At a Glance
- Tasks: Support cultural strategies and programmes to enhance community engagement in Essex.
- Company: Essex County Council, a dynamic local authority focused on innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, and opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Join a supportive team with a commitment to community and cultural development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the cultural landscape of Essex while growing your career.
- Qualifications: Degree-level education or equivalent experience in a cultural field.
The predicted salary is between 24800 - 28800 £ per year.
Join to apply for the Cultural Development Officer role at Essex County Council
About The Role
Cultural Development Officer
Fixed Term, Full Time
£28,903 to £34,003 per annum
Location: Chelmsford
Working Style: Anywhere worker
Closing Date: 25th September 2025
Please note this vacancy is available as a fixed term contract or secondment opportunity for up to 5 months with a view to extending for a further 12 months.
This position has been classed as an anywhere worker role but has an expectation that the successful candidate will attend the office, in Chelmsford or Braintree 2-3 days per month, with the remaining time for remote working if desired, in line with the organisation’s needs.
The Role
The Cultural Development Team has a focus on encouraging strategic partnerships, networks and the sustainability and growth of the sector, supporting several Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisations in Essex. The team supports digital and tech businesses, recognising the role they have in growing Essex’s creative sector from digital start-ups, film and television production to games developers, entertainment companies as well as architects and designers.
Through the Arts and Cultural Fund the team provide dedicated funding and support for artists, organisations, and creative practitioners working across a broad portfolio of disciplines and throughout arts, heritage, creative and green spaces in Essex.
The team launched Essex’s Cultural Strategy for Essex, along with several other reports focused on articulating the creative landscape of Essex to better enable practitioners and organisations to advocate and support their practice and work. These include the map creative hubs and Mapping Creative Health in Essex. To read more about our business area, please visit: Home - Culture Essex and Climate, Environment and Customer Services
The Opportunity
Greater Essex boasts 13 Arts Council England (ACE) National Portfolio Organisations, 3 ACE Creative People and Places programmes and a vibrant and diverse cultural landscape of established and grass roots organisations. This is coupled with some under-engaged areas with arts and culture as per ACE’s Creative People and Places data. We therefore know there are some exciting opportunities and room to harness the cultural capital that Essex has to improve residents’ lives.
Culture and Green Spaces will support both ECC and the wider cultural and creative sector to deliver exceptional cultural experiences, demonstrating the benefit of Essex’s strategic location, and potential to grow as a cultural centre.
The Cultural Development Officer will support the development, and implementation of cultural strategies and programmes, widening access to cultural activities for residents of and visitors to Essex and contributing to the wider levelling up agendas of health and wellbeing, education and skills, families and communities, the environment and the economy. With significant experience gained within a creative, cultural or heritage field and an understanding of initiatives and issues within the sector. The role requires project management experience, an ability to build strong relationships and partnerships and experience of writing funding bids.
Accountabilities
- Contribute to the delivery of business plan objectives and wider objectives of Everyone’s Essex, to improve and promote the identity of Essex, maintaining local communities at the heart of all activities, in support of the wider functional strategy.
- Build strong internal and external collaborative partnerships to enable joint delivery of projects, initiatives and commissions across sectors including economic development, regeneration/place, public health, skills development, community resilience and tourism.
- Create, maintain, and develop promotional materials and campaigns to support advocacy and promotional campaigns.
- Work closely with district, borough, city and unitary authorities, voluntary, community, cultural and commercial sector to enable best practice and enhance service delivery.
- Develop and lead on key strategic programmes, which deliver innovative business models and maximise funding opportunities.
- Collect and report on economic, social and equality impact data, including academic research.
- Keep updated with new developments, good practice and funding opportunities within culture, linking to the wider social and economic agendas.
- Support the delivery of the teams cultural grants including evaluation and monitoring.
- Attend strategic countywide partnership networks; represent Essex at regional and national meetings, networks and conferences within arts, heritage and museums.
- Provide information, advice and guidance in respect of arts, heritage and museums across the Council, external stakeholders, partners and the communities of Essex
Skills, Knowledge And Experience
- Educated to degree level or equivalent by experience in an appropriate cultural field.
- Evidence of continuing professional development and expert knowledge in relevant professional area.
- Significant experience gained within a cultural or heritage field, with an understanding of initiatives and issues within the sector.
- Knowledge and understanding of project management and programmes of work with evidence of successful financial management.
- Experience of, or participation in practice relating to the heritage, arts and museum sector.
