Careers

Head of Cross Arts Planning and Strategic Operations
(HCAPSO)
Location: Barbican Centre, City of London
Salary: £66,190 - £75,010 per annum, inclusive of Inner London Weighting
Contract: Full-Time (35 hours per week) | Fixed Term Contract (18-24 months)

The Barbican is a multidisciplinary international arts centre in the City of London. Across its theatres, concert halls, cinemas, galleries, business venues, public and community spaces, the Barbican showcases the most exciting artists and performers from around the world, pushing traditional artistic boundaries and helping us understand our lives in new and unexpected ways. Each year, the Centre presents hundreds of different performances, events and exhibitions that entertain and inspire millions of people, create connections, provoke debate, and reflect the world we live in. Firmly rooted in its neighbourhood, the Barbican collaborates on projects with local communities, and supports young people and emerging talent to develop their artistic practice and access jobs in the creative industry.

About the Role
We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Head of Cross Arts Planning and Strategic Operations (HCAPSO) to play a pivotal role in driving our cross-arts strategy and shaping the future of artistic collaboration at one of the UK’s leading arts institutions.

Purpose of role
This role will play a key planning and strategic coordination role spanning across Music, Theatre, VA, Cinema, Immersive and Creative Collaboration .
As HCAPSO, you will work closely with the Director of Arts and Participation (DAP) and the Heads of Departments (Arts and Participation) to support long-lead planning and Operations across the directorate, support cross-arts Operations, and deputise for the DAP at key meetings. This is a strategic, relationship-driven position that focuses on Operations and acts as an enabler for the Directorate and across departments.

Key responsibilities include:
•    Leading on the Cross Arts budget and supporting the delivery of innovative commissions and programmes.
•    Leading internal cross-arts meetings and ensuring the DAP is informed and supported.
•    Overseeing financial planning, risk management, and compliance with the City Corporation’s financial regulations.
•    Driving effective communication and collaboration across art forms, departments, and with external partners.
•    Chairing cross-arts programming meetings and leading seasonal planning with Marketing.
•    Identifying opportunities for strategic change and audience engagement.

Who We’re Looking For
We are seeking a dynamic and collaborative leader with:
•    Strong experience in arts administration and strategic operations.
•    Excellent budget and risk management skills.
•    The ability to build trusted relationships across multiple stakeholder groups.
•    A commitment to widening access to the arts and supporting inclusive, equitable programming.
•    An understanding of the cultural landscape and the confidence to advise at a senior level.

Why Join Us?
As HCAPSO, you’ll have the opportunity to support the Operations of ambitious cross-arts initiatives that reach diverse audiences and make a lasting impact. As this is a newly-created position, you’ll have the opportunity to  define this role in order to fully meet its purpose.
 

We offer a wide range of employee benefits, including flexible working, annual pay progression and an annual pay review, a generous pension scheme, season ticket loan and cycle to work schemes, free access to museums and galleries, discounts on retail, healthcare and on-site cafes and restaurants. You will have access to Employee Assistance Programme, trained Mental Health First aiders and City of London employee networks.