Cultural Partnerships Lead

• Suffolk County Council
• Address: The role can be worked from any main Suffolk County Council building or any larger Suffolk Communities Libraries office - Hybrid working
• Salary:£40,777 - £47,054 per annum (pro rata for part time)
• Hours: 37 hours per week - flexible working options available
• Contract: Permanent

At Suffolk County Council and Suffolk Community Libraries we are focused on making a meaningful difference to communities across Suffolk. How? By listening to our people, learning from what they say and creating a culture of mutual respect, where everyone works together to achieve great things. As a Cultural Partnerships Lead you will be as keen to collaborate and build a bright future as we are.

So, to make a positive impact, connect with us and connect with a fantastic career.

Reimagine the possibilities.

As Cultural Partnerships Lead, you will play a key strategic role in shaping and delivering cultural, arts and creative health activity across Suffolk. Working at the heart of Suffolk Community Libraries, you will lead the development of high‑impact partnerships with cultural organisations, health providers and community stakeholders, creating and delivering collaborative programmes that increase participation in the arts, creativity and social inclusion and maximise the unique position of our library network.

Suffolk Community Libraries is an Arts Council England NPO and as Cultural Partnerships Lead you will lead delivery on the commitments and requirements that come with this status and funding.

You will drive the identification, securing and management of further external funding, developing strong grant applications and partnership bids that enable ambitious cultural and creative health projects to be realised. From concept through to delivery, you will oversee funded programmes to ensure they are effectively planned, delivered and evaluated, meeting funder requirements while aligning with organisational and public health priorities.

You will also act as a passionate advocate for the role of libraries in cultural enrichment. By capturing and communicating impact, sharing learning and best practice, and actively engaging with local and national networks, you will help raise the profile, influence and reach of library‑led cultural partnerships, ensuring libraries remain central to improving outcomes for communities across Suffolk.

• experience of developing and managing effective partnerships across cultural, creative health, community or public sector organisations
• strong communication and influencing skills, with confidence representing a service and advocating for impact
• experience of managing budgets and demonstrating value for money
• the ability to capture, analyse and present impact and learning clearly
• a collaborative, creative approach, with a strong commitment to equality, inclusion and wellbeing

You can view a full list of requirements in the Job and Person Profile, see how to apply section below. If you believe you can succeed in this role, apply. Even if you don't meet all requirements, still apply. We would appreciate the opportunity to consider your application.

This role is part of our Library Content Engagement and Development team. From the inspiring books and resources we have across our libraries and online, and our exciting work engaging young people and schools, to our vibrant programme of arts and cultural programmes and activities, we work to really make the library offer come to life for people.

As a team we work closely together and collaboratively to ensure a joined‑up offer of accessible, inclusive and relevant opportunities for diverse community audiences across Suffolk. We meet people where they are on their journey with the arts and culture. Either as a creator or as an audience member, we provide accessible ways in to expand and experience.

Libraries hold a unique place in communities and our team is committed to making the most of the opportunities this brings and sharing that advantage with wider cultural and health partners. We are proud of the work we do and the impact we have in people’s lives. Our ambitious and…