Head of Arts and Creative Industries

As a valued employee of the British Council, you already help us deliver our mission to support peace and prosperity by building connections, understanding and trust between people in the UK and countries worldwide. For over 90 years we have shaped brighter futures through education, arts, culture, language, and creativity.

You are part of our organisation in over 200 countries and territories and where we are on the ground in more than 100 countries.

We connect. We inspire.

Role Purpose

As the Head of Arts and Creative Industries, you will be the most senior representative of Arts in Brazil, representing the British Council’s work across Arts and Creative Industries. You will lead the delivery of Arts and Creative Industries programmes funded by the British Council, partners and clients through the global Art in Action and Creative Growth programmes.

You will lead a specialist Arts team, build strategic relationships with key sector partners and stakeholders, and provide expert insight on the Arts and Creative Industries landscape in Brazil. As a member of the country leadership team and Global Arts Management Team, you will work across the global network to influence decision-making, share best practice and identify opportunities for collaboration and growth.

Role Accountabilities

Leadership & Management

• Lead the country Arts portfolio, ensuring high-quality delivery and compliance with global programme and contract standards.
• Lead and develop a specialist Arts team, providing direction, support and opportunities for professional development.
• Act as Senior Responsible Officer for selected Arts projects and programmes.
• Monitor portfolio impact, ensuring effective monitoring, evaluation, learning and reporting against strategic and FCDO priorities.
• Champion Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) and contribute to an inclusive, anti-racist organisational culture.

Strategy & Planning

• Lead the planning and strategic development of the country Arts portfolio in alignment with global Arts priorities.
• Lead the design, development, delivery and closure of projects and programmes.
• Contribute to the development of the global Arts business strategy.
• Explore the use of digital products, services and channels to increase portfolio impact and sustainability.

Sector & Subject Expertise

• Provide specialist knowledge and insight on Arts and Creative Industries in Brazil to inform programme development and delivery.
• Maintain a strong understanding of UK Arts and Creative Industries priorities, as well as FCDO and wider HMG priorities.
• Represent the British Council as a credible and recognised authority in Arts and Creative Industries.
• Identify opportunities for UK Arts organisations and professionals to collaborate with peers and partners in Brazil.

Relationship & Stakeholder Management

• Build and maintain strategic relationships with funders, partners, government and key creative and cultural sector stakeholders.
• Develop a broad and diverse network to support artistic collaboration, cultural exchange and creative economy opportunities.
• Lead relationships with senior stakeholders and represent the British Council at senior external forums.
• Build strong internal relationships across Arts, Cultural Engagement and the wider organisation to achieve strategic objectives.

Brand & Market Positioning

• Promote and position the diversity and excellence of the UK Arts and Creative Industries sector in Brazil.
• Strengthen the British Council’s value proposition and reputation as a trusted partner.
• Bring market and customer insights into programme development to ensure the offer remains relevant, demand-led and aligned with British Council and FCDO objectives.
• Support communications that showcase the impact of the Arts portfolio.

Business Development

• Build relationships with strategic clients and partners and identify new business development opportunities.
• Own and manage the country Arts pipeline, ensuring high-quality pipeline data and documentation.
• Lead, develop and quality-assure proposals and support negotiations for new opportunities.
• Ensure compliance across legal, finance, procurement, contract management and reporting requirements.

Programme Management

• Lead the development, monitoring and successful delivery of the country programme management plan.
• Oversee the Arts portfolio finances and manage complex financial information.
• Manage risks and issues and ensure appropriate mitigation and escalation.
• Oversee contractual obligations, procurement, grants management and due diligence.

Experience

· Essential

• Specialist knowledge and understanding of current trends and practices in Arts and Creative Industries in Brazil.
• Experience leading impactful, high-value national and/or international Arts projects.
• An active and up-to-date network of diverse sector contacts.
• Experience leading teams and championing inclusion and diversity of thought.
• Experience maintaining effective external and internal programme/project governance structures.
• Experience building partnerships with a diverse range of Arts and Culture stakeholders, including government and funding partners.

· Desirable

• Understanding and appreciation of current Arts trends and practices in the UK.

Language

• Excellent written and spoken English.
• Portuguese – native or professional competency.

Additional Job Requirements

Background Checks- Employment with the British Council is subject to satisfactory background checks, both before appointment and periodically during employment, as required. The nature and level of checks will depend on the role and applicable local laws.

Proof of Identity & Right to Work- Applicants must have the legal right to work in the country where the role is based at the time of application and for the duration of employment. Visa sponsorship, immigration support and relocation assistance are not provided for this role. Applications are welcome from candidates currently based in the recruiting country and other British Council country offices, provided they meet the right-to-work requirement.

Important Information

Location- Brazil

Contract Type- IDC

Pay Band- 8

Work Mode- 3 days work from office, Sao Paulo

Closing Date: 8th September 23.59 IST

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