At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead cultural partnerships and deliver creative health activities across Suffolk.
- Company: Suffolk County Council and Suffolk Community Libraries, dedicated to community impact.
- Benefits: Flexible working hours, competitive salary, and a supportive team environment.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team committed to equality, inclusion, and community engagement.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in communities through arts and culture while advocating for libraries.
- Qualifications: Experience in partnership development and strong communication skills required.
Overview
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. As Cultural Partnerships Lead, you will be as keen to collaborate and build a bright future as we are.
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.
Cultural Partnerships Lead in Suffolk employer: Suffolk County Council
Suffolk County Council and Suffolk Community Libraries are dedicated to fostering a collaborative and inclusive work environment that empowers employees to make a meaningful impact in the community. As a Cultural Partnerships Lead, you will benefit from flexible working arrangements, opportunities for professional growth, and the chance to engage with diverse cultural initiatives that enrich lives across Suffolk. Our supportive team culture values creativity and well-being, ensuring that every member can thrive while contributing to the vibrant tapestry of our library services.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Cultural Partnerships Lead in Suffolk
✨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 Suffolk
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!
