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- Tasks: Lead the Barbican Centre, shaping the future of arts and culture.
- Company: The Barbican Centre is a premier cultural institution in London.
- Benefits: Opportunity to drive innovation and impact in the arts sector.
- Why this job: Be a transformative leader in a globally significant arts centre.
- Qualifications: Proven track record in the creative/culture sector and commitment to diversity.
- Other info: Applications close on 27th April 2025.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Lead the Cultural Renaissance: Become the Next CEO of the Barbican Centre. The Barbican Centre, a jewel in London's cultural crown, is seeking a transformative leader to guide its evolution. This isn’t just a leadership role; it’s a chance to sculpt the future of arts and culture in a globally significant institution. If you’re a visionary with a passion for creativity and a drive for impact, this is your moment.
We’re not just a multi-arts centre; we’re a catalyst for creativity, a community cornerstone, and a global destination. You’ll champion emerging talent, ignite cultural conversations, and ensure the Barbican remains a beacon of artistic excellence and a catalyst for social and cultural change. In a post-pandemic world, where the arts are vital to societal well-being, you will champion the Barbican, navigating challenges with strategic foresight and leadership and seizing unprecedented opportunities to elevate our global impact.
This role demands a leader who can seamlessly blend commercial acumen with artistic passion. You’ll navigate a complex stakeholder environment and foster a positive relationship with City of London Corporation. You will be a driving force in driving innovation, securing funding, cultivating donor relationships and ensuring long-term financial sustainability. Your ability to inspire, empower, and lead a high-performing team in a calm and steady manner through change will be paramount.
As CEO, you’ll be the architect of our future. We seek a CEO with a proven track record in the creative/culture sector, a deep understanding of public-funded matrix-based organisations, and an unwavering commitment to diversity and inclusion. You’ll be a thought leader in cultural debates, advocating for the transformative power of the arts whilst driving commercial services.
The Barbican’s ambitious Renewal programme presents a unique opportunity to reshape our iconic space, ensuring it remains a beacon of artistic excellence for future generations. More than just a leader, you’ll be an ambassador, a spokesperson, and a visionary, building strategic partnerships, engaging with international stakeholders, and championing London’s cultural vibrancy. Your exceptional communication skills will foster transparency, build trust, and inspire action.
If you’re a dynamic, resilient, and visionary leader ready to embrace the challenges and opportunities of a world-class cultural institution, we invite you to join us. Lead the Barbican into a new era of artistic innovation and societal impact. This is your chance to leave a legacy that resonates across the globe.
The closing date for applications is 23:59 on 27th April 2025.
Chief Executive Officer, Barbican Centre, RUSSELL REYNOLDS ASSOCIATES employer: Guardian Jobs
Contact Detail:
Guardian Jobs Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Executive Officer, Barbican Centre, RUSSELL REYNOLDS ASSOCIATES
✨Tip Number 1
Network with key players in the arts and culture sector. Attend industry events, engage in discussions, and connect with individuals who have influence in the cultural landscape. Building these relationships can provide insights and opportunities that may not be publicly advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Demonstrate your understanding of the Barbican's mission and values. Familiarise yourself with their current projects and initiatives, and think about how your vision aligns with theirs. This will help you articulate your ideas more effectively during interviews and discussions.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership style and experience in managing diverse teams. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams through change, particularly in the creative or cultural sectors. Highlighting your ability to inspire and empower others will resonate well with the selection committee.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay informed about trends and challenges facing the arts sector, especially in a post-pandemic context. Being able to discuss these issues intelligently will demonstrate your strategic foresight and readiness to tackle the complexities of leading a major cultural institution like the Barbican.
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Executive Officer, Barbican Centre, RUSSELL REYNOLDS ASSOCIATES
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Thoroughly read the job description for the CEO position at the Barbican Centre. Understand the key responsibilities, required skills, and the vision they have for the future of the institution.
Craft a Tailored CV: Highlight your relevant experience in the creative and cultural sectors. Emphasise your leadership roles, achievements in driving innovation, and any experience with public-funded organisations. Make sure to align your CV with the specific requirements mentioned in the job description.
Write a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should reflect your passion for the arts and culture, as well as your vision for the Barbican Centre. Discuss how your background and experiences make you the ideal candidate to lead the organisation into its next chapter. Be sure to convey your commitment to diversity and inclusion.
Proofread and Edit: Before submitting your application, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter. Check for any grammatical errors or typos, and ensure that your documents are clear and concise. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.
How to prepare for a job interview at Guardian Jobs
✨Showcase Your Vision
As a candidate for CEO, it's crucial to articulate your vision for the Barbican Centre. Prepare to discuss how you would lead the institution into a new era of artistic innovation and societal impact, highlighting specific strategies and initiatives that align with its mission.
✨Demonstrate Stakeholder Engagement Skills
Given the complex stakeholder environment, be ready to share examples of how you've successfully navigated similar situations in the past. Discuss your approach to building relationships with key stakeholders, including the City of London Corporation, and how you would foster collaboration.
✨Emphasise Diversity and Inclusion
The Barbican Centre values diversity and inclusion, so be prepared to discuss your commitment to these principles. Share experiences where you've championed diverse voices in the arts and how you plan to ensure inclusivity within the organisation.
✨Prepare for Cultural Conversations
As a thought leader in cultural debates, you should be ready to engage in discussions about the transformative power of the arts. Brush up on current trends and challenges in the cultural sector, and be prepared to share your insights on how the Barbican can remain a beacon of artistic excellence.
