Deputy Director (Maternity Cover)

Institution: Southwark Park Galleries
Location: 1 Park Approach, Southwark Park, London SE16 2UA, UK
Contract: Full-time, 12-month fixed-term contract (starting September 2026)
Working Hours: 40 hours per week (9am–5pm), some evenings and weekends with TOIL
Salary: £41,217 (PAYE + pension contribution)
Annual Leave: 28 days (excluding UK Bank & Public Holidays)
Probation Period: 3 months
Application Deadline: 18 June 2026 (midnight)
Interviews: 30 June 2026 (second interview: 7 July 2026 if required)
Start Date: 7 September 2026 (with 2–3 handover days in August)

The Deputy Director (Maternity Cover) is a senior leadership role at Southwark Park Galleries, supporting the Director and Board of Trustees in delivering the organisation’s artistic, strategic, and operational development. The role spans programme leadership, fundraising, financial oversight, HR support, and external representation across local, national, and international contexts.

Southwark Park Galleries is an interdisciplinary arts organisation based across two venues in South London and a community garden, with a programme focused on experimental practice, public engagement, and the intersection of art and nature. The organisation operates as a registered charity and Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation.

About the Institution

Southwark Park Galleries was founded in 1984 and is based in Southwark Park, London. It operates across a deconsecrated Grade II listed church, a purpose-built gallery space, and a community garden. The organisation commissions experimental work by emerging and established artists and delivers public programmes that connect art, nature, and community wellbeing.

The organisation works locally, nationally, and internationally, with a strong focus on inclusion, accessibility, and socially engaged practice. It is part of the Arts Council England National Portfolio and is committed to expanding its civic and cultural role within Southwark and beyond.

About the Role

The Deputy Director supports the Director in leading the organisation’s strategic, artistic, and operational delivery. The role combines high-level programme oversight with fundraising, financial management, governance, HR, and external relations. It also includes direct involvement in exhibitions, partnerships, and institutional development.

The position plays a key role in ensuring the delivery of exhibitions and public programmes, maintaining financial sustainability, and strengthening partnerships across the cultural sector while supporting the organisation’s EDI and sustainability commitments.

Key Responsibilities

Deputy Leadership

• Support the Director in organisational leadership and strategic planning
• Represent the organisation externally when required
• Develop and maintain national and international partnerships
• Act as liaison with the Board of Trustees, including reporting and administration
• Support business planning and organisational development
• Maintain institutional values, mission, and identity

Programme Management

• Lead and support the delivery of exhibitions and public programmes
• Oversee project management, budgets, and timelines
• Manage relationships with artists, curators, and partners
• Oversee press, PR, and communications strategies
• Support touring exhibitions and publication production
• Contribute to public engagement and archive strategy development

Fundraising & Finance

• Support fundraising strategy development and income generation
• Contribute to Arts Council England reporting and applications
• Write and support funding applications to trusts and foundations
• Manage relationships with funders, sponsors, and donors
• Monitor and manage programme budgets and organisational finances
• Support financial reporting and insurance management

HR & Policy

• Support recruitment, onboarding, and staff development
• Act as first point of contact for HR queries
• Maintain organisational policies and procedures
• Support EDI strategy and responsible recruitment practices
• Coordinate appraisal and team development processes

Other Responsibilities

• Office management and administrative coordination
• Maintain secure and confidential information systems
• Support diary management and project scheduling
• Undertake additional duties as required by Director or Trustees

Requirements

Essential

• Strong knowledge of contemporary and interdisciplinary art practice
• Experience in exhibition and arts programme delivery
• Proven project management skills
• Experience in fundraising and bid writing
• Financial management and budget oversight experience
• Strong communication and editorial skills
• Experience managing teams and staff
• Strong sector networks in arts and culture
• Ability to manage multiple projects under pressure
• Commitment to EDI and sustainability principles
• Ability to work evenings, weekends, and attend external events

Desirable

• Experience in charitable arts organisations
• Experience with touring exhibitions
• Knowledge of Arts Council England NPO reporting
• Experience in HR and governance processes
• Experience developing diverse income streams