Closing date for applications: 20 October 2025
Salary: £90,000 - £100,000 per annum
Contract type: Permanent, full-time – 37 hours per week. Hybrid working options available, however there is an expectation to be onsite a minimum of three days per week
Lead an award-winning art gallery into its next chapter by shaping its strategic vision and championing artistic excellence.
The Hepworth Wakefield has welcomed over 3 million visitors since opening in May 2011 and is now established as one of the most successful public art galleries in the UK, attracting critical acclaim and audiences from around the world. We present an ambitious programme of major exhibitions of the best international modern and contemporary art, alongside innovative displays drawn from Wakefield’s growing art collection.
The Hepworth Wakefield is seeking an experienced, inspirational and entrepreneurial leader to guide the gallery into its next chapter. Reporting to the chair of the trust board, the director & CEO will set the strategic vision, drive financial sustainability, and champion artistic excellence, community engagement, and commercial growth.
Responsibilities
- Strategic leadership - develop and implement the gallery's vision, ensuring sustainability, innovation and compliance, while maximising the potential of its collection and site
- Team leadership - lead and inspire the executive team and wider staff, fostering a dynamic, inclusive and collaborative working culture with a strong focus on professional development
- Stakeholder management & advocacy - build and nurture relationships with funders, partners and cultural leaders at local, national and international levels, acting as a compelling advocate for the gallery
- Fundraising - drive ambitious fundraising strategies, cultivating relationships with trusts, foundations, donors and corporate partners to secure long-term support
- Collection & exhibitions - support the exhibitions programme and acquisitions strategy, promoting Barbara Hepworth's legacy and strengthening the gallery's reputation for artistic excellence
- Financial management - oversee robust financial planning and performance, working closely with the board and director of finance & operations to align budgets with strategic goals
- Community engagement - ensure the gallery remains rooted in its locality, championing learning and engagement programmes that broaden participation and strengthen community impact
- Communications, marketing & digital - guide brand development, digital strategy and audience growth, expanding the gallery's reach and supporting data-driven decision-making
- Commercial development - lead the commercial strategy, ensuring innovation and entrepreneurial approaches generate income while staying true to the gallery's cultural mission
Knowledge, skills & experience
- Senior leadership experience in a cultural or arts organisation
- Strong curatorial expertise in modern and contemporary art
- Track record in strategic planning, fundraising and stakeholder engagement
- Excellent communication, advocacy and networking skills
- Proven ability to inspire, motivate and lead diverse teams
- Entrepreneurial vision to diversify and grow income streams
- Commitment to inclusivity, community engagement and the public value of the arts
Candidates must live, or be willing to relocate, within a reasonable distance of The Hepworth Wakefield. Relocation assistance may be agreed, depending on the circumstances. For more details, including how to apply, please click the 'Apply' button.
We are committed to improving diversity within our organisation, and welcome applications from candidates who are under-represented within the arts sector.
Please state in your application that you found this role through Creative Access.
Level of experience
- Senior