- Ability to build strong relationships and partnerships, both internal and external, which are collaborative and influential in nature and engender delivery.
Why Essex?
As one of the largest and most dynamic UK local authorities, Essex offers a stimulating public service environment. Covering over 1,420 square miles and serving 1.8 million residents, we’re committed to transformational change and delivering better quality at lower cost. Recognised in the top three of the latest IMPOWER index for productivity, we ensure everyone matters in Everyone\'s Essex. With flexible working options and a focus on innovation, whether you are looking to develop your career or contribute to the local community, Essex is the ideal place for you.
In February 2025, Greater Essex was accepted onto the Government’s devolution priority programme, which will see local authorities in Essex work towards establishing a Mayoral Combined County Authority by May 2026. You can read more about devolution and local government reorganisation (LGR) on our careers site.
Essex County Council is proud to be a Disability Confident Leader. We’re committed to interview all disabled applicants who choose to apply under our Job Interview Scheme if they meet the minimum requirements of the job. Please speak to our Recruiters if you require any reasonable adjustments during the process. We’re also committed to interview all veterans and care leavers, who meet the minimum requirements of the role for which they are applying.
Once you’ve secured your role within Essex County Council you will receive many great employee benefits, including support for unpaid carers and flexible working arrangements to accommodate their needs.
At Essex County Council, we value integrity and ethical behaviour. We kindly ask that you embrace our code of conduct and the Nolan principles, including throughout the recruitment process. Your commitment to these standards helps us maintain a positive and respectful workplace for everyone.
As part of employment with Essex County Council (ECC) should your role require a DBS check you will be required to register with the DBS update service. The DBS update service ensures all registered DBS certificates are kept up to date and allows authorised parties to view the status of your certificate. This is an annual subscription, and you will be responsible for ensuring this is maintained. For further information on the DBS update service please go to https://www.gov.uk/dbs-update-service
Essex County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults, and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment.
If you would like to be kept up to date on other relevant opportunities, blogs, news, events and industry related news at Essex County Council, please join The Essex Talent Community
If you have queries on this role or require anything further, please email jamielea.wallis@essex.gov.uk
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Cultural Development Officer in Chelmsford employer: Essex County Council
Essex County Council is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic public service environment that prioritises innovation and community impact. With flexible working arrangements and a commitment to employee development, staff can thrive in their careers while contributing to the cultural growth of Essex. The council's focus on inclusivity and support for diverse needs, alongside its strategic initiatives, makes it an ideal workplace for those passionate about making a difference in the arts and culture sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Cultural Development Officer in Chelmsford
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the cultural sector! Attend events, join online forums, and engage with local organisations. Building relationships can open doors to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Show Your Passion
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, let your enthusiasm for cultural development shine through. Share your ideas on how to enhance Essex’s creative landscape and demonstrate your commitment to making a difference.
✨Prepare for Interviews
Do your homework before interviews! Understand the key projects and initiatives Essex County Council is involved in. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals and how you can contribute to their vision.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply directly through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, you’ll find all the latest opportunities and updates about working with us at Essex County Council.
We think you need these skills to ace Cultural Development Officer in Chelmsford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the Cultural Development Officer role. We want to see how you can contribute to Essex's cultural landscape, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant skills!
Showcase Your Passion:Let your enthusiasm for arts and culture shine through in your written application. We love candidates who are genuinely excited about making a difference in the community, so share your thoughts on how you can help enhance Essex’s creative sector.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your writing straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make sure your key points stand out. This will help us quickly understand your qualifications and fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your details correctly and gives you a chance to explore more about us and the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Essex County Council
✨Know Your Cultural Landscape
Familiarise yourself with Essex's cultural scene and the specific initiatives that the Cultural Development Team is involved in. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you discuss how your experience aligns with their goals.
✨Showcase Your Project Management Skills
Prepare examples of past projects where you've successfully managed budgets, timelines, and stakeholder relationships. Be ready to discuss how these experiences can translate into the role of Cultural Development Officer.
✨Build Collaborative Partnerships
Think about how you've built strong relationships in previous roles. Be prepared to share specific examples of how you've collaborated with various stakeholders, as this is crucial for the position.
✨Stay Updated on Funding Opportunities
Research current funding opportunities within the arts and culture sector. Being able to discuss potential funding sources and how you would approach writing bids will demonstrate your proactive attitude and understanding of the role.
