At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead cultural partnerships and deliver creative health activities across Suffolk.
- Company: Suffolk County Council, dedicated to community impact and collaboration.
- Benefits: Flexible working, competitive salary, and a supportive team environment.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team committed to equality, inclusion, and community wellbeing.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in communities through arts and culture.
- Qualifications: Experience in partnership development and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 40777 - 47054 £ per year.
At Suffolk County Council and Suffolk Community Libraries we are focused on making a meaningful difference to communities across Suffolk. How? By listening to our people, learning from what they say and creating a culture of mutual respect, where everyone works together to achieve great things.
As a 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.
Suffolk Community Libraries is an Arts Council England NPO and as Cultural Partnerships Lead you will lead delivery on the commitments and requirements that come with this status and funding. 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. By capturing and communicating impact, sharing learning and best practice, and actively engaging with local and national networks, you will help raise the profile, influence and reach of library‐led cultural partnerships, ensuring libraries remain central to improving outcomes for communities across Suffolk.
You will need:
- 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
The team 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. Either as a creator or as an audience member, we provide accessible ways in 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.
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 want to represent the diverse communities we serve. We welcome applications from all individuals, especially those from groups that are currently underrepresented in the organisation, as shown in our Workforce Equality Report.
For more information, please contact Paul Howarth for a casual conversation. You can reach them by emailing: paul.howarth@suffolk.gov.uk
To apply, please follow the 'Apply on website' button. Closing date: 11.30 pm, 21 June 2026. Interview date: 26 June 2026.
Cultural Partnerships Lead in Lowestoft employer: Suffolk County Council
Suffolk County Council and Suffolk Community Libraries offer a dynamic and inclusive work environment where employees are encouraged to collaborate and innovate. With flexible working options, a commitment to professional development, and a focus on making a meaningful impact in the community, this role as Cultural Partnerships Lead provides a unique opportunity to shape cultural engagement across Suffolk. Join a passionate team dedicated to enhancing social inclusion and creativity through the power of libraries.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Cultural Partnerships Lead in Lowestoft
✨Get Involved Locally
Dive into local volunteer opportunities or social initiatives. This not only beefs up your CV but also connects you with like-minded folks in nonprofits. Plus, it shows your passion for social impact, which is key for getting noticed by Suffolk County Council.
✨Tap into Professional Networks
Join networks like the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) or local charities to meet professionals in the sector. Attend events and workshops to build relationships and learn about potential openings at organisations like Suffolk County Council.
✨Showcase Your Commitment
When prepping for interviews, be ready to speak about your personal connection to social issues. Dive into specific examples of how you’ve contributed to community projects – this will resonate with the mission-driven vibe at Suffolk County Council.
✨Utilise Online Platforms
We’re all about making connections, so use platforms like Idealist and CharityJob to hunt for full-time roles. And of course, you should keep an eye on our website for exciting opportunities at Suffolk County Council. Apply directly through us to stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Cultural Partnerships Lead in Lowestoft
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for the Cause:In the nonprofit sector, it's super important to demonstrate genuine passion for the mission of Suffolk County Council. Use your cover letter to showcase any personal experiences or volunteer work that connects you to their social impact initiatives. This emotional connection can really help your application stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:When crafting your CV, be sure to include any relevant projects or roles that showcase your skills in social impact. Whether it's community organising, fundraising, or advocacy, highlight what you've done and the difference it's made. Don’t just list tasks; quantify your achievements and the outcomes of your efforts.
Tailor Your Documents to the Role:For a full-time role like Cultural Partnerships Lead, ensure your CV and cover letter specifically address the responsibilities outlined in the job description. Use their language to describe your skills and experience, making it easy for the hiring team to see how you fit into their vision.
Emphasise Teamwork and Collaboration:Nonprofits thrive on teamwork, so make sure to emphasise your collaborative experiences. Whether you've worked in a team setting, partnered with community organisations, or facilitated group projects, highlight these experiences in your application. Show them you understand the importance of working alongside diverse individuals to achieve shared goals.
How to prepare for a job interview at Suffolk County Council
✨Show Your Passion for Social Change
When we’re prepping for interviews in the nonprofit space, it's vital to demonstrate our genuine passion for social impact. Be ready to discuss not just your skills and experiences but also why you care about the mission of Suffolk County Council. Sharing personal stories or insights can really make us stand out.
✨Highlight Project Experience
We should focus on specific projects we've worked on that align with the goals of social impact. Whether that’s a community initiative, volunteering, or a class project, having solid examples that showcase our role and the outcomes will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Familiarity with Relevant Tools and Practices
Let’s brush up on tools and methodologies commonly used in the nonprofit sector, like project management software or outcome measurement frameworks. Being able to speak fluently about these will show that we’re not just passionate but also knowledgeable and ready to hit the ground running.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that evaluate our problem-solving skills in real-world social issues. Think about how we’d handle challenges in the nonprofit environment and prepare stories that demonstrate our critical thinking and adaptability. Role-playing with a friend could help us feel more confident!
