The role

 

Head of Culture & Arts and Creative Director for Telford Theatre

£78,236 - £81,837

About the role

 

The Head of Service – Artistic Director will lead the strategic development and delivery of Cultural Strategy and Services across the borough, inspiring the development of a diverse artistic programme of cultural activities and events at Telford Theatre and across the wider borough.

Reports to: Director: Housing, Commercial & Customer Service

Responsible for: The strategic development and delivery of Cultural Services across the borough, inspiring the development of a diverse artistic programme of cultural activities, performance and events at Telford Theatre and across the wider borough , driving forward the emerging Culture Partnership and Strategy, maximising external investment and supporting place making along with managing service delivery teams, Group Managers and Team Leaders.

Job description

 

The post holder will:

  • Develop and deliver an exciting, accessible, and ambitious programme for Telford Theatre that strengthens Telford’s cultural identity and reputation locally, regionally and nationally.
  • Balance the need to champion inclusivity and diversity in the programming of the theatre with the need to ensure commercial sustainability, high levels of occupancy and audience demand.
  • Work with a range of external agencies including the Arts Council, the Big Lottery, National Portfolio Organisations to influence decision making and successfully broker ongoing relationships and investment opportunities.
  • Work closely with the other Heads of Service, to create and promote new opportunities for Culture to contribute to Council priorities and community ambitions.
  • Develop and maintain relationships with a range of stakeholders from across the public, private and voluntary sectors, to help shape, challenge and contribute to the development of the service and new markets.
  • Develop and maintain a Cultural Partnership or Compact to work with the Council to support and champion cultural development, promote the Borough’s reputation at a regional and national level and deliver new investment opportunities.
  • Strategically lead the management of Cultural Services and the development of a diverse cultural offer, stimulating increased participation and engagement including from currently under-represented groups and communities.
  • Inspire and empower residents to participate in cultural activities to help promote community cohesion and personal wellbeing.
  • Develop, lead and oversee a vibrant and sustainable annual public events and festivals programme ensuring engagement with key stakeholders.
  • Drive the strategic and operational management of Telford Theatre, managing and reporting performance against a range of performance indicators.
  • Be the lead cultural representative for the Council acting as the arts and cultural link and specialist advisor for the authority in relation to national cultural bodies and regional agencies
  • Be the primary professional lead for Culture, providing credible, timely and authoritative advice on Arts, Events and Cultural matters to the Senior Management Team and Cabinet Members as required.
  • Contribute to and champion the Councils vision and priorities and strategies both internally and externally.
  • Analyse overall service performance and identify improvements/best practice to ensure the delivery of effective services, minimising waste.
  • Understand and manage budgets to ensure effective use of public resources.
  • Prioritise and allocate resources within and across teams to meet service delivery objectives.
  • Meet customer / service user needs and expectations.
  • Manage and develop teams and performance.
  • Represent and promote the Council at a local, regional and national level.
  • Negotiate with external partners and other organisations, concerning complex Service area issues.
  • Attend evening and weekend events, performances and meetings in line with the responsibility for cultural activity and Telford Theatre.
  • Attend Council and Service Management meetings and forums deputising for the Director as required.

For more information about the role and the person specification and principal terms and conditions please view the application pack.

Closing date

 

5pm Friday 9 October 2026.