Cultural Partnerships Lead in Bury St Edmunds

Suffolk County Council and Suffolk Community Libraries are focused on making a meaningful difference to communities across Suffolk. By listening to our people, learning from what they say, and creating a culture of mutual respect, we ensure everyone works together to achieve great things.

Location & Working Arrangements: Role can be worked from any main Suffolk County Council building or any larger Suffolk Communities Libraries office – Hybrid working.

Salary: £40,777 – £47,054 per annum (pro rata for part time). Hours: 37 hours per week – flexible working options available. Contract: Permanent.

Responsibilities: As Cultural Partnerships Lead, you will play a key strategic role in shaping and delivering cultural, arts and creative health activity across Suffolk. Working at the heart of Suffolk Community Libraries, you will lead the development of high-impact partnerships with cultural organisations, health providers and community stakeholders, creating and delivering collaborative programmes that increase participation in the arts, creativity and social inclusion and maximise the unique position of our library network. You will drive the identification, securing and management of further external funding, developing strong grant applications and partnership bids that enable ambitious cultural and creative health projects to be realised. From concept through to delivery, you will oversee funded programmes to ensure they are effectively planned, delivered and evaluated, meeting funder requirements while aligning with organisational and public health priorities. You will also act as a passionate advocate for the role of libraries in cultural enrichment, capturing and communicating impact, sharing learning and best practice, and actively engaging with local and national networks to raise the profile, influence and reach of library-led cultural partnerships.

Qualifications: Experience of developing and managing effective partnerships across cultural, creative health, community or public sector organisations. Strong communication and influencing skills, with confidence representing a service and advocating for impact. Experience of managing budgets and demonstrating value for money. The ability to capture, analyse and present impact and learning clearly. A collaborative, creative approach, with a strong commitment to equality, inclusion and wellbeing.

Team: This role is part of our Library Content Engagement and Development team. From the inspiring books and resources we have across our libraries and online, and our exciting work engaging young people and schools, to our vibrant programme of arts and cultural programmes and activities, we work to really make the library offer come to life for people. As a team we work closely together and collaboratively to ensure a joined-up offer of accessible, inclusive and relevant opportunities for diverse community audiences across Suffolk. We meet people where they are on their journey with the arts and culture, providing accessible ways to expand and experience. Libraries hold a unique place in communities and our team is committed to making the most of the opportunities this brings and sharing that advantage with wider cultural and health partners. We are proud of the work we do and the impact we have in people’s lives. Our ambitious and collaborative approach brings team members the opportunity for self-development and a supportive, rewarding team environment. We work flexibly across the library network and beyond, with a great balance of planning, organisation and delivery. The nature of our programmes requires some evening and weekend working, getting hands on with the delivery of events, activities and festivals. The diversity of our programmes and partnerships means a wide variety of experiences, working with artists, partners and audiences.

Diversity & Inclusion: We are big believers in potential, possibility and the power of different ideas. We are always searching for ways to encourage, respect and enable everyone to be the best they can be. We welcome applications from all individuals, especially those from groups that are currently underrepresented in the organisation.

Equal Opportunities: We value authentic applications that showcase genuine skills and experiences, and we welcome applicants who demonstrate a commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion.

Legal & Safety: This authority is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks or police vetting will be required for relevant posts.