Director & CEO

The Hepworth Wakefield; Wrenthorpe; On-site; GBP 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent public art gallery in Wrenthorpe is seeking an experienced Director & CEO to set the strategic vision and drive financial sustainability. The role involves leading a dynamic team, engaging with the community, and cultivating key relationships. Ideal candidates should have senior leadership experience in arts organizations and a strong curatorial expertise. This role offers an opportunity to champion artistic excellence and community engagement.

Qualifications

• Track record in strategic planning, fundraising and stakeholder engagement.
• Commitment to inclusivity and community engagement.
• Strong focus on professional development.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement the gallery's vision.
• Lead the Executive Team and foster inclusive culture.
• Cultivate relationships with funders and partners.
• Drive ambitious fundraising strategies.
• Support exhibitions programme and acquisitions strategy.
• Oversee financial planning and performance.
• Champion learning and engagement programmes.
• Guide brand development and digital strategy.
• Lead commercial strategy for income generation.

Skills

Senior leadership experience in a cultural or arts organisation

Strong curatorial expertise in modern and contemporary art

Excellent communication, advocacy and networking skills

Proven ability to inspire, motivate and lead diverse teams

Entrepreneurial vision to diversify and grow income streams

Job description

Overview

The Hepworth Wakefield is seeking an experienced, inspirational and entrepreneurial leader to guide the gallery into its next chapter. Reporting to the Chair of the Trust Board, the Director & CEO will set the strategic vision, drive financial sustainability, and champion artistic excellence, community engagement and commercial growth.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership - develop and implement the gallery's vision, ensuring sustainability, innovation and compliance, while maximising the potential of its collection and site.
• Team Leadership - lead and inspire the Executive Team and wider staff, fostering a dynamic, inclusive and collaborative working culture with a strong focus on professional development.
• Stakeholder Management & Advocacy - build and nurture relationships with funders, partners and cultural leaders at local, national and international levels, acting as a compelling advocate for the gallery.
• Fundraising - drive ambitious fundraising strategies, cultivating relationships with trusts, foundations, donors and corporate partners to secure long-term support.
• Collection & Exhibitions - support the exhibitions programme and acquisitions strategy, promoting Barbara Hepworth's legacy and strengthening the gallery's reputation for artistic excellence.
• Financial Management - oversee robust financial planning and performance, working closely with the Board and Director of Finance & Operations to align budgets with strategic goals.
• Community Engagement - ensure the gallery remains rooted in its locality, championing learning and engagement programmes that broaden participation and strengthen community impact.
• Communications, Marketing & Digital - guide brand development, digital strategy and audience growth, expanding the gallery's reach and supporting data-driven decision-making.
• Commercial Development - lead the commercial strategy, ensuring innovation and entrepreneurial approaches generate income while staying true to the gallery's cultural mission.

Qualifications

• Senior leadership experience in a cultural or arts organisation
• Strong curatorial expertise in modern and contemporary art
• Track record in strategic planning, fundraising and stakeholder engagement
• Excellent communication, advocacy and networking skills
• Proven ability to inspire, motivate and lead diverse teams
• Entrepreneurial vision to diversify and grow income streams
• Commitment to inclusivity, community engagement and the public value of the arts

We are committed to improving diversity within our organisation, and welcome applications from candidates who are under-represented within the arts sector.

The Hepworth Wakefield has welcomed over 3 million visitors since opening in May 2011 and is now established as one of the most successful public art galleries in the UK, attracting critical acclaim and audiences from around the world. We present an ambitious programme of major exhibitions of the best international modern and contemporary art, alongside innovative displays drawn from Wakefield's growing art collection.