Head of Engagement and Communities / Head of Music / Head of Theatre, Performing Arts and Touring

Guardian Jobs; Colwyn Bay; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

An arts development organization in Wales is looking for exceptional leaders to shape the future of creativity across communities. The ideal candidates should possess artform expertise and strong strategic vision to drive development and collaboration. Responsibilities include building partnerships and fostering an inclusive arts environment. This is a pivotal role for those passionate about making the arts accessible to all Welsh citizens, with applications closing on 12th January.

Qualifications

• Proven experience leading or influencing within their specialist area.
• Record of developing partnerships and delivering impact at a regional level.
• Confidence to engage with artists, local authorities, and funders.

Responsibilities

• Shape how the arts in Wales evolve over the next decade.
• Nurture talent and ensure creativity continues to enrich lives.
• Drive strategy and champion collaboration across teams.

Skills

Artform expertise

Strategic vision

Collaborative leadership

Proactive self-starter

Communication skills

Job description

Shape the future of the arts in Wales; lead, inspire and champion creativity across communities and diverse art forms.

The Arts Council of Wales leads the strategic development of the arts across the nation. As an arms-length public body funded by the Welsh Government and the National Lottery, we set direction, allocate investment and advocate for the arts as an essential part of national life.

Our ambition is to build a sustainable, inclusive and confident creative sector that reflects the richness of modern Wales and contributes to its future prosperity.

In response to feedback from the arts community and our staff, we have recently gone through an extensive restructuring and change process to ensure our organisation can better support the sector and continue to evolve in line with the sector’s changing needs.

About The Roles

These roles arrive at a defining moment for the Arts Council of Wales. As we reshape how we work with the sector and with communities across the nation, we're looking for exceptional leaders who combine artform expertise, strategic vision and a collaborative spirit.

Who We Are Looking For

These are three new and pivotal senior roles requiring visionary and collaborative specialists ready to drive strategy, champion collaboration, and ensure that creativity continues to flourish in every part of Wales.

You’ll Be

• An expert and advocate - recognised and respected within your field, with the credibility to speak on behalf of the Arts Council and to influence national conversation.
• A strategic thinker - able to see the bigger picture, shape long-term plans, and guide your artform or area with clarity and purpose.
• A collaborative leader - ready to build new connections across teams, organisations, and communities, breaking down silos and inspiring shared ambition.
• A proactive self-starter - comfortable working in a fast-evolving organisation, leading new teams, and helping shape how we deliver our work for the future.
• An inclusive and values-led manager - committed to equality, diversity, and bilingualism, and motivated by making the arts accessible to all.

We’re particularly keen to hear from individuals who can demonstrate:

• Proven experience leading or influencing within their specialist area.
• A record of developing partnerships and delivering impact at a regional or national level.
• The confidence and communication skills to engage credibly with artists, local authorities, funders and the Welsh Government.
• A deep respect for Wales's bilingual and multicultural identity, and a willingness to embrace and use the Welsh language.

These roles are more than management posts - they are opportunities to shape how the arts in Wales evolve over the next decade. You'll help set direction, nurture talent, and ensure that creativity continues to enrich lives across the nation.

Please click 'Apply on website' to be redirected to the Peridot Partners website, where you can find full details of the job description and register your interest to apply.

Applications for this role close at 9 a.m. Monday 12th January.