At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and shape Walsall's cultural vision, driving growth and innovation in creative industries.
- Company: Walsall Council, committed to cultural regeneration and community wellbeing.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, permanent contract, and the chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Opportunity to leave a lasting legacy and transform the visitor economy.
- Why this job: Be a catalyst for change and elevate Walsall's cultural profile on a national scale.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership skills and a passion for culture and community development.
The predicted salary is between 9 - 9 £ per hour.
This is a pivotal time for culture, creative industries and the visitor economy in Walsall. The borough has a strong cultural heritage, a growing creative economy and ambitious plans for the future. Through the We Are Walsall 2040 vision, culture, creativity and place-making are recognised as key drivers of economic growth, community wellbeing and civic pride.
Significant investment in regeneration, including the transformation of the Guildhall into a Creative Industries Enterprise Centre, alongside a renewed focus on cultural participation, heritage, tourism and town centre vitality, is creating the foundations for a step change in the borough's cultural offer.
This role offers something increasingly rare in local government: a genuine opportunity to create, shape and lead a bold vision from a largely blank canvas. While Walsall benefits from important cultural assets, including The New Art Gallery Walsall, Walsall Arena & Arts Centre, the Leather Museum, Music Service, libraries, parks and green spaces, there remains significant untapped potential to bring these assets together into a coherent and compelling cultural, visitor economy and creative industries proposition.
The successful candidate will have the opportunity to redefine how culture contributes to the borough's future, raising Walsall's profile regionally and nationally and creating a destination that attracts visitors, investment, creative talent and opportunity.
The role is intrinsically linked to the Council's wider regeneration ambitions and sits at the heart of a place-based transformation agenda. We are looking for an ambitious and entrepreneurial leader who sees culture not simply as a service, but as a catalyst for growth, innovation and change.
There is scope to build new partnerships, secure major investment, develop a distinctive visitor economy offer, grow the creative industries ecosystem, maximise the contribution of leisure and cultural assets, and create events and programmes that change perceptions of the borough. This is an opportunity to leave a lasting legacy and make a visible difference to the lives of residents, businesses and communities across Walsall.
As Head of Culture, Creative Industries & Visitor Economy, you will provide strategic and inspirational leadership across a diverse portfolio of services and assets, ensuring culture and creativity are central to delivering regeneration, supporting economic growth and achieving the ambitions of We Are Walsall 2040.
If you are excited by the prospect of building something distinctive, elevating Walsall's profile to attract visitors and develop a cultural offer that is a source of pride for residents, this could be the most rewarding leadership role of your career.
Head of Culture Creative Industries & Visitor Economy- Ref: EE08826 in Walsall employer: Walsall Council
Walsall Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises the well-being and development of its staff. As a Residential Childcare Worker, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of children in care while benefiting from competitive pay, including additional compensation for sleep-ins, and access to ongoing training and professional growth within a dedicated team environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Culture Creative Industries & Visitor Economy- Ref: EE08826 in Walsall
✨Dive into Local Government Events
Get yourself to local government events and public sector job fairs. These are great for meeting recruiters and understanding what different organisations, like Walsall Council, are looking for. Plus, it shows your genuine interest in the sector!
✨Join Relevant Networks
Look for communities focused on public sector careers. Whether it’s local networking groups or online forums, connecting with professionals in the field can provide insider knowledge and opportunities that you won’t find on typical job boards.
✨Utilise Your University’s Resources
If you’re freshly graduated or still studying, make the most of your university's careers service. They often have exclusive partnerships with companies like Walsall Council and can help you get your foot in the door for these full-time public sector roles.
✨Stay Updated with Government Initiatives
Keep your finger on the pulse regarding new government projects and policies. Understanding current initiatives can give you a leg up in interviews, showing that you are informed and genuinely interested in making a difference in the public sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Culture Creative Industries & Visitor Economy- Ref: EE08826 in Walsall
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Experience:In the public sector, having experience in community engagement, policy analysis, or project management stands out. Make sure to showcase any previous roles or volunteer work that reflects your understanding of public service values and how they've shaped your career path.
Showcase Your Knowledge of the Sector:When you’re applying for a government role, it’s crucial to demonstrate your understanding of the current political landscape and public policies. Consider including articles you've written or relevant projects that underline your capability to engage with these concepts effectively.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Core Competencies:Government positions often require a clear demonstration of competencies such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Try to structure your CV to highlight these skills, using specific examples of how you’ve applied them in past experiences, ideally with quantifiable outcomes where possible.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell your story and convey your passion for public service. Discuss why you want to work for Walsall Council and how your values align with their mission. Be genuine and let your enthusiasm shine through—this can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Walsall Council
✨Get to Know Public Sector Values
Before your interview with Walsall Council, dig deep into their mission and values, especially how they align with public service and community impact. Understand the key policies or initiatives they are involved in – you’ll want to show that you genuinely care about serving the community.
✨Brush Up on Regulatory Knowledge
Brush up on the regulations, laws, and compliance standards relevant to the role you’re applying for. Since this is the government and public sector, they might throw technical questions related to policy frameworks or project management best practices that you'll need to navigate day-to-day.
✨Highlight Teamwork and Collaboration
The government sector thrives on collaboration. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully worked in diverse teams or involved stakeholders in your projects. Show us how you bring people together to get a common goal achieved – that's what public service is all about!
✨Prepare Real-Life Examples
Craft a few STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) stories that demonstrate your experience in similar roles. Whether it’s a project that made a difference in the community or a challenging situation you managed, be ready to express how your skills and experiences make you a valuable asset for Walsall Council.
