Glasgow Life is one of Scotland’s largest charities, dedicated to transforming lives and strengthening communities through culture, physical activity and learning. Working at the heart of the city, we deliver cultural, sporting and learning programmes at scale, welcoming millions of people each year to our museums, libraries, community venues, events and facilities, both in person and online. 

We are now seeking to appoint a Director of Culture and Events, a senior leadership role central to delivering Glasgow Life’s vision to inspire every citizen and visitor to engage with a city renowned for culture, sport and events.

About the role

As Director of Culture and Events, you will be a key member of Glasgow Life’s leadership team, responsible for the strategic development and delivery of a significant portfolio spanning Museums and Collections, Arts and Music, and Events. You will also hold corporate responsibility for Marketing and Communications and for Development and Fundraising across the organisation. 

You will lead major programmes, world-class collections and flagship events including Celtic Connections, Mela and Merchant City Festival, while developing future large-scale cultural initiatives that contribute to Glasgow’s social renewal, wellbeing and visitor economy. You will balance social purpose with commercial sustainability, ensuring inclusive, accessible and value-for-money services through strong leadership, innovation and effective business planning.

The role also plays a key outward-facing function, strengthening relationships with local, national and international partners and promoting Glasgow on a global stage.

The person

We are looking for an experienced, values-led leader with a strong strategic track record in culture, events or related sectors, gained within complex public, charitable or commercial environments.

You will bring strong commercial and financial acumen, experience of leading large teams and transformational change, and the ability to operate effectively within a political and civic context. You will be an excellent communicator, comfortable working at Executive and Board level and building influential relationships across sectors.

A deep commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion is essential, alongside a clear understanding of the role culture and events play in tackling inequality, improving wellbeing and supporting economic regeneration. 

Terms of appointment

Salary: £106,495 – £120,944

30 days annual leave plus 6.5 public holidays (rising to 35 days after 5 years’ service)

Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme

Discounted Glasgow Club membership and retail discounts

Flexible working and family-friendly policies

And much more!

Please note that Glasgow Life is an Arm’s Length External Organisation to Glasgow City Council. We are currently completing a Job Evaluation exercise and introducing a new pay and grading structure. This may impact current salaries quoted in job adverts. To learn more, visit - https://www.glasgow.gov.uk/jobevaluation.

Diversity matters at Glasgow Life 

We're determined to reflect the extraordinary diversity of Glasgow in our workforce. Glasgow Life is on a journey to develop a workplace that reflects the communities we serve. Where everyone feels empowered to bring their full, authentic selves to work. We're a Disability Confident and Carer Positive employer and invite candidates from all backgrounds to apply. Read more about our commitment to equality and diversity on our website. https://www.glasgowlife.org.uk/the-small-print/an-inclusive-employer  

Saxton Bampfylde Ltd is acting as an employment agency advisor to Glasgow Life on this appointment. For further information about the role, including details of how to apply, please visit roles.saxbam.com using reference DBHQD. Alternatively email belinda.beck@saxbam.com. The closing date for applications is 23:59 on 31 May 2026.