Director of Culture and Events
Director of Culture and Events

Director of Culture and Events

Full-Time 106495 - 120944 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
Glasgow Life

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead cultural initiatives and events that inspire and engage the community.
  • Company: Glasgow Life, a charity transforming lives through culture and learning.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, pension scheme, and flexible working options.
  • Other info: Join a diverse team committed to equality and inclusion.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on Glasgow's cultural landscape and community wellbeing.
  • Qualifications: Proven leadership in culture or events with strong strategic and financial skills.

The predicted salary is between 106495 - 120944 £ per year.

Glasgow Life is one of Scotland’s largest charities, dedicated to transforming lives and strengthening communities through culture, physical activity and learning. Working at the heart of the city, we deliver cultural, sporting and learning programmes at scale, welcoming millions of people each year to our museums, libraries, community venues, events and facilities, both in person and online.

We are now seeking to appoint a Director of Culture and Events, a senior leadership role central to delivering Glasgow Life’s vision to inspire every citizen and visitor to engage with a city renowned for culture, sport and events.

About the role

As Director of Culture and Events, you will be a key member of Glasgow Life’s leadership team, responsible for the strategic development and delivery of a significant portfolio spanning Museums and Collections, Arts and Music, and Events. You will also hold corporate responsibility for Marketing and Communications and for Development and Fundraising across the organisation.

You will lead major programmes, world-class collections and flagship events including Celtic Connections, Mela and Merchant City Festival, while developing future large-scale cultural initiatives that contribute to Glasgow’s social renewal, wellbeing and visitor economy. You will balance social purpose with commercial sustainability, ensuring inclusive, accessible and value-for-money services through strong leadership, innovation and effective business planning.

The role also plays a key outward-facing function, strengthening relationships with local, national and international partners and promoting Glasgow on a global stage.

The person

We are looking for an experienced, values-led leader with a strong strategic track record in culture, events or related sectors, gained within complex public, charitable or commercial environments. You will bring strong commercial and financial acumen, experience of leading large teams and transformational change, and the ability to operate effectively within a political and civic context. You will be an excellent communicator, comfortable working at Executive and Board level and building influential relationships across sectors. A deep commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion is essential, alongside a clear understanding of the role culture and events play in tackling inequality, improving wellbeing and supporting economic regeneration.

Terms of appointment
  • Salary: £106,495 – £120,944
  • 30 days annual leave plus 6.5 public holidays (rising to 35 days after 5 years’ service)
  • Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme
  • Discounted Glasgow Club membership and retail discounts
  • Flexible working and family-friendly policies
  • And much more!

Please note that Glasgow Life is an Arm’s Length External Organisation to Glasgow City Council. We are currently completing a Job Evaluation exercise and introducing a new pay and grading structure. This may impact current salaries quoted in job adverts.

Diversity matters at Glasgow Life. We're determined to reflect the extraordinary diversity of Glasgow in our workforce. Glasgow Life is on a journey to develop a workplace that reflects the communities we serve. Where everyone feels empowered to bring their full, authentic selves to work. We’re a Disability Confident and Carer Positive employer and invite candidates from all backgrounds to apply.

Saxton Bampfylde Ltd is acting as an employment agency advisor to Glasgow Life on this appointment. For further information about the role, including details of how to apply, please visit roles.saxbam.com using reference DBHQD. Alternatively email belinda.beck@saxbam.com. The closing date for applications is 23:59 on 31 May 2026.

Director of Culture and Events employer: Glasgow Life

Glasgow Life is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to lead cultural and community initiatives at the heart of Glasgow. With a strong commitment to diversity, flexible working policies, and a focus on employee wellbeing, we empower our staff to make a meaningful impact while enjoying generous benefits such as 30 days annual leave and membership in the Local Government Pension Scheme. Join us in transforming lives through culture and events, and be part of a dynamic team dedicated to inspiring every citizen and visitor.
Glasgow Life

Contact Detail:

Glasgow Life Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Director of Culture and Events

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the culture and events sector. Attend local events, join relevant groups on social media, and don’t be shy about reaching out to folks on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!

✨Tip Number 2

Show your passion for Glasgow! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to express your enthusiasm for the city’s culture and community. Share your ideas on how you can contribute to their vision and make a real impact.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation thoroughly. Understand their current projects, values, and challenges. This will help you tailor your responses and demonstrate that you’re not just another candidate, but someone who truly gets what they’re all about.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of resources to help you ace your application and stand out from the crowd. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team and contributing to Glasgow Life’s mission.

We think you need these skills to ace Director of Culture and Events

Strategic Development
Leadership
Commercial Acumen
Financial Acumen
Team Management
Transformational Change
Stakeholder Engagement
Communication Skills
Relationship Building
Cultural Awareness
Event Management
Marketing and Communications
Fundraising
Inclusivity and Diversity Commitment
Business Planning

Some tips for your application 🫡

Know Your Audience: Before you start writing, take a moment to understand who you're addressing. Tailor your application to resonate with Glasgow Life's mission and values. Show us that you get what they're all about!

Be Authentic: Let your personality shine through! We want to see the real you in your application. Share your experiences and insights that align with the role of Director of Culture and Events, and don’t be afraid to show your passion for culture and community.

Highlight Relevant Experience: Make sure to showcase your strategic leadership experience in culture or events. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to lead large teams and manage significant projects. We love a good story that illustrates your impact!

Follow the Application Process: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s super important to follow the application instructions carefully. This shows us that you can pay attention to detail, which is crucial for the role. Good luck!

How to prepare for a job interview at Glasgow Life

✨Know Your Culture

Before the interview, dive deep into Glasgow Life's mission and values. Understand how they transform lives through culture and community engagement. Be ready to discuss how your vision aligns with theirs and how you can contribute to their goals.

✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience

Prepare specific examples of your past leadership roles, especially in culture or events. Highlight your experience in managing large teams and driving transformational change. This will demonstrate your capability to lead at a senior level.

✨Communicate Effectively

As an excellent communicator, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Be prepared to discuss how you would build influential relationships across sectors and engage with stakeholders at all levels, including Executive and Board members.

✨Emphasise Diversity and Inclusion

Glasgow Life values equality and diversity, so be sure to express your commitment to these principles. Share examples of how you've promoted inclusivity in your previous roles and how you plan to continue this work as Director of Culture and Events.

Director of Culture and Events
Glasgow Life

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