Head of Culture and Arts

Queen’s University Belfast is committed to the economic, social and cultural life of our University and local communities. Operating internationally renowned cinema and gallery spaces, investing in future developments, building and supporting community partnerships and creating exceptional cultural experiences.

Reporting to the Director of Civic Engagement and Social Responsibility, the Head of Culture and Arts will be responsible and lead the strategic planning of the department, providing strong cultural and strategic leadership for the teams and ensuring that Culture and Arts remains at the heart of Queen’s University Belfast.

Key Responsibilities include:

• Provide cultural and strategic leadership for the Culture and Arts teams of Queen’s Film Theatre, Naughton Gallery and Film Hub NI. Provide a Culture Arts Strategy for the University, ensuring relevance to Strategy 2030 and the requirements of external partners as well as clear synergies with other strategic interventions, including, but not limited to Visitor Centre.
• Member of the CESR leadership team contributing to the Directorate’s strategic delivery. Provide regular progress reports to senior leadership, identifying opportunities and emerging issues and suggesting solutions/ remedial action as required.

• Apply broad knowledge and experience to lead and oversee University festival engagement and coordinate activity communications.
• Lead commissioning and acquisitions processes for film and artwork required by The University, including public art and partnership commissions.
• Ensure all strategic funding agreements are delivered in line with stakeholder requirements. Seek and secure continued funding to support ongoing and new culture and arts activities.
• Oversee conservation and acquisitions related to the University’s Art Collection.

Essential Criteria for the role includes:

• A primary degree or equivalent qualification in a relevant subject (e.g. Film Studies), OR substantial relevant experience in similar post(s) including extensive strategic relevant management and leadership experience.
• Proven track record (significant and recent experience) in a senior level cultural management role in a large and complex organisation.
• Large and complex organisation is defined is defined as one that has:
• Annual Turnover greater than £25.9 million
• Average number of employees of more than 250.
• Significant leadership experience, managing a cinema or cultural venue.
• Experience of planning and implementation of strategic innovation or change.
• Experience of financial management including budget understanding and management.
• Experience of building and managing strategic relationships with key cultural organisations.
• Proven record of successfully delivering against commercial income targets.

To be successful at shortlisting stage, please ensure you clearly evidence in your application how you meet the essential and, where applicable, desirable criteria listed in the Candidate Information.

What we offer:

Beyond a competitive salary, the University offers an attractive benefits package including a holiday entitlement of up to 8.4 weeks a year, pension schemes and development opportunities.

We support staff wellbeing with flexible working options, work-life balance initiatives and support for physical and mental health. You can find more detail on all of this and more on our website.

For further information on our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, please visit our website.

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