Deputy Director, Liverpool Biennial

Contract: Full-time, Permanent

Deadline: Sunday 3rd May 2026, 11.59pm

Reports to: Director

Responsible for: Head of Finance, Operations and Administration Assistant, HR Support Manager, HR Consultant, Front of House Manager. Dependent on experience the role may also include management and oversight of Development and Fundraising and/or Marketing and Communications.

The Deputy Director role provides strategic and operational oversight across the whole organisation including finance, IT, HR and governance. We are also looking for experience or expertise in at least one of the following areas: development and fundraising, commercial partnerships within an arts organisation context, or marketing and communications. The Deputy Director will work both internally with the team and Board and also act as a key representative of the Biennial with local, national and international funders and stakeholders, so we are looking for a confident and personable advocate.

Leadership and Strategy

• With the Director, Senior Management Team, Chair and Board work to offer leadership, direction and innovation to the organisation, aligning with our aspiration to become 'A Biennial for Everyone'.
• Contribute to the development and delivery of the Biennial's vision, values, organisational strategy and business plan which reflects the ambition and potential of the organisation while ensuring financial and organisational sustainability through clear accountability and delivery.
• Provide leadership across teams, fostering a culture of collaboration, equity, transparency, inclusion and excellence.
• Act as Deputy to the Director, deputising as required internally and externally.

Governance

• Lead on governance frameworks and ensure best practice in charity governance.
• Work closely with the Chair and Board of Trustees to ensure effective oversight, reporting, and compliance with statutory duties.
• Co-ordinate, review and oversee all Board communications including Board Papers and meetings, sub-committees, away-days and training.
• Support Board recruitment, induction, training, and development.
• Ensure compliance with Charity Commission and Companies House requirements.

Finance & Resource Management

• Oversee financial strategy, planning, and sustainability.
• Lead the annual budgeting process and long-term financial forecasting.
• Monitor financial performance, cashflow, and risk management.
• Ensure robust financial controls and reporting in line with audit and regulatory standards.
• Support fundraising strategy in collaboration with the Director and Development team.

Arts Council England & Funder Relations

• Lead on compliance and oversight of reporting with National Portfolio Organisation requirements from Arts Council England and Liverpool City Council.
• Ensure timely submission of funding agreements, reporting, monitoring data, and investment principles alignment.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with our ACE Relationship Manager and other funders.
• Contribute to funding applications and strategic investment cases.
• Lead on monitoring and evaluation across the organisation.

Operations & Risk Management

• Oversee operational delivery across festival and year-round programmes.
• Ensure effective policies, procedures, and systems are in place and regularly reviewed.
• Lead organisational risk management processes and maintain the risk register.
• Ensure health & safety, safeguarding, and insurance compliance are up to date and best practice.
• Oversee IT infrastructure and data management systems.
• Ensure the company meets its sustainability objectives and implements best practice.

Compliance & GPDR

• Ensure full compliance with relevant legislation including charity law, employment law, and data protection regulations.
• Act as Data Protection Lead, ensuring best practice in line with UK GDPR and Data Protection Act requirements.
• Oversee policy development and organisational training to maintain compliance.

Human Resources & Culture

• Lead on HR strategy, policies, and best practice.
• Oversee recruitment, performance management, professional development, and staff wellbeing.
• Champion equity, diversity, and inclusion across all organisational activity.
• Support senior managers in team leadership and workforce planning.

Stakeholder & Partnership Engagement

• Represent the Biennial with civic leaders, cultural partners, artists, funders, and stakeholders locally, nationally, and internationally.
• Develop and maintain strategic partnerships that strengthen the organisation's impact and profile.
• Act as an ambassador for the Biennial within the cultural sector.

FAQs

• Can Liverpool Biennial sponsor Visas? No, unfortunately we can only consider candidates with the right to work in the UK as sponsorship is not possible.
• Can I travel in for this role or do I need to be based in Liverpool? Given the hands-on nature of the role we would expect the successful candidates to either be based in the North West or willing to relocate. From January 2027 all team members are expected to be available to work in Liverpool every day.

To find out more about this role and how to apply, download the job pack below.