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- Tasks: Assist in planning and delivering the British Pavilion at the Venice Biennale.
- Company: Join the British Council, a leader in arts and cultural engagement.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary and work in a vibrant cultural environment.
- Why this job: Be part of impactful arts initiatives and collaborate with creative minds.
- Qualifications: Experience in exhibition delivery and excellent project management skills required.
- Other info: This is a fixed-term contract with no remote work flexibility.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 43000 £ per year.
Join to apply for the Project Manager, Venice role at British Council
Location: London, United Kingdom (No flexibility)
Contract Type: 18-Month Fixed-Term Contract
Annual Gross Salary: £30,839 plus £3,300 London market allowance
Closing date: 6 July 2025 at 21:59 UK Time
Requirements: You must have the legal right to work in the UK at the time of application. We are unable to support with visa sponsorship and relocation.
Role Context – About The Team:
This role is within the Cultural Engagement (CE) Strategic Business Unit (SBU). CE focuses on arts, education, English, and research. The UK arts team collaborates with the arts and culture sector in the UK and globally to create impact through arts initiatives.
The British Pavilion is our flagship arts programme, showcasing contemporary art and architecture, and fostering connections through events and collaborations. The Venice programme team manages the exhibition programme, collaborations with artists and curators, and oversees contractors and suppliers. The team is a hub of expertise in exhibition delivery and plays a key role in developing a sustainable financial model for the Pavilion.
Located within the Festivals and Seasons team in the UK Arts Department, the team works collaboratively. The British Pavilion\’s art and architecture are overseen by the Directors of Visual Arts and Architecture, Design, Fashion, respectively. The Senior Project Manager will oversee the Pavilion exhibitions and strategy, reporting to the Director of Festivals and Seasons.
Role Purpose:
The Project Manager will assist the Senior Project Manager in planning, communicating, and delivering work packages for the British Pavilion at the Venice Biennale, from inception to completion, within budget and schedule. This includes managing external contractors and internal stakeholders to ensure timely decisions.
The role involves supporting all aspects of the Pavilion programme, including:
- Organising touring logistics with third-party partners
- Managing design, works lists, and budgets for exhibitions
- Maintaining project archives
- Handling transport and logistics within budget
- Managing editorial reviews and production schedules
- Coordinating requirements, procurement, and budgets for opening events
- Developing communication and project reports
- Developing tenders for exhibition delivery
Main Accountabilities:
- Implement activities to realize the British Pavilion\’s vision at the Venice Biennale.
- Deliver work packages on time, within budget, and to quality standards, managing project workstreams end-to-end.
- Manage budgets and touring agreements, liaising with third parties.
- Ensure compliance with policies and health and safety legislation.
- Control issues and changes, maintaining accurate documentation.
- Identify and mitigate risks, controlling costs and outcomes.
- Promote diversity, inclusion, and anti-racist practices.
- Prepare specifications and tenders, supervise contractors, and address delays or underperformance.
- Maintain effective communication with stakeholders across teams.
- Evaluate impact and incorporate lessons learned for continuous improvement.
Requirements of the Role:
- Experience in exhibition delivery within visual art or architecture.
- Proven procurement experience for exhibitions and event services in a UK institution.
- Experience managing multidisciplinary teams.
- Excellent English writing skills and project reporting experience.
- Track record supporting diversity and inclusion initiatives.
- Ability to travel to Venice outside core hours.
- Experience delivering projects in the cultural sector and internationally.
- Experience with tendering processes and grant management.
- Interest or knowledge in contemporary art and architecture.
Seniority level
- Mid-Senior level
Employment type
- Full-time
Job function
- Project Management, Art/Creative, Administrative
Industries
- Non-profit, Performing Arts, Events Services
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Project Manager, Venice employer: British Council
Contact Detail:
British Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Project Manager, Venice
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the British Pavilion's past exhibitions and current projects. Understanding their artistic vision and how they engage with contemporary art will help you demonstrate your passion and alignment with their goals during any discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network within the arts and cultural sector, especially with professionals who have experience in exhibition delivery. Attend relevant events or workshops to connect with potential colleagues and gain insights into the industry, which can be invaluable when discussing your fit for the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Brush up on your project management skills, particularly in relation to budgeting and procurement processes. Being able to speak confidently about your experience managing budgets and working with contractors will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your commitment to diversity and inclusion in your conversations. The British Council values these principles, so be prepared to discuss how you've supported similar initiatives in your previous roles and how you plan to continue doing so in this position.
We think you need these skills to ace Project Manager, Venice
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in exhibition delivery, project management, and any specific skills that align with the requirements of the Project Manager role at the British Council. Use keywords from the job description to make your application stand out.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that not only outlines your qualifications but also demonstrates your passion for contemporary art and architecture. Mention specific experiences that relate to managing multidisciplinary teams and delivering projects within budget and schedule.
Showcase Your Writing Skills: Since excellent English writing skills are a requirement, consider including samples of project reports or other relevant documents you have authored. This will provide evidence of your ability to communicate effectively in a professional context.
Highlight Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives: Given the emphasis on promoting diversity and inclusion, be sure to include any relevant experiences or initiatives you have been involved in. This could be through previous roles or personal projects that demonstrate your commitment to these values.
How to prepare for a job interview at British Council
✨Showcase Your Project Management Skills
Be prepared to discuss your experience in managing projects, particularly in the cultural sector. Highlight specific examples where you successfully delivered exhibitions or events, focusing on your role in planning, budgeting, and stakeholder management.
✨Demonstrate Knowledge of the Arts Sector
Familiarise yourself with the British Pavilion and its significance at the Venice Biennale. Show your passion for contemporary art and architecture, and be ready to discuss how your interests align with the mission of the British Council.
✨Prepare for Team Collaboration Questions
Since the role involves working with multidisciplinary teams, think of examples that illustrate your ability to collaborate effectively. Be ready to discuss how you handle conflicts, ensure clear communication, and promote diversity and inclusion within a team.
✨Understand the Tendering Process
Brush up on your knowledge of procurement and tendering processes, as these are crucial for the role. Be prepared to explain your experience with managing tenders and how you ensure compliance with policies and health and safety legislation.
