At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead Towner Eastbourne into a new phase of growth and artistic ambition.
- Company: Towner Eastbourne, a leading UK visual arts organisation with a rich history.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, opportunity to shape cultural impact, and work in a dynamic environment.
- Other info: Join a team committed to inclusivity and high performance in a vibrant setting.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of cultural innovation and make a real difference in the arts.
- Qualifications: Experience as a CEO/Director in a 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.
Executive Officer Junior 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 picturesque 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 Executive Officer Junior Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the arts and culture sector. Attend events, exhibitions, and talks to meet potential collaborators and decision-makers. Remember, it’s all about who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion! When you get the chance to chat with someone about the role, let your enthusiasm for Towner and its mission shine through. Share your vision for the future and how you can contribute to their growth.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching Towner’s recent projects and initiatives. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals, especially around financial resilience and community impact. We want to see that you’re genuinely invested!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at Towner and making a difference in the cultural landscape.
We think you need these skills to ace Executive Officer Junior Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your passion for the arts shine through. We want to see how much you care about cultural impact and artistic ambition, so don’t hold back on sharing your enthusiasm!
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to highlight your experience in leading cultural organisations. We’re looking for specific examples of your strategic growth and financial stewardship, so be clear and concise.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell us why you’re the perfect fit for Towner. Use it to connect your experience with our mission and vision, and don’t forget to mention how you can contribute to our ambitious plans!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need to make your application stand out!
How to prepare for a job interview at Towner Eastbourne
✨Know Your Vision
Before the interview, take some time to think about your vision for Towner Eastbourne. Be ready to articulate how you would balance artistic ambition with public value and commercial realism. This shows that you’re not just a fit for the role but also have a clear direction for the organisation.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past roles that demonstrate your CEO/Director experience in cultural or mission-driven organisations. Highlight your track record in strategic growth and financial stewardship, as these are key aspects of the job description.
✨Engage with the Art Community
Brush up on current trends and discussions within the art and cultural sector. Being able to speak confidently about art and cultural practice will not only impress the interviewers but also show your passion and commitment to the field.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Think about how you can inspire a values-led, inclusive, and high-performing organisational culture. Prepare to discuss your leadership style and how you’ve successfully navigated complexity and change in previous roles. This will resonate well with their focus on strengthening the organisation's impact.
