About The Role Are you passionate about arts, culture, and heritage? Do you believe in the power of creativity to transform communities and enrich lives? This exciting new role offers the chance to shape the future cultural landscape of the Forest of Dean, one of the UKs most distinctive and inspiring regions. As part of our friendly and forward-thinking Communities Team, youll lead the creation and delivery of the Forest of Dean Arts, Culture & Heritage Strategy and Action Plan, working closely with our Arts, Culture & Heritage Steering Group and a wide range of local partners. Your work will help celebrate the districts unique identity, support creative talent, and ensure the cultural and creative sector continues to thrive. Some of your responsibilities: Lead the development and implementation of the Forest of Dean Arts, Culture & Heritage Strategy and Action Plan, aligning with wider council priorities such as the Market Towns Regeneration Framework. Build and strengthen partnerships across the district, from artists and community groups to heritage organisations and local businesses. Coordinate and promote an inspiring calendar of arts, culture, and heritage events, including the much-loved Forest of Dean Fringe. Work together with our Market Towns Officer to deliver creative initiatives that bring our four market towns to life. This is a 3 year fixed term contract, working 22.2 hours per week. Locally there are plenty of places to hike and cycle in the Forest. We encourage agile working so youll have time to enjoy our beautiful surroundings. You will need A qualification in your area of expertise, equivalent to a degree or relevant experience of at least five years At least 3 years of experience within a creative, cultural or heritage field, with an understanding of initiatives and issues within the sector. Experience in building and maintaining an effective network of relationships and securing support from key partners and stakeholders Have a passion for the Arts Culture and Heritage Sector and an understanding of its value to society, health & wellbeing, education and the economy For more information about this role please see the Job Description/Person Specification. Special Conditions You will be expected to work reasonable additional hours in line with the needs of the service, as well as some evening and weekend work There may be a requirement to work at other locations to meet the needs of the business. Full UK Driving License and access to a vehicle for work purposes. What we can do for you Agile working allowing a mix of home and office working Flexible working arrangements (depending on the role) 27 days paid annual leave (pro rata if you are working part time) plus bank holidays, which increases to 30 days after five years of service In addition you will have an extra two volunteering days a year for you to support a charity of your choice Renewed again for another year there is a Health cash plan giving you cash back on health, dental and eye care Generous contributory local government pension scheme Employee Assistance Programme 24/7, providing positive, preventative and supportive advice and counselling to deal with everyday events and issues Cycle to work scheme Salary sacrifice car lease scheme with significant tax and NI savings to be made on electric cars Generous sickness cover above statutory entitlements About The Organisation Forest of Dean District Council is dedicated to creating a vibrant and sustainable future for our community. Our priorities are centred on fostering thriving communities by empowering and engaging residents, enhancing infrastructure, promoting community well-being, and ensuring social equity. We are committed to decarbonisation and nature recovery, focusing on renewable energy transitions, energy efficiency, transport transformation, nature recovery, and food resilience. Additionally, we strive to build a sustainable economy through the promotion of a circular economy, robust business support, workforce skill development, sustainable town initiatives, and the preservation of natural capital. Accredited of the disability confident scheme, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the vacancy/ies - Please state this within your covering statement or in a separate email. Our organisation is committed to safeguarding the welfare of vulnerable adults, young people and children. Safer recruitment practices are applied to all job vacancies Successful candidates will be required to complete a pre-employment medical questionnaire; provide references; proof of identity; nationality and immigration status; three years employment or education history (if applicable) and, in some cases, verification of criminal record.