Overview
As Head of Education and Communities, you will lead YSP’s learning, engagement and interdisciplinary research agenda, shaping a new strategy for participation across art, landscape, ecology and heritage. You will mentor the Learning Team and collaborate with partners to deliver innovative programmes for diverse audiences. You will also drive the National Arts Education Archive’s integration into YSP’s public and research identity. This is a chance to influence education and public culture at a nationally recognized sculpture park.
Responsibilities
- Develop and lead a new Creative Communities and Research Strategy
- Position YSP as a center for interdisciplinary public practice across art, landscape, ecology, heritage and participation
- Lead, support and manage the Learning Team and freelance/artist educator networks
- Develop participatory programmes for schools, universities, families and communities connected to exhibitions, collections, landscapes and archives
- Contribute to strategic leadership of the National Arts Education Archive
- Develop the archive as a living resource informing participation, artistic programme and public engagement
- Represent YSP and build strategic partnerships regionally, nationally and internationally
- Oversee planning, scheduling and delivery of departmental programmes and events, and manage budgets, reporting and evaluation mechanisms
Key requirements
- A first degree and/or post-graduate qualification in a relevant subject area OR relevant transferable experience
- Significant senior/management experience in cultural, arts, education, heritage or environmental sectors
- Proven experience of leading and developing teams with clarity, empathy and ambition
- Experience of developing organisational or departmental strategy
- Experience of developing innovative participation/public programmes for diverse audiences
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to convey strategy to stakeholders and staff at all levels
- Strong understanding of interdisciplinary practice across art, landscape, ecology, heritage and public culture
- Experience of collaborating with artists, educators, researchers and communities
- strong communication
- empathy and team-building
- ambition and collaborative mindset
- strategic planning
- budgeting and financial monitoring
- reporting and impact evaluation
Head of Education and Communities in York employer: Arts Council England
Arts Council England is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that values flexibility and employee well-being. With a focus on professional growth, employees benefit from generous annual leave, a final salary pension scheme, and opportunities to lead innovative digital projects in a collaborative environment. Located in Manchester, the role allows for hybrid working, ensuring a balanced approach to work and life while contributing to meaningful organisational change.
