Cultural Development Lead

About you

We are seeking an experienced and strategically-minded cultural leader, working closely with our Head of Culture to guide the delivery of the city's Cultural Strategy and Action Plan 2026-2031.

This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in shaping how culture contributes to Exeter's future as a creative, connected and confident city. Working across sectors and communities, you will help champion culture's role in strengthening sense of place, supporting creativity and improving quality of life for residents, whilst building Exeter's profile and reputation within the regional, national and international cultural landscape.

You will bring significant experience of leading cultural programmes, partnerships and strategic initiatives, alongside a strong understanding of cultural policy, placemaking and the opportunities and challenges facing the cultural sector. You will be a skilled project manager, able to navigate complexity, connect ideas and people, and turn strategic ambition into meaningful action.

At the heart of this role is collaboration. You will work closely within the City Council across services, with cultural organisations, artists, communities, businesses, funders, and public sector partners to build shared ownership of the strategy and support collective action towards its ambitions. You will be confident convening diverse stakeholders, fostering productive relationships and creating the conditions for growth, learning and long-term impact.

We are looking for someone who can think creatively and strategically, influence and inspire others around a shared vision for culture in Exeter. You will combine excellent organisational skills with a commitment to quality, ensuring programmes, partnerships and investments are effectively managed and deliver tangible outcomes for the city and its communities.

Experience of managing budgets, funding agreements, governance arrangements, and impact monitoring is essential, together with a commitment for culture's ability to enrich places, strengthen communities and contribute to a thriving and distinctive city.

About the role

As Cultural Development Lead, you will play a key role in shaping Exeter's cultural future. You will facilitate the delivery of the Cultural Strategy 2026-2031.

Working closely with partners across the city, region and nationally, you will coordinate strategic cultural networks, advocate for investment in the cultural sector and help secure opportunities that deliver environmental, social and economic benefits.

You will oversee partnership-led cultural programmes, support Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisations, maintain Exeter's UNESCO City of Literature designation and help ensure culture contributes to wider Council priorities including wellbeing, placemaking, housing and city development.

About the team

You will be part of our Culture Service within the Place Directorate and work closely with the Head of Culture and a broad range of internal and external partners.

The team works across the city to support cultural development, strengthen partnerships, promote creativity and deliver initiatives that enhance Exeter as a vibrant and inclusive place to live, work and visit. This role offers an exciting opportunity to influence the city's cultural direction and support the delivery of long-term strategic ambitions.

What next?

If we sound like the right fit for you and you feel like the right fit for us we would welcome your application. Please click on the Apply button at the bottom of this page.

Alternatively if you would like to find out more about the post, the team or working with us at the Council please contact Emily Williams, Head of Service - Culture at emily.williams@exeter.gov.uk

We reserve the right to close any vacancy before the closing date if enough applications are received.

Our commitment

At Exeter City Council we are fully committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce to reflect the communities we serve.

To support this commitment we will strive to implement reasonable adjustments to support any members of our communities who face barriers in recruitment processes, irrespective of the reason.

We are also proud to be a Disability Confident Employer and have committed to guaranteeing an interview to anyone with a disability whose application meets the minimum criteria for the post.