Head of Arts, Scotland Based Edinburgh

Salary: £31,500 to £34,649 per annum

This post attracts a generous benefits package, including 32 days’ leave, Civil Service pension arrangements, and benefits from a range of family-friendly policies

The British Council creates international opportunities for the people of the UK and other countries and builds trust between them worldwide. Our work on behalf of the arts and creative industries in the UK encourages audiences and participants worldwide to reflect, enjoy, learn and improve their understanding of the UK.

British Council Scotland builds international relations for Scotland, a nation within the UK state that asserts its identity globally. That means the Council promotes long-term, mutually beneficial relationships between the peoples of Scotland and other countries, mindful of the international priorities of the Scottish Government. The Council’s operation in Scotland is focused in two main areas: the arts and education. Given the global significance of the Edinburgh International Festivals, the Scottish national collections in galleries, museums and libraries and the current flourishing of literature and music in Scotland, the arts are of first importance.

This role is to take the strategic lead in building and developing relationships and ideas with the arts sector that are consistent with Scotland’s growing cultural importance on the international stage and with the Council’s cultural relations missions. We need a clear point of contact for our external stakeholders and partners in Scotland and one whom they will respect and acknowledge as an expert in internationalisation of the arts for and in Scotland. Relationships and partnerships will be developed from there.

The post reports to Director BC Scotland and works closely with the London-based Director Arts and heads of different art forms. The post holder will also work with Regional and Country Directors overseas and with their regional arts leads, setting country-specific approaches in the arts that are in line with the common objectives of British Council Scotland, of the global Arts Group, and of the Scottish Government and Scottish arts organisations. The global Arts Group works to develop international opportunities in four specific priority areas:
• Bringing inspirational new UK work to new global audiences
• Showcasing the UK at events of international importance
• Developing skills and leadership in the creative sector
• Harnessing the power of arts in achieving international development goals

This is an exciting time for British Council Scotland, increasing our profile in the arts and education, and our relevance to Scotland. We are now looking to build our team by adding an energetic, enthusiastic, and knowledgeable arts specialist.

You will have: a relevant undergraduate degree, or equivalent professional experience; experience of building partnerships, generating income and designing and implementing projects together with partners; significant recent professional experience in the arts sector in Scotland and a well developed network among Scottish arts professionals; a comprehensive understanding and appreciation of current trends and practice in Scotland; and an understanding of the opportunities for cultural relations through the arts, within an international context. It is desirable that you have experience of working in dispersed teams and/or international teams.

Download an application pack:
• Role Profile
• Candidate Information
• Application Form
• British Council Behaviours

Closing date for completed applications is: Thursday 26 January 2012 at 0900 hours.

Please send completed applications quoting the job title to UK-Resourcing@britishcouncil.org

If you have any problems downloading the application pack please contact UK-Resourcing@britishcouncil.org

Candidates must have the right to work in the UK at time of applying

The British Council is committed to a policy of equal opportunity and is keen to reflect the diversity of UK society at every level within the organisation. We welcome applications from all sections of the community. Applications from disabled candidates are particularly welcome, as this group is under-represented at this level in the organisation. We guarantee an interview to disabled candidates who meet the essential criteria. The United Kingdom’s international organisation for cultural relations and educational opportunities. A registered charity: 209131 (England and Wales) SC037733 (Scotland).