Exhibition Venues & Partnerships Lead

OCEANOGRAPHIC; Greater London; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Part time

Job summary

A global arts organization is seeking an Exhibition Venues & Partnerships Lead to expand its exhibition program. The role involves researching and securing venues, building relationships with cultural institutions, and managing project delivery. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in venue partnerships and cultural event management, alongside excellent communication and project management skills. This position offers competitive salary and opportunities for international travel from a central London location.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Performance-based incentives

Opportunities for international travel

Qualifications

• Proven track record in venue partnerships or touring exhibitions.
• Strong network within museums and galleries.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.

Responsibilities

• Research and identify potential new venues and partners globally.
• Build and maintain relationships with museums and event spaces.
• Negotiate and secure agreements with venues and partners.

Skills

Venue partnerships

Cultural event management

Project management

Communication skills

Creative thinking

Job description

Job Title: Exhibition Venues & Partnerships Lead

Location

London, UK, with international travel
Reports to: Director, Ocean Photographer of the Year
Contract: FTC with scope for full time

About Ocean Photographer of the Year

Ocean Photographer of the Year (OPY) celebrates the beauty of our ocean and the photographers who capture it. Through powerful imagery and storytelling, OPY aims to inspire greater ocean awareness, connection and protection. Our annual awards and exhibitions attract global attention, showcasing the very best in ocean photography to audiences around the world. OPY currently has major exhibitions in Europe, Africa and Australia.

Role overview

We are seeking an Exhibition Venues & Partnerships Lead to spearhead the global expansion of OPY’s exhibition programme. This role will focus on researching, identifying and securing new venues to host large‑scale and touring exhibitions, both independently and in partnership with leading cultural institutions, museums, galleries and event partners.

The ideal candidate will be a proactive relationship‑builder with experience in venue partnerships, cultural programming or touring exhibitions. They will play a key role in shaping how OPY’s visual storytelling reaches and inspires audiences globally.

Key responsibilities

• Research and identify potential new venues and partners globally to host OPY exhibitions.
• Build and maintain relationships with museums, galleries, cultural institutions and commercial venues.
• Negotiate and secure agreements with venues and partners, ensuring alignment with OPY’s brand, mission and quality standards.
• Explore innovative exhibition formats (e.g. pop‑ups, outdoor installations, digital showcases) to expand audience reach.

Project management & delivery

• Oversee the end‑to‑end process of exhibition planning and delivery in collaboration with the production, curation and marketing teams.
• Manage timelines, budgets, contracts and logistics for multiple exhibitions simultaneously.
• Coordinate with internal teams and external suppliers to ensure seamless execution of installations, transportation and de‑installations.

Strategy & growth

• Develop and execute a global exhibition strategy to increase OPY’s footprint and audience engagement.
• Identify opportunities that support OPY’s long‑term sustainability.
• Monitor industry trends and emerging opportunities in the cultural and events sectors.

Key skills & experience

• Proven track record in venue partnerships, touring exhibitions or cultural event management.
• Strong network within museums, galleries and event spaces (international experience preferred).
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to build and maintain long‑term relationships.
• Project management expertise, including budget oversight and contract negotiation.
• Creative thinker with strong problem‑solving skills and attention to detail.
• Ideally, a passion for ocean conservation, photography and the arts.

What we offer

• Opportunity to shape and grow a globally recognised visual storytelling platform.
• Collaborative, purpose‑driven team environment.
• Competitive salary and performance‑based incentives.
• Beautiful central London workspace and opportunities for international travel.

Apply: To apply for this role, please send a cover letter and CV to OPY Director, Will Harrison, via the email application box.