At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead Towner Eastbourne into a new phase of growth and artistic ambition.
- Company: Towner Eastbourne, an award-winning visual arts organisation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary around £100,000 and the chance to shape cultural impact.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team focused on innovation and community engagement.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of the UK’s cultural landscape and drive meaningful change.
- Qualifications: Proven CEO/Director experience in cultural or mission-driven organisations.
The predicted salary is between 100000 - 100000 £ per year.
Towner Eastbourne is seeking an exceptional CEO (Director) to lead one of the UK’s most distinctive visual arts organisations into an ambitious new phase of growth. Awarded Art Fund Museum of the Year 2020 and host of the Turner Prize 2023, Towner combines a nationally significant collection – including the UK’s foremost public holding of works by Eric Ravilious – with bold contemporary programming and deep civic impact. Guided by its Strategic Priorities 2025-30, the organisation is expanding its reach, influence and sustainability across multiple sites.
As CEO (Director), you will be the strategic, artistic and executive leader of Towner, you will:
- Deliver a compelling vision that balances artistic ambition, public value and commercial realism.
- Lead Towner as a multi-site organisation, including the major new Towner Seven Sisters development at Black Robin Farm in the South Downs National Park.
- Strengthen national and international profile while deepening regional and civic impact.
- Drive financial resilience through mixed income models, partnerships and fundraising.
- Inspire a values-led, inclusive and high-performing organisational culture.
We are looking for a senior, credible and entrepreneurial leader with:
- CEO/Director experience in a major cultural, creative or mission-driven public organisation.
- Strong artistic and sector credibility, with the ability to speak confidently about art and cultural practice.
- A proven track record of strategic growth, financial stewardship and working with boards and major stakeholders.
- The insight and judgement to navigate complexity, change and opportunity in a shifting cultural landscape.
This is a rare opportunity to shape the future of a leading UK cultural institution at a moment of significant ambition and possibility.
Closing date for applications: Friday 12th June 2026
Chief Executive Officer employer: Towner Eastbourne
Contact Detail:
Towner Eastbourne Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Executive Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the arts and culture sector, attend events, and connect with potential collaborators. You never know who might have the inside scoop on opportunities or be able to put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your passion! When you get the chance to meet with stakeholders or during interviews, let your enthusiasm for the arts shine through. Share your vision for Towner and how you can contribute to its growth and impact.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the unexpected! Be ready to discuss not just your experience but also how you would tackle challenges facing Towner. Think about innovative solutions and be prepared to share your ideas on financial resilience and community engagement.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining Towner and contributing to its exciting future.
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Executive Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know Your Audience: Before you start writing, take a moment to understand who you're addressing. Towner Eastbourne is all about art and culture, so make sure your application reflects your passion for these areas. Show us that you get what we do and why it matters!
Craft a Compelling Narrative: Your application should tell a story about your journey and vision. Highlight your experience in leading cultural organisations and how it aligns with Towner's mission. We want to see your personality shine through, so don’t hold back!
Be Specific and Relevant: When discussing your achievements, be specific! Use examples that demonstrate your strategic growth and financial stewardship. Tailor your experiences to show how they can benefit Towner as we embark on this exciting new phase.
Check Your Details: Before hitting send, double-check everything! Spelling mistakes or vague statements can detract from your application. Make sure it’s polished and professional, and remember to apply through our website for the best chance of success!
How to prepare for a job interview at Towner Eastbourne
✨Know Your Vision
As a potential CEO, you need to articulate a compelling vision for Towner Eastbourne. Research their current strategic priorities and think about how your leadership can align with their goals. Be ready to discuss how you would balance artistic ambition with public value.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Highlight your previous experience in leading cultural or mission-driven organisations. Prepare specific examples of how you've driven strategic growth and financial resilience. This will demonstrate your credibility and ability to navigate complex challenges.
✨Engage with the Art Community
Familiarise yourself with Towner's collection and programming, especially the works of Eric Ravilious. Being able to speak confidently about art and cultural practice will show your passion and understanding of the sector, which is crucial for this role.
✨Prepare for Stakeholder Engagement
Think about how you would strengthen Towner's national and international profile while deepening its regional impact. Be prepared to discuss your approach to building partnerships and engaging with major stakeholders, as this will be key to driving the organisation's success.