Be the first to lead County Durham’s newest cultural landmark.
Opening in summer 2026, The Light is a major new cultural venue bringing together art, science, history, creativity and community. We expect between 80,000 and 100,000 visitors each year and we’re looking for an exceptional leader to shape its vision from day one.
Positioned at the intersection of art, heritage and science The Light will present an ambitious programme enhancing County Durham’s growing cultural presence. It will host a significant contemporary exhibition programme showcasing worldclass creativity from the North East, the UK, and across the globe, a dedicated DLI Gallery telling the story of the ‘Durhams’, vibrant community and learning spaces, a café, retail offer, and private event and conference facilities, all set within beautiful natural grounds. A meeting place and a beacon for creativity, where communities can gather and feel something powerful, rooted in Durham, The Light will set a new standard for each and every visitor, so they return again and again.
We are seeking a dynamic, strategic and imaginative Venue Director to lead this new flagship destination. This is a unique chance to build a venue from the ground up playing a pivotal role in establishing and shaping its artistic vision, operational model, reputation and impact, from its first day.
About you
You will be:
* An inspiring cultural leader with proven experience in galleries, museums or multi-use cultural venues.
* Skilled in developing ambitious artistic programmes and visitor experiences.
* Confident in building teams, partnerships and commercial opportunities.
* Passionate about widening access, community engagement and inclusive culture.
* Excited by the opportunity to innovate, experiment and grow something new.
What we offer
* A rare career-defining opportunity to lead a new venue at launch.
* A chance to shape a lasting cultural asset for County Durham.
* Supportive leadership, excellent professional networks, and the ability to influence at a strategic level.
* Competitive salary, generous local government benefits and flexible working options.Help us create a cultural beacon for County Durham.
For more information about Working at The Light please visit our website.
We encourage you to contact Sarah Glynn via email at Sarah.Glynn@durham.gov.uk to arrange an informal discussion about the role.
WHAT WILL I NEED?
You wil be educated to degree level or equivalent senior level experience in a relevant discipline.
Please refer to the attached Person Specification for the full criteria.
INTERVIEWS
It is expected that interviews will be held week commencing 23rd March 2026.
We operate a guaranteed interview scheme for applicants that can show they meet all the essential criteria and have indicated they have a disability, are a looked after young person, care leaver or a veteran.
OUR OFFER TO YOU
We offer a competitive rewards package that includes attractive salaries, a generous annual leave entitlement of 27 days (rising to 32 after five years’ continuous local government service), membership of the excellent contributory career average Local Government Pension Scheme, and a range of flexible working arrangements including hybrid working (home and office) where applicable. Explore the full range of rewards and benefits on our website .
Rewards and benefits are subject to individual terms and conditions.
EQUALITY, DIVERSITY, AND INCLUSION
We are a proud equal opportunities employer and believe a diverse workforce brings fresh ideas and drives service improvement. We welcome applications from everyone and make employment decisions based on skills and ability. As a Disability Confident Leader, we actively encourage applications from disabled people and offer support throughout the recruitment process.
HOW TO APPLY
Please note, we do not accept CVs. All applications must be submitted online via the Northeast Jobs portal. Use the ‘Person Specification’ section of the form to clearly demonstrate how you meet the essential (and where possible, desirable) criteria. Applications that do not evidence the essential requirements will not be shortlisted.
For guidance on completing your application, visit our website.
If you require assistance when applying for this role, please contact our Recruitment Helpdesk on 03000 26 27 27, or via email RecruitmentREG@durham.gov.uk
All correspondence relating to your application will be sent from donotreply@northeastjobs.org.uk. Kindly check your spam/junk folder regularly to ensure you don’t miss any updates.
CONNECT WITH US
Follow us on Instