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 The Head of Arts is the most senior representative of Arts in the country and represents our work in Arts and creative industries externally. They lead the implementation of Arts and Creative Industry programmes funded by British Council grant, partners or client-funders through Art in Action and Creative Growth. They lead a small specialist Arts team, manage sector relationships and provide Arts and Creative Industries expertise to the Country Director and Global Arts Management Team. # Role Context Cultural Engagement (CE) is one of two global strategic departments within the British Council, bringing together Arts, Education, English & School Education and research. With approximately 1000 staff globally and income of £200 million in 2024/25, CE delivers impact through research, sector engagement, policy dialogue and commercial and Grant and Partnership Funded work. Our Arts teams work globally with the arts and culture sectors to create impact, connection, peace and prosperity through Art in Action and Creative Growth. In Brazil, the British Council works through the Associação Conselho Británico. The role requires an understanding of the legal, fiscal and regulatory processes linked to the British Council’s status in Brazil. # Role Accountabilities ### Leadership & Management * Leads the country Arts portfolio and a small specialist Arts team. * Ensures global standards in programme and contract management and acts as Senior Responsible Officer for selected projects. * Monitors impact, evaluation, learning and reporting against strategic and FCDO indicators. * Champions EDI, anti-racism and continuous professional development. ### Strategy & Sector Leadership * Leads planning and strategic development of the country Arts portfolio. * Contributes to global Arts strategy and leads project design, delivery and closure. * Provides expert insight on arts and creative industries in Brazil and UK sector priorities. * Identifies opportunities for UK Arts sector collaboration and represents the British Council as a credible authority. ### Relationship & Stakeholder Management * Builds and maintains relationships with funders, partners, government and creative and cultural sector stakeholders. * Leads senior stakeholder relationships and represents the British Council externally and internally. * Builds strong internal relationships across Arts, CE and the wider organisation. ### Brand & Business Development * Promotes the diversity and value of the UK arts and creative industries sector in Brazil. * Identifies business development opportunities and owns the country pipeline. * Leads or supports proposals, negotiations and quality assurance. * Ensures legal, financial, procurement, contract and reporting compliance. ### Programme & Financial Management * Oversees delivery of the country programme management plan and Arts portfolio finances. * Manages risks, contractual obligations, procurement, grants and due diligence. * Uses market and customer insight to ensure the portfolio is relevant, demand-led and aligned with British Council and FCDO objectives. # Experience ### Essential * Specialist knowledge of current trends and practices in arts and creative industry in Brazil. * Experience leading impactful, high-value national/international arts projects. * Active and diverse sector network. * Experience leading teams and championing inclusion and diversity of thought. * Experience maintaining effective programme/project governance. * Experience building partnerships with arts and culture stakeholders, including government and funding partners. ### Desirable * Understanding and appreciation of current arts trends and practices in the UK. Work Mode This is an onsite role. We need candidates who are comfortable to work from office minimum of 3 days in a week. Location- São Paulo # Language * Portuguese – native or professional competency. * Written and verbal proficiency in English is required. Important Information Location- Brazil Contract Type- IDC Pay Band- 8 Closing Date: 8th September 23.59 IST 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. 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