We support peace and prosperity by building connections, understanding and trust between people in the UK and countries worldwide. For 90 years we have shaped brighter futures through education, arts, culture, language, and creativity.
Working with people in over 200 countries and territories, we are on the ground in more than 100 countries.
We connect. We inspire.
Role Context
The Head of Arts is the senior lead for Arts and Creative Industries in-country, representing the organisation externally and leading the planning and delivery of Arts programmes. They provide strategic sector expertise, manage key stakeholder relationships, and may lead a small Arts team. Working closely with the Country Director, Global Arts colleagues, and country leadership, they drive collaboration, share best practice, influence decision-making, and identify opportunities for multi-country programmes and income generation.
About Cultural Engagement (CE)
Cultural Engagement (CE) is one of the British Council's two global strategic business units, delivering Arts, Education, English & School Education, and Research programmes worldwide. The Arts team delivers impact through two global programmes: Art in Action, which supports international artistic collaboration, and Creative Growth, which strengthens creative economies through sector development and partnerships.
Regional Context
Main Accountabilities
Leadership & Management
Leads the day-to-day delivery of the country Arts portfolio, ensuring programme quality and compliance with global standards. Manages a small Arts team and oversees financial performance and governance. Embeds Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) and anti-racist practices across programmes and ways of working.
Strategy & Planning
Leads planning and delivery of the country Arts portfolio aligned with global strategy. Contributes to global Arts strategy and oversees the full programme lifecycle. Drives digital integration to maximise programme impact, reach, and sustainability.
Sector Leadership
Provides expert Arts and Creative Industries insight to shape programmes aligned with local, UK sector, and HMG priorities. Represents the British Council as a trusted Arts leader, building strategic relationships with stakeholders, funders, and partners. Creates opportunities for collaboration between UK and local arts and creative sectors.
Relationship & Stakeholders
Builds and maintains strategic relationships across the arts, creative, cultural, and institutional sectors. Represents the British Council Arts internally and externally, promoting collaboration and cultural exchange. Works across Cultural Engagement to align partnerships and deliver strategic objectives.
Brand and market positioning
Promotes the UK arts and creative industries while strengthening the British Council's reputation and mission. Provides market insights to shape relevant, demand-led programmes aligned with British Council and FCDO priorities. Contributes to communications that showcase the impact of the country Arts portfolio.
Business development
Contributes to business and partnership development for the portfolio, aligning with country, Arts and CE priorities, systems and processes.
Programme management
Leads delivery of country Arts programmes tailored to local needs in collaboration with global teams. Oversees portfolio finances, contracts, procurement, grants, governance, and compliance. Manages delivery partners, consultants, and supply chain performance to ensure successful programme delivery.
Work Experience
Essentials
Desirables
Important Information
A connected and trusted UK in a more connected and trusted world.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Statement
We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcome applications from all sections of the community as we believe that a diverse workforce gives added depth to our work. The British Council is a Disability Confident Employer. The Disability Confident scheme helps challenge attitudes, increase understanding of disability and ensure staff are drawn from the widest possible pool of talent. We guarantee an interview for disabled applicants who meet the minimum role requirements. We welcome discussions about specific requirements or adjustments to enable participation and engagement in our work and activities.
Safeguarding Statement
The British Council is committed to safeguarding children, young people and adults who we work with. We believe that all children and adults everywhere in the world deserve to live in safe environments and have the right to be protected from all forms of abuse, maltreatment and exploitation as set out in article 19, UNCRC (United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child) 1989. Appointment to positions where there is direct involvement with vulnerable groups will be dependent on thorough checks being completed in line with legal requirements and with the British Council’s Safeguarding policies for Adults and Children.
If you experience any difficulties with submitting your application, please email askhr@britishcouncil.org
We support peace and prosperity by building connections, understanding and trust between people in the UK and countries worldwide.
We uniquely combine the UK’s deep expertise in arts and culture, education and the English language, our global presence and relationships in over 100 countries, our unparalleled access to young people and influencers and our creative sparkle.
We work directly with individuals to help them gain the skills, confidence and connections to transform their lives and shape a better world in partnership with the UK. We support them to build networks and explore creative ideas, to learn English, to get a high-quality education and to gain internationally recognised qualifications.
For more information, please visit: http://www.britishcouncil.org
