AddressWORK WITH US
Head of Communications
12 month FTC
Job information pack
Lead our communications team through a year of exciting change, including a major capital
project, brand refresh, and new website. Develop and champion the Gallery's brand while
overseeing marketing, press, and digital communications.
OUTLINE
Job Title: Head of Communications
Working hours: Full-time; 37.5 hours per week* (we are also open to candidates who
wish to work part time)
Term: 12 months, maternity cover
Salary range: (Band E) £48,000-£52,000 dependent on experience
Department: Communications
Reports to: Deputy Director
Direct reports: PR and Marketing Manager, Digital Marketing Manager
Application deadline: Monday 8 April 2024
ABOUT THE GALLERY
Dulwich Picture Gallery is an internationally renowned art gallery and registered charity which has made
great art accessible for the public ever since it opened its doors and set the blueprint for museums in
1817. With an iconic collection of European masterpieces and a dynamic programme of exhibitions,
events, and community initiatives, we are passionate about engaging audiences and bringing art to life
within our vibrant and creative spaces.
THE ROLE
The Head of Communications will lead and give strategic direction to the Communications Department,
taking ultimate responsibility for all marketing and media relations activities within the Gallery. The post
will ensure effective and timely communication of the Gallery’s full programme implementing targeted
campaigns to engage audiences and drive attendance.
This is a hugely exciting opportunity for a communications expert as you will also oversee a brand
refresh and new website as well as strategic comms for the transformational capital project Open Art.
You will be supported by a team of four, supplemented by specialist design, digital and editorial
agencies and contractors.
ABOUT YOU
You will have a strong track record in communications and marketing, with experience in brand and
digital transformation, campaigns and audience expansion. A passion for the arts is essential. You will
be highly creative and collaborative, and an effective leader, with the ability to oversee multiple projects
and channels.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Leadership
- Develop an ongoing communications strategy which supports the Gallery’s mission, aims
- Lead a team of four communications professionals
- Develop and maintain internal and external partnerships to maximise the reach and impact
- Maintain effective team working across the Communications team and a sense of shared
- Liaise closely with the Gallery’s Senior Leadership Team (SLT)
- Manage the communications budget, including budgets for specific campaigns. Ensure
- Play an active role on the Gallery’s programming group, and support in forecasting visitor
- Undertake staff reviews and manage staff performance
Strategic Communications
- Oversee communications strategy, plans and campaigns, using press, web, social media,
the widest possible audience and that priority audiences are targeted effectively
- With support from the PR Manager, and editor, ensure the smooth running of the Gallery’s
- Develop new press and marketing strategies and identify opportunities to grow income
- Oversee the content, design and implementation of internal and external signage for the
- Contribute knowledge and research to inform strategic decisions for the organisation.
Brand Development and Management
- Lead and manage a brand refresh exercise for the Gallery, reflecting the organisation’s
- Lead the communications strategy for Open Art – the Gallery’s transformational capital
- Work closely with the Head of Development to lead a public appeal for Open Art
- Working closely with the Digital Marketing Manager and selected agency, oversee the
- Once in place, manage and champion the Gallery’s brand
- Ensure the Gallery’s brand is reflected in all aspects of communication
CRM, Digital and Audience Research
- Oversee the Gallery’s Relationship Management strategy, with a large focus on the
- Ensure continued investment of time and money in the development of Tessitura
- Ensure the continued running of user and visitor research is in place including digital, using
- Support the Digital Marketing Manager on the development and launch of a new website.
- Oversee the Gallery’s digital work, driving innovation and ensuring effective allocation of
budget and resources.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Essential
- Significant experience in a senior marketing, communications or PR role
- Leadership and management skills and experience, and experience in leading and
- Demonstrable understanding of the press and media landscape for the cultural sector
- Management of successful rebranding projects
- Strong interest and empathy with the activities and mission of Dulwich Picture Gallery
- Excellent communication skills; tact, confidence, and maturity to liaise with a wide range of
- A comprehensive understanding of strategic marketing and, and an ability to juggle short-
- A high level of digital understanding
- A sound understanding of the strategic use of CRM and ticketing systems to build
- Outstanding written, visual and oral communication skills for a range of audiences.
- Project and budget management
- Experience working with Tessitura
- Authoritative knowledge and experience of the full marketing mix in the arts or culture
- Experience briefing and managing external agencies/working with consultants
ADDITIONAL INFO AND HOW TO APPLY
Annual Leave: 25 days’ holiday per year, statutory Bank Holidays. The Gallery also offers all staff
two discretionary bonus days as well as their birthday as annual leave.
Salary:
£48,000-£52,000 dependent on experience
Benefits
- While this role is predominantly office based, hybrid working can be requested
- Discount in the Gallery shop and café
- Interest free season ticket loan and cycle to work scheme
- Part of the reciprocal arrangement with free entry to many museums and galleries across
- The Gallery auto enrols employees into a pension scheme in accordance with Part 1 of the
Pensions Act 2008
How to apply:
Please send your CV and a covering letter outlining your suitability and why you are interested in
the role to recruitment: recruitment@dulwichpicturegallery.org.uk
Please also complete the Gallery’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion monitoring form.
The deadline for applications is Monday 8 April 2024. Interviews are expected to take place the
week after.
We welcome any questions regarding the role. Please email as above. We are happy to support
with additional resources and adjustments to make applying for this role easier. In your application
please let us know how we can support you; this will not influence your application.
We recognise our responsibility to provide meaningful and relevant experiences for everyone.
We welcome applications from people from all sections of the community and would like to
encourage applicants from the Global Majority as they are currently under-represented in our
organisation
BRAND AND CULTURE
Our vision
A world where closer connection with art enhances life
Our mission
Unlock art for all, to spark ideas and imagination
Our Shared Idea
Bringing art to life and life to art
Our Values
Show you care
We care for our collection, our site, our audiences, communities and each other
Dare to try
We are ambitious and inventive, and unafraid to try new things; valuing creativity and
considered experimentation
Bring others with you
We are open and communicative, creating and sharing opportunities through positive
partnerships
