Chief Executive Officer

Creative Scotland; Scotland; On-site; GBP 45,000; Full time

Job summary

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a dynamic Chief Executive Officer to lead a celebrated cultural organisation in Scotland. This role offers the chance to shape the future of Wigtown Festival Company, a key player in the literary and cultural landscape. With a mission to foster a love of reading and support creative opportunities, the new CEO will drive strategic vision and operational excellence while advocating for the organisation across the cultural sector. If you are passionate about the transformative power of literature and culture, this position is your chance to make a lasting impact.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in leadership roles within the cultural sector.
• Strong understanding of financial sustainability and operational excellence.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and strategic direction for the organisation.
• Represent the organisation at high-level cultural events and advocate for its mission.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic Vision

Public Representation

Stakeholder Engagement

Cultural Sector Knowledge

Education

Degree in Arts or Cultural Management

Job description

Wigtown Festival Company is seeking a creative leader to guide one of Scotland’s most valued cultural organisations into its next chapter.

Our new Chief Executive Officer will champion our mission, strengthen our impact and build on our hard-earned reputation.

Wigtown is Scotland’s National Book Town and the annual Wigtown Book Festival is now one of the UK’s best-established literary gatherings, featuring more than 200 sessions each year for all ages, encompassing visual arts, music, theatre and food as well as literary events.

The festival draws writers and members of its audience from far and wide, while continuing to celebrate the rich history and culture of south-west Scotland. Wigtown Festival Company was established as a charity in 2007 to deliver the annual festival, and since then both the festival and its year-round engagement and educational activity has grown significantly: developing new audiences, helping writers fulfil their potential, cultivating a love of reading for pleasure in children, and providing creative opportunities for young people.

This is an exciting time for Wigtown Festival Company. Having secured Multi-Year Funding from Creative Scotland and recently acquiring a permanent home in Wigtown, the new position of Chief Executive Officer provides an opportunity for the right individual to make a significant positive impact on the creative direction of the organisation and contribute to the wider ongoing regeneration of Scotland’s National Book Town.

If you are passionate about books and their power to change lives, and are interested in shaping culture-led regeneration of Scotland’s National Book Town, then we would love to hear from you.

The Role
As CEO, you will provide strong, visible leadership, ensuring Wigtown Festival Company remains a sustainable, creative organisation that meets the evolving needs of Scotland’s cultural sector. Reporting to the Board, you will drive the creative and strategic vision of the organisation, leading a staff team to deliver operational excellence, financial sustainability, and sustainable growth.

You will be the public face of the organisation, representing the organisation at the highest levels, advocating for our activities and fostering relationships with key funders and stakeholders across the cultural sector.

Salary: £45k (1.0FTE - 35 hours/week)

Visit our website and download the recruitment pack for more information.

The deadline is Monday 26 May 2025 at 12:00.

TAGGED:
Festivals / Literature and Publishing / Cultural Tourism