Cultural Enterprise & Investment Lead

We are looking for an experienced and commercially focused professional to lead the development of our cultural and visitor economy offer. This is a key strategic role where you will work closely with senior leaders, partners and stakeholders to develop and deliver a commercial strategy for culture. This will include identifying opportunities for growth, building investment cases and turning ideas into practical, income-generating initiatives. A major focus of the role is ensuring that our cultural assets are financially sustainable and making the most of the area's strong visitor economy.

You will bring significant experience in a commercial role within culture, tourism or the creative industries and a strong track record of generating income, partnerships and innovation. You will also be highly motivated, adaptable and able to manage within a fast-paced environment. This is an opportunity to play a leading role in shaping the future of culture in the Cotswolds, helping to ensure it remains vibrant, sustainable and economically strong.

Some of your responsibilities:

• Develop and deliver a commercial strategy for culture, identifying opportunities for investment, growth and sustainable income generation.
• Build strong partnerships with cultural organisations, businesses, funders, elected members and other stakeholders to maximise opportunities and secure external funding.
• Develop business cases, funding bids and investment proposals that support the long-term sustainability of the Council's cultural portfolio.
• Work closely with senior leaders to increase the economic impact of the visitor economy and create innovative approaches to income generation from cultural assets.

You will need:

• Degree-level qualification (or equivalent experience) in a relevant discipline.
• At least five years' experience leading commercial activity within the culture, tourism, visitor economy or creative industries sectors.
• A proven track record of developing and delivering commercial strategies, generating income and securing investment, sponsorship or funding.
• Strong commercial, financial and analytical skills, including business case development, financial modelling and budget management.
• Excellent stakeholder management, communication and influencing skills, with the ability to work effectively across public, private and voluntary sector organisations.
• Experience working in local government or with cultural organisations, charities, social enterprises and private sector partners will be an advantage.

Special Conditions:

• Ability to travel with access to a vehicle for work purposes.
• Full UK Driving License.

This post is designated as politically restricted in accordance with the Local Government and Housing Act 1989. Politically restricted post holders are restricted from canvassing on behalf of a political party or for a person who is, or seeks to be, a candidate for election to a local authority, the House of Commons, or the European Parliament.

What can we do for you:

• Agile working allowing a mix of home and office working.
• Flexible working arrangements (depending on the role).
• 27 days paid annual leave (pro rata if you are working part time) plus bank holidays, which increases to 30 days after five years of service.
• An extra two volunteering days per year to support a charity of your choice.
• A health cash plan giving you cash back on health, dental and eye care.
• Generous contributory local government pension scheme.
• Employee Assistance Programme 24/7, providing positive, preventative and supportive advice and counselling to deal with everyday events and issues.
• Cycle to work scheme.
• Salary sacrifice car lease scheme with significant tax and NI savings to be made on electric cars.
• Generous sickness cover above statutory entitlements.

About The Organisation:

We are rightly proud of the businesses, communities and residents who live in this beautiful part of the world, putting them first and at the heart of everything we do. We are busy recreating a council set up for success, which can deliver for the needs of our communities in a fast-changing environment. That means we need to be fleet of foot and look for innovative and creative ways to deliver against our Corporate Plan priorities. That plan focuses on a range of important priorities including delivering good services for residents, responding to the climate emergency, supporting strong local communities, and evolving the district's vibrant economy.

Accredited of the disability confident scheme, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the vacancy/ies - Please state this within your covering statement or in a separate email. Our organisation is committed to meeting its statutory and moral duties to safeguard and promote the welfare of children, young people under 18 years of age and adults at risk who are the recipients of its services and/or activities. Safer recruitment practices are applied to all job vacancies. Successful candidates will be required to complete a pre-employment medical questionnaire; provide references; proof of identity; nationality and immigration status; three years employment or education history (if applicable) and, in some cases, verification of criminal record.