At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Cultural Programme, overseeing business planning, marketing, and fundraising.
- Company: Schwarzman Centre for the Humanities at the University of Oxford, a hub for arts and culture.
- Benefits: Opportunity to shape a high-quality cultural programme in a dynamic new venue.
- Other info: Three-year fixed term with potential for significant career growth.
- Why this job: Join a pioneering team and make a real impact on cultural engagement and community collaboration.
- Qualifications: Experience in cultural or not-for-profit sectors with strong financial and relationship-building skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Part of the University of Oxford, the Schwarzman Centre for the Humanities is a unique space for arts, humanities, exhibitions and public events, uniting academia and public engagement under one roof. Opened in 2025, the Centre houses world-class performance, exhibition and public engagement spaces in a setting designed to foster new thinking, experimentation and collaboration.
At the heart of this vision is the Centre’s Cultural Programme, which draws on the University’s academic excellence to produce bold and innovative cultural work and bring together local, university and global cultural communities. As the Cultural Programme continues to progress, following its successful launch in April 2026, we are now seeking an exceptional Executive Director to play a central role in its next phase of development.
Co‑leading the programme alongside the Director of the Cultural Programme and working closely with the Chief Executive of the Schwarzman Centre, the new Executive Director will have responsibility for:
- business planning
- financial management
- marketing
- fundraising
- commercial activity and operations
- evaluation and organisational development
The postholder will be responsible for building a sustainable business model for the programme by 2030. They will oversee marketing and communications, work in partnership with colleagues in fundraising across the University and Humanities Division, and bring an innovative approach towards income generation for the programme.
We are looking for candidates with experience in a comparable role in the cultural or not-for-profit sector, as well as a track record of helping to generate income through fundraising, partnerships and other sources of revenue. Ideal candidates will have excellent financial planning and management skills, as well as the ability to build and strengthen relationships across a wide range of internal and external stakeholders. They will be naturally collaborative and bring a genuine enthusiasm for art and the artists with which the programme engages.
This is a great opportunity for a leader to help establish and grow a high-quality cultural programme in one of the most exciting new venues in the sector. This appointment will be on a three-year fixed term. The closing date for this role is the 7th September.
Executive Director, Cultural Programme in Oxford employer: Totalwellnessacupuncture
Totalwellnessacupuncture is an exceptional employer that values the well-being of both its clients and employees. With a supportive work culture that prioritises professional development, you will have access to ongoing training and growth opportunities while making a meaningful impact in the lives of older adults in Bridgend. The hybrid working model offers flexibility, allowing you to balance your personal and professional life effectively.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Executive Director, Cultural Programme in Oxford
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We think you need these skills to ace Executive Director, Cultural Programme in Oxford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Impact:In the world of nonprofits, it's all about the passion and commitment to making a difference. Make sure your cover letter speaks genuinely about why you're excited about this role at Totalwellnessacupuncture. Share any experiences you've had with social impact projects or volunteering — it shows you live and breathe the cause!
Highlight Relevant Experience and Skills:For a temporary position in the nonprofit sector, focus on showcasing any specific skills or experience related to project management, community engagement, or fundraising. List any relevant work or volunteer roles on your CV, and consider including quantifiable achievements that demonstrate your impact in previous positions.
References from the Sector:Including references from previous roles in the nonprofit world can really bolster your application. If you've worked on similar social-impact projects before, ask those colleagues or supervisors if they'd be willing to vouch for your skills. This adds credibility and shows you're trusted in the sector, which can be a big plus for Totalwellnessacupuncture.
Be Ready for a Quick Turnaround:Since this role is temporary, let your interest shine through in your application! Mention in your cover letter your availability to start immediately or at short notice. It shows you're keen and ready to dive right into the exciting work at Totalwellnessacupuncture!
How to prepare for a job interview at Totalwellnessacupuncture
✨Show Your Passion for the Cause
When interviewing for a role in the non-profit sector, especially for a temporary position, it's crucial to convey your genuine passion for social impact. Discuss why the mission of Totalwellnessacupuncture resonates with you and share personal experiences that reflect your commitment to similar causes.
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Familiarise yourself with any tools or platforms that are widely used in the non-profit sector like project management software or stakeholder engagement tools. Show your readiness to hit the ground running in your temporary role by discussing any experience you have with these or similar platforms.
✨Be Prepared for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect to field scenario-based questions during your interview to assess your problem-solving skills in real-world situations. Think about how you would handle challenges typical of the non-profit sector, such as engaging with diverse stakeholders or managing project timelines effectively.
