Amelia Vernede

Programme and Operations Manager with over 10 years' experience delivering complex projects, events and organisational initiatives across cultural, charitable and commercial sectors. Skilled in programme coordination, stakeholder engagement, governance, budgeting and operational improvement, I specialise in turning ambitious ideas into practical outcomes. My experience spans fundraising campaigns, board governance, community-focused arts programmes, strategic operations and cross-functional project delivery.

I am particularly motivated by roles that combine strong operational management with meaningful social impact.

Head of Production at Father Limited (2003-09 – Present)

Father are industry leading music and sound design studio with an emphasis on design and sonic strategy for clients across the globe. As Head of Production, I've shaped our company mission and approach, translating strategic objectives into executable delivery plans, designing and implementing risk-mitigation systems.

• Managed a portfolio of 20+ concurrent projects, overseeing budgets, timelines, risks, stakeholder communications and resource allocation.
• Developed operational frameworks and reporting systems to improve project delivery and organisational effectiveness.
• Facilitated collaboration between clients, creative teams, technical specialists and external suppliers.
• Produced project documentation, contracts, progress reporting and governance processes.
• Led project evaluation and lessons-learned reviews to support continuous improvement.

Senior Project Manager at Father Limited (2022-09 – 2023-09)

PA to the Chief Development Officer & Director of Development and Development Office Manager at Royal National Theater (NT) (2021-03 – 2022-09)

• Project-managed four governance boards, overseeing reporting, agenda-setting, and stakeholder communications.
• Worked with a range of partners, funders, organisations (corporate, individual and trusts & foundations) and communities to create and deliver the National Theatre's development programmes and events.
• Played a central role in closing the £40.3m NT Together fundraising campaign.
• Led operational delivery of the Up Next Gala fundraising event (300+ guests), coordinating committee decision-making and logistics.
• Delivered crisis management and senior stakeholder support in a high-pressure environment.
• Managed major fundraising and engagement events involving senior stakeholders and donors.
• Supported organisational change initiatives and policy development.

Chair of the Board at Foan and Fortune (2021 – Present)

Foan and Fortune and a female-owned charitable organization who use their otherworldly puppetry skills to who work with communities to advance the lives of children and those with disabilities (Little Mess!, this is me).

• Provided strategic leadership for a charitable arts organisation working with children and disabled communities.
• Oversaw funding applications, governance processes and programme development.
• Developed inclusive policies and operational procedures to improve accessibility and organisational sustainability.
• Supported volunteer engagement and community partnerships.

Operations & systems consultant at Freelance (2024 – Present)

Supported start-ups and mission-driven organisations in building operational infrastructure.

• Advise start-ups, creative organisations and consultancies on operational design, programme governance and scalable systems.
• Build programme management frameworks, financial reporting tools, HR processes, CRM systems and compliance structures.
• Established full operational framework for Aegis Art Consultancy (new business launch).

Founder and Producer / Programme Director at Crunchy Leaf Productions LTD (2015 – 2025)

Founded and scaled an independent production company delivering theatre, film and live events.

• Managed end-to-end production lifecycle with a value-driven approach: scoping, commissioning, resource management, timeline tracking, stakeholder engagement, sustainable practices, quality assurance.
• Held full P&L responsibility, including fundraising, budgeting, and financial reporting.
• Secured Arts Council England funding and delivered profitable UK tours.
• Built mentorship pathways for underrepresented creatives, supporting successful funding bids and career progression.
• Delivered productions safely during the pandemic, maintaining full regulatory compliance.
• Worked with partners and communities.

Executive Assistant to Sonia Friedman at Sonia Friedman Productions LTD (2019-03 – 2021-03)

SFP ltd is an international production company responsible for some of the most successful theatre productions globally (Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, Book of Mormon, Mean Girls, The Inheritance, Dreamgirls, Jerusalem). As Sonia Friedman's Executive Assistant, I provided crucial daily assistance and professional support. This aided the effective running of the company, the productions and Sonia Friedman's own time.

• Liaising awards applications and reviews.
• Provided senior operational and programme support across international theatre productions.
• Coordinated large-scale production logistics, marketing workflows and cross-functional delivery.
• Supported global stakeholder engagement with creatives, investors and cultural institutions.

BA (Hons) in Theatre & Performance – University of Cape Town

PRINCE 2 - Foundation (Complete) Pratitioner (In-progress)