Position Details

• Title: Arts Director
• Reporting to: Joint Managing Directors
• Terms: Full-time, permanent
• Salary: £40k – £50k (depending on experience)
• Office Base: Sunny Bank Mills, Farsley, Pudsey, West Yorkshire, LS28 5UJ
• Hours: 37½ hours per week
• Holidays: 20 + 8 statutory days (Under review)
• Pension: Auto enrolment pension with NEST
• Probationary Period: Six months
• Additional Benefits:
  • Mobile phone
  • Laptop
  • Car parking space
  • Staff shopping discount in the Gallery shop
  • Free attendance at internal workshops, space permitting

Role Overview

As the Arts Director, you will be responsible for leading the planning, curation, organization, and delivery of the arts program at Sunny Bank Mills. Your key objectives include increasing audiences, community engagement, and income, as well as promoting and supporting the development of creative practitioners.

Main Responsibilities

Strategic Responsibilities:

• Lead the planning, organization, and delivery of the exhibition, associated event, and workshop program.
• Select, communicate with, and coordinate artists.
• Plan, install, and interpret appealing and accessible exhibitions.
• Manage the administrative processes supporting exhibitions/events and the creative program.
• Coordinate programming in other art spaces across the mills, such as the 1912 mill space and Outdoor Gallery.
• Collaborate with the Communications Director, Events Coordinator, and external providers to produce promotional and marketing materials.
• Network and build relationships within the creative community, including attending exhibitions and creative events.
• Promote diversity and equal opportunities within Sunny Bank Mills.
• Seek funding opportunities and prepare project funding bids for exhibitions and commissions.

Management Responsibilities:

• Line manage the Gallery team, including the Engagement Coordinator, Events Coordinator, and Retail and Workshop Coordinator.
• Manage the shop and tearoom, including merchandise procurement.
• Oversee studio spaces, including liaison with existing and recruitment of new studio holders.
• Lead two Open Studios events per year.
• Manage arts equipment and space hire, including the development of arts spaces and equipment packages.
• Report to and collaborate with the senior management team.

Person Specification

Are you the dynamic, accessible, commercial, imaginative, inspirational, flexible, and responsible Arts Director we’re looking for?

Essential Qualifications and Skills:

• Extensive experience in curating, planning, and delivering exhibition programs.
• Education: Degree level or equivalent experience.
• Creative thinker with excellent communication skills.
• Working knowledge of contemporary art and craft practice.
• Experience in team management.
• Budget creation and management experience.
• Ability to manage multiple projects with different team members and prioritize.
• Strong time management skills and attention to detail.
• Willingness to work some weekends and evenings.

Desirable Qualifications and Skills:

• Experience in writing and managing funding bids, particularly ACE and Leeds Inspired.
• Knowledge of equal opportunities within the arts.
• Familiarity with retail management and procurement.
• DBS certificate.
• Driving license.

Apply Now

If you meet the qualifications and have the passion for this role, apply online for the Arts Director position at Sunny Bank Mills.

Application Deadline:1 October 2023 Salary: £40k – £50k per annum (depending on experience)

Note: This role does not qualify for Museum sponsorship; the successful postholder must have a valid right to work in the UK at the offer point.