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, opportunity to shape cultural impact, and work with a passionate team.
- Other info: Join us in making a significant impact on the arts landscape.
- Why this job: Be a key player in transforming a leading UK cultural institution.
- Qualifications: Experience as a CEO/Director in a major cultural or mission-driven organisation.
The predicted salary is between 95000 - 105000 € 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 Inclusion Officer employer: Towner Eastbourne
Towner Eastbourne is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to lead one of the UK's most distinctive visual arts organisations. With a commitment to artistic ambition and public value, Towner fosters a values-led, inclusive work culture that prioritises employee growth and development. Located in the scenic South Downs National Park, employees benefit from a vibrant community atmosphere and the chance to make a significant impact on both regional and national cultural landscapes.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Inclusion Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the arts and culture sector. Attend events, join forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to folks on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on opportunities!
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers or during interviews, let your enthusiasm for the arts shine through. Share your vision for how you can contribute to Towner's mission and growth.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those tricky questions! Think about how you would handle challenges in the role of CEO. Brush up on your knowledge of current trends in the cultural landscape and be ready to discuss how you’d navigate them.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to engage with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Inclusion Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know Your Audience:Before you start writing, take a moment to understand who we are at Towner Eastbourne. Tailor your application to reflect our values and mission, showing how your experience aligns with our goals.
Be Authentic:We want to hear your unique voice! Don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through in your application. Share your passion for the arts and how it drives your leadership style.
Showcase Your Achievements:Highlight your past successes in similar roles. Use specific examples that demonstrate your strategic growth and financial stewardship, as these are key to what we’re looking for in a CEO.
Follow Our Application Process:Make sure to apply through our website for a smooth process. Double-check that you’ve included all required documents and information to avoid any hiccups in your application.
How to prepare for a job interview at Towner Eastbourne
✨Know Your Vision
Before stepping into the interview, make sure you have a clear vision of how you would lead Towner Eastbourne. Think about how you can balance artistic ambition with public value and commercial realism. Be ready to articulate your ideas on expanding their reach and influence.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Highlight your previous CEO or Director experience in cultural or mission-driven organisations. Prepare specific examples that demonstrate your strategic growth and financial stewardship. This will help establish your credibility and show that you understand the complexities of leading a major institution.
✨Engage with the Art
Brush up on your knowledge of art and cultural practices, especially those relevant to Towner's collection and programming. Be prepared to discuss contemporary art trends and how they can be integrated into Towner’s future plans. This shows your passion and commitment to the role.
✨Emphasise Inclusivity
As a Chief Inclusion Officer, it’s crucial to convey your commitment to fostering an inclusive organisational culture. Share your strategies for inspiring a values-led team and how you plan to deepen civic impact. This will resonate well with the interviewers and align with Towner's mission.
