At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic development and engage with Bradford's creative community to support local talent.
- Company: Bradford Producing Hub, a key player in the creative sector.
- Benefits: Freelance role with competitive pay and hybrid working options.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team focused on building relationships and supporting artists.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on Bradford's creative landscape while working flexibly.
- Qualifications: Experience in organisational leadership, strategic development, and fundraising.
The predicted salary is between 37350 - 45650 £ per year.
A freelance, 7-month fixed term position (October 2026 – April 2027), 8 days per month, £350 per 8 hour day. Bradford, with hybrid working. Closing date: Wednesday 16 September 2026, 12 noon.
Bradford Producing Hub (BPH) is entering an important new phase and we're looking for a freelance Strategic Development Lead. Working closely with our Trustees, you'll lead a focused period of strategic review, sector mapping and stakeholder engagement to build a clear picture of where support for Bradford's creative talent is most needed, and set out realistic, ambitious options for the future. You'll combine strategic thinking with practical delivery, and you'll have led organisations or development work through change before. You know Bradford's creative community, you're as comfortable with funders and budgets as with artists and communities, and you understand that strong cultural organisations are built on relationships, trust and listening as much as on programmes and funding.
Full details and the recruitment pack are on our website. Interviews will be held in Bradford on Wednesday 23 September.
Job Requirements
- Knowledge of Bradford's artistic community, and a clear understanding of Bradford Producing Hub
- Experience of organisational leadership or strategic development
- Experience of managing organisational change
- Experience of research, mapping, consultation, evaluation or evidence-based planning
- Successful experience of fundraising, budget planning and developing funding applications
- Experience of developing partnerships across different sectors
- Strong financial planning and budgeting skills
- Excellent written and verbal communication, including the ability to produce clear reports, recommendations and stakeholder updates
- The ability to work independently while supporting and reporting to a Board
- An understanding of the opportunities and challenges facing artists and cultural organisations
Though not essential, it would also help if you had existing relationships across West Yorkshire's creative sector, experience of community-led or artist-led practice.
Job Responsibilities
We're looking for a practical strategic thinker with experience leading organisations, projects, or development work through change before, and comfortable holding both the big picture and the practical detail. You know Bradford and understand its creative community, its challenges and its ambitions. You'll bring existing relationships, or the confidence to build them quickly, and you'll come with enthusiasm to represent BPH thoughtfully across the city and wider sector. You're comfortable with both funders and budgets as well as with artists and creative communities. You can write a compelling funding application, manage an expenditure plan, and turn evidence into clear recommendations, while keeping sight of the people all of this is ultimately for. Above all, you understand that strong cultural organisations are built on relationships, trust and listening as much as on programmes and funding.
Bradford Producing Hub employer: Arts Council England
Arts Council England is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a vibrant work culture that prioritises inclusivity and creativity. With flexible and hybrid working arrangements based in Manchester, employees are empowered to manage diverse projects while receiving ample opportunities for professional growth and development within the arts education sector. Join us in making a meaningful impact on the lives of children and young people through the arts.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Bradford Producing Hub
✨Connect with Local NGOs
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Create a compelling portfolio that highlights your past social impact projects. This should include client testimonials and case studies—real stories that show how you've made a difference. Use platforms like Behance or a personal website to host your work.
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We think you need these skills to ace Bradford Producing Hub
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Impact:When applying for a freelance role in social impact projects, let your enthusiasm shine through! In your application, share personal anecdotes or experiences that demonstrate your commitment to social causes. This helps us see why you're a perfect fit for making a difference with Arts Council England.
Craft a Tailored Portfolio:For our freelance positions, it’s really important to include a portfolio that showcases your previous work in the nonprofit sector or social impact initiatives. Highlight projects that align closely with the kind of work Arts Council England does, and don’t forget to include metrics or outcomes to illustrate your impact!
Outline Your Availability and Rates Clearly:Transparency is key in freelance applications! Make sure to include your availability and any rate expectations in your application. This gives us a clear understanding of how you can fit into our projects and helps to set the stage for a smooth collaboration.
Connect the Dots in Your CV:When it comes to your CV, focus on relevant experiences that highlight your skills in project management, grant writing, or community engagement. Tailor your CV to reflect the specific requirements of the freelance role at Arts Council England to help us understand how you can directly contribute to our mission.
How to prepare for a job interview at Arts Council England
✨Showcase Your Impact
As we're diving into the world of nonprofits and social impact projects, it’s vital to highlight your previous work that made a difference. Bring along case studies or examples from your freelance projects that emphasise your ability to create positive change and measure outcomes. Let’s show Arts Council England how you’ve delivered real results!
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Remember, freelancing means you’re not just someone they hire; you’re a partner in their mission. Be prepared to sell your unique skillset and how it fits their needs. Tailor your pitch based on the social causes they're involved in to show that you understand and resonate with their goals.
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In the nonprofit sector, familiarity with project management and collaboration tools can set you apart. Whether it’s Trello, Asana, or Google Workspace, have examples ready of how you’ve used these tools in past projects to streamline your work. This will illustrate your organisational skills and readiness to be an effective team member from day one.
