At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the transformation of audience experiences at the Barbican, enhancing engagement and revenue.
- Company: The Barbican, a leading international arts centre in London, celebrating creativity and culture.
- Benefits: 28 days annual leave, pension scheme, discounts, and a vibrant workplace.
- Other info: Encouraging diverse applicants to reflect the communities we serve.
- Why this job: Shape the future of a celebrated cultural institution and create extraordinary experiences.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership experience, strong commercial acumen, and a passion for innovation.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 120000 £ per year.
The Barbican is a multidisciplinary international arts centre in the City of London, offering theatres, concert halls, cinemas, galleries, business venues and public spaces.
Its programming showcases leading artists and performers worldwide, creating connections, provoking debate and reflecting contemporary culture.
As the Barbican approaches its 50th anniversary, it is transforming into a 21st‑century organisation that celebrates people, place and programme while opening its doors to the world.
The upcoming restoration and renewal works will build the foundations for the next generation of experiences and cultural leadership.
We are seeking an exceptional Chief Experience Officer (CXO) to join the newly formed Executive Team.
This role leads the transformation of how audiences, visitors, supporters, partners and communities experience the Barbican, positioning it as the first choice for creative experiences in London.
The CXO will drive growth in reach, relevance and revenue, strengthen lifelong relationships with audiences and deliver outstanding experiences at every touchpoint.
In close partnership with the Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer and Chief of Staff, the CXO will help establish the future direction of the organisation through commercial leadership, innovation, audience insight and cultural ambition.
Key Responsibilities
- Champion the growth and evolution of the Barbican’s impact through fundraising, brand, advocacy, partnerships and communications.
- Develop innovative customer experiences that increase engagement, revenue, satisfaction and lifetime value.
- Strengthen stakeholder and partner relationships locally, nationally and internationally.
- Drive growth in commercial income across visitor services, memberships, events, hospitality and future revenue streams.
- Act as a visible ambassador for the Barbican and the wider cultural sector.
About You
We are looking for an inspiring and visionary leader with a proven track record of delivering transformational growth within complex organisations. You will bring:
- Significant senior leadership experience in a comparable executive role.
- Demonstrable success delivering customer growth and organisational transformation.
- Experience leading large, diverse and multi‑functional teams through change.
- Strong commercial and financial acumen, including responsibility for substantial operational and capital budgets.
- Expertise in customer experience, marketing, fundraising, partnerships, brand development or commercial operations.
- Outstanding relationship‑building and stakeholder management skills.
- Excellent communication and influencing abilities, with experience representing organisations at a senior level.
- A passion for inclusion, innovation and excellence.
What We Offer
- Barbican Membership
- Participation in the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
- 28 days annual leave plus bank holidays, increasing with service
- Access to Barbican Centre discounts, including offers at the Barbican Shop and hospitality outlets
- City Corporation staff benefits and discounts throughout the City of London, including at Tower Bridge and Guildhall Art Gallery
- Reciprocal entry to a number of galleries and museums across London
- Employee volunteering scheme (up to 2 days per year)
- A vibrant, creative, inclusive workplace at one of the world’s leading arts centres
This is more than an executive leadership role.
It is an opportunity to shape the future of one of the world’s most celebrated cultural institutions at a defining moment in its history.
You will help create a more accessible, engaging and sustainable Barbican, ensuring future generations continue to experience extraordinary creative encounters at the heart of London.
Apply now to help lead the Barbican into its next 50 years.
The City of London Corporation ensures that everyone has the opportunity to thrive in the work that we do.
The Corporation is committed to ensuring that pay and reward practices are competitive and equitable across the whole organisation – and regularly benchmarks and reviews pay against external sectors.
As part of our commitment to increasing the diversity of staff within the Barbican we are particularly keen to encourage applications from people from groups that are currently underrepresented, including people from the Global Majority and deaf and disabled people.
We want to better reflect and understand the communities we serve.
We are members of the Disability Confident Scheme and guarantee to interview all disabled candidates who would like to be considered under this scheme and who meet the minimum essential criteria for the role.
Please contact us if you require reasonable adjustments as part of the application process.
*Global Majority is a collective term that refers to people who are Black, Asian, Brown, dual‑heritage, indigenous to the global south, and or, have been racialised as ethnic minorities.
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Chief Experience Officer employer: The City Of London
The City of London Corporation is an exceptional employer, offering a competitive salary and generous benefits including 24 days of annual leave and a robust pension scheme. Our work culture prioritises employee well-being and professional growth, providing opportunities to contribute to the conservation of beautiful public spaces in the vibrant community of West Ham Park. Join us in making a meaningful impact while enjoying a supportive and dynamic work environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Experience Officer
✨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 The City Of London.
✨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 The City Of London.
✨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 The City Of London.
✨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 The City Of London. Apply directly through us to stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Experience Officer
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 The City Of London. 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 Chief Experience Officer, 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 The City Of London
✨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 The City Of London. 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!
