detail will ensure that these credits meet the rigorous standards required for publication.

This position offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the worlds best creative work and be a key player in the success of the D&AD Awards and D&AD New Blood Awards.

Were looking for ambitious Programmes Assistants to join our Awards and New Blood team on a temporary basis. While all Programmes Assistants will be trained across the full scope of responsibilities the team will be divided based on strengths and project needs. Flexibility and collaboration across these focus areas are required especially during peak periods.

Key Responsibilities

Customer Service

• Confidently manage outgoing and incoming entrant queries via email phone and video calls ( Zoom or similar platforms).

• Provide high-quality tailored support to entrants throughout the awards process.

• Proactively investigate and resolve queries escalating complex issues when necessary.

• Build and maintain positive relationships with entrants ensuring a smooth and supportive experience.

• Clearly explain rules requirements and deadlines to entrants in an accessible and professional way.

• Maintain D&ADs tone of voice and ensure responses are delivered within policy and agreed timeframes.

• Accurately log and track all interactions to ensure accountability and timely follow-up.

• Share entrant feedback and insights with internal teams to help improve processes and service delivery

Entry Processing & Quality Control

• Accurately catalogue store and process all award entries using D&AD systems ensuring correct warehousing and organisation.

• Conduct quality checks on digital assets (including moving images stills audio websites and apps) to ensure they meet technical requirements and entry criteria.

• Edit or amend entries as needed to bring them in line with requirements.

• Receive check and process physical entry packages delivered to the office ensuring they are stored in the correct location and properly tagged.

• Identify and resolve entry issues liaising directly with entrants and internal teams to find solutions.

• Cross-check entries to ensure they are accurately processed and fully compliant before moving into the judging stage.

• Provide support to other Programmes Assistants across the D&AD Awards and New Blood Awards during peak periods

Judging Support

• Prepare and quality check entries for online and in-person judging rounds.

• Liaise with judges to support smooth completion of judging processes and resolve issues.

• Ensure all communication with the judges is consistent and in line with D&ADs tone of voice.

• Assist with logistics such as work transportation setup and jury session support.

• Proofread written materials and maintain consistent communication aligned with D&ADs tone.

• Support change over jury sessions and judging rounds.

• Support and assist jury hosts during judging sessions when required.

Winners Showcase & Other Duties

• Review and ensure accuracy of winners information and assets on the website.

• Conduct quality checks on showcase reels and provide administrative support.

• Administrative support for the D&AD Winners Showcase and Festival.

• Provide feedback to improve awards processes and assist with additional tasks as needed.

Key Experience and Skills

• Excellent customer service skills

• Excellent organisational skills

• Fantastic attention to detail

• Good interpersonal skills and confidence to communicate with stakeholders at all levels

• Ability to work to own initiative and as part of a team

• Ability to work under pressure and to tight deadlines

• Flexible approach to working hours during busy periods (e.g deadlines and judging week).

• Proficient in G Suite and MS Office; Adobe CC knowledge is a plus.

• Familiarity with advertising/design industries is desirable but not essential.

• A second language is a plus but not required.

Personal Qualities

• Reliable trustworthy and a team player.

• Eager to learn and adaptable to diverse tasks.

• Strong communication skills and a good sense of humour.

• Passionate about design advertising and creative industries.

D&AD is committed to diversity equality equity inclusion and respect for all. Providing a work environment in which all employees are treated with fairness respect and dignity and which is free of discrimination victimisation bullying and harassment. At D&AD we are interested in every individual bringing their Whole Self to work and this includes you! Please email to let us know if you need any reasonable adjustments to be made for any part of the recruitment process.

In order to comply with the Prevention of Illegal Working Immigration Asylum and Nationality Act you will need to provide appropriate documentation that proves that you are eligible to work in the UK.

Due to the number of applications we receive we regret that you will not be contacted unless you are shortlisted for an interview. If you have not heard from us within three weeks of the closing date of your application you should assume that you have not been successful on this occasion.

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