The British Council is the UK’s international organisation for cultural relations and educational opportunities. Working in more than 100 countries, it uses arts and culture, education and the English language to build connections, understanding and trust between people in the UK and overseas. Arts and culture is one of the three areas of work set out in its Royal Charter, connecting the UK’s creative sectors with counterparts around the world, supporting cultural exchange and bringing international attention to creative work from across the UK. This work is delivered through Cultural Engagement, which brings together the British Council’s global activity in arts and culture, education, and research and insight, combining specialist expertise with the knowledge and relationships of geographic and country teams across its international network.

The Director Arts will lead the British Council’s global arts team, setting strategic direction and overseeing the delivery of programmes, partnerships, contracts and services to maximise impact, influence, income and positive cultural relations outcomes. Working as a member of the Cultural Engagement Executive Team, the Director will align dispersed specialist teams, strengthen organisational capability and performance, develop strategic relationships with government, arts stakeholders, partners, clients and funders, and support the financial sustainability of the arts portfolio. Candidates will bring significant experience of setting and delivering arts and culture strategy in the UK and internationally, established credibility in the sector, and a strong track record of leading large-scale programmes, change, business development, income generation and complex partnerships. They will be strategic, inclusive and values-led leaders, able to influence at the highest levels, work effectively across an international matrix, manage risk and resources soundly, and represent the British Council with authority in the UK and globally.

Saxton Bampfylde Ltd is acting as an employment agency advisor to the British Council on this appointment. For further information about the role, including details about how to apply, please visit roles.saxbam.com using reference ENCGA. Alternatively email Belinda.beck@saxbam.com. Applications should be received by noon on Friday 30 October.