Head of Marketing and Programming

EXPLORE YORK LIBRARIES AND ARCHIVES MUTU; York and North Yorkshire; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading public service mutual in York seeks a visionary Head of Marketing and Programming. This strategic role will enhance engagement and promote the brand across library and cultural venues, leading multi-channel marketing strategies and managing a small team. Ideal candidates will have substantial experience in the cultural sector, strong leadership skills, and a commitment to equity and inclusion. Applications close by 5pm on August 14, 2025.

Qualifications

• At least five years of experience in a public-facing cultural or community setting.
• Proven success in audience growth and marketing strategies.
• Experience managing budgets and income opportunities.

Responsibilities

• Lead marketing strategies across web, social media, e-communications, and PR.
• Drive city-wide events programme and oversee Arts Council commitments.
• Encourage innovation and professional growth within the team.

Skills

Leadership

Digital Marketing

Stakeholder Engagement

Communication

Budget Management

Education

Marketing Qualification

Tools

WordPress

Mailchimp

Job description

Explore is a different kind of public service — a mutual owned by our staff and community members. We are dedicated to enriching lives in York through our trusted spaces, offering library, archive, learning, and creative activities that nurture a lively, inclusive community. We provide opportunities to read, meet, learn, imagine, create, and belong.

Explore manages York’s statutory public libraries and archives under contract with the City of York Council, operating 15 libraries—including York Explore, our flagship library and home of the City Archive—seven Reading Cafes, a mobile library, and a home library service. We are also a National Portfolio Organisation supported by Arts Council England and funded by the National Lottery. With a team of 100 mostly local employees, last year we welcomed nearly 900,000 visitors, hosted almost 4,000 events attended by over 57,000 people, registered over 10,000 new library members, loaned thousands of books, and benefited from over 25,000 volunteer hours.

We are seeking a visionary and strategic Head of Marketing and Programming to lead our marketing, communications, and events programming across our network of libraries and cultural venues.

Reporting to the Chief Executive, this unique leadership role offers the chance to shape how Explore presents itself to the city—enhancing our reach, deepening engagement, and growing audiences for our diverse cultural and community offer. You will be instrumental in promoting Explore’s brand and voice, delivering ambitious goals, and strengthening our presence locally and beyond.

You will lead multi-channel marketing strategies including web, social media, e-communications, print, and PR to engage users, partners, donors, and supporters. Your leadership will drive a cohesive city-wide events programme, oversee our Arts Council England NPO commitments, develop audience and digital marketing strategies, and ensure consistent branding across all platforms.

Managing a small team, you will encourage innovation and professional growth while collaborating with senior leaders on membership growth and strategic reporting.

What we’re looking for:

• A senior marketing professional with at least five years’ experience in a public-facing cultural or community setting
• Proven success in delivering audience growth and marketing strategies across multiple channels
• Strong leadership skills to inspire and manage teams effectively
• Expertise in digital marketing including SEO, SEM, social media, and e-CRM
• Experience managing budgets and driving income opportunities
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills
• Commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion
• Proficiency in tools like WordPress, Mailchimp, and knowledge of GDPR
• Experience with Arts Council England funding and a marketing qualification are desirable

Closing date for applications: By 5pm on Thursday 14^th August 2025.

Interview Date: Thursday 4^th September.