Head of Arts, Western Balkans

We support peace and prosperity by building connections, understanding and trust between people in the UK and countries worldwide. For 90 years we have shaped brighter futures through education, arts, culture, language, and creativity. Working with people in over 200 countries and territories, we are on the ground in more than 100 countries. We connect. We inspire. The Role The Head of Arts is the most senior representative of Arts in the country, representing the British Council’s work across the arts and creative industries externally. They lead the delivery of Arts and Creative Industries programmes funded through British Council grants, partners and clients, across the global programmes Art in Action and Creative Growth. The role leads a small specialist Arts team, manages sector partners and stakeholders, provides country-level arts and creative industries expertise, and contributes strategic insight to the Country Director. As a member of both the country leadership team and the Global Arts Management Team, the Head of Arts works closely with global programme and artform leads, as well as colleagues across other countries, to influence decision-making and strengthen the impact of global Arts and Cultural Engagement. Cultural Engagement is a global strategic department of the British Council, bringing together Arts, Education, English, School Education and research, with around 1,000 colleagues globally and income of approximately £200 million in 2024/25. The Arts teams work across the UK and international network to build connections through the arts and contribute to peace and prosperity. Art in Action connects UK and international artists and creative organisations, supports collaboration, market access and representation of under-represented groups, while Creative Growth focuses on inclusive and sustainable economic growth and innovation across the creative and cultural industries. The Western Balkans Cluster operates as an integrated regional team across all six countries, with established offices in Serbia, Albania and Bosnia and Herzegovina and remote operations elsewhere, requiring regular travel throughout the region. Main responsibilities Leadership & Management: Leads the country Arts portfolio and a small specialist Arts team, ensuring programmes meet global standards, agreed impact measures, and Cultural Engagement and FCDO KPIs. Acts as Senior Responsible Officer for selected programmes and projects, promotes an inclusive culture and supports continuous professional development. Strategy & Planning: Leads planning and strategic development of the country Arts portfolio, contributing to global Arts strategy and overseeing the design, delivery and closure of programmes. Identifies opportunities to use digital products, services and channels to increase impact and sustainability. Sector Expertise: Provides expert knowledge and insight on the country’s arts and creative industries to shape relevant, demand-led global programmes. Maintains an understanding of UK arts sector priorities and HMG/FCDO objectives, represents the British Council as a credible sector authority, and identifies opportunities for UK artists and organisations to collaborate internationally. Stakeholder & Relationship Management: Builds and maintains strong relationships with funders, partners, government, cultural institutions and creative sector leaders to identify opportunities, influence agendas and enable artistic collaboration and cultural exchange. Represents the British Council at senior external and internal forums and works across Arts, Cultural Engagement and the wider organisation to align strategic objectives. Brand & Business Development: Promotes the diversity and value of the UK arts and creative industries sector, using market and customer insight to strengthen the British Council’s positioning. Develops strategic partnerships and business opportunities, manages the country pipeline, and leads or supports proposals, negotiations and client communications while ensuring legal, financial, procurement and contractual compliance. Programme & Financial Management: Oversees successful delivery of the country Arts programme, including budgets, financial management, procurement, grants, due diligence, contracts, risks and issues. Ensures effective programme monitoring, evaluation, reporting and compliance across the portfolio. Role specific knowledge and experience Minimum/essential * Specialist knowledge and understanding of current trends and practices in arts and creative industry in the country * Experience of leading impactful high value national/ international arts projects * Active and up-to-date network of diverse sector contacts * Experience of leading teams and championing inclusion and diversity of thought * Experience of maintaining effective external and internal programme/project governance structures * Experience of building partnerships with a diverse range of arts and culture stakeholders in country - including governmental and funding partners (trusts, foundations, institutional donors) Desirable * Understanding and appreciation of current arts trends and practices in the UK Language Requirements * The British Council systems and global processes operate in English. Written and verbal proficiency in English is required. Proficiency in one of the Western Balkans countries languages is required. Education * Degree or equivalent experience in relevant subject Professional Qualification and Certification * Desirable: Qualification in arts management/leadership British Council | Pay Band 8 Location: Belgrade, Serbia Department: Cultural Engagement -Arts Contract: Indefinite Contract Apply by: Wednesday, September 23rd (23:59 local time) Interview Window: Week commencing 5 October, most likely Monday or Tuesday, subject to candidate and panel availability. The role will involve regular travel across the Western Balkans, as required, as well as travel to the UK when necessary. Please note: Candidates must have the pre-existing legal right to work in Serbia, where the role is based, at the time of application. Mobility / relocation / visa sponsoring support will not be provided. British Council supports working in new ways such as hybrid working, subject to full approval by line management and conditional upon our ability to provide the appropriate level of service. This may not be appropriate for all roles but can be explored at interview. 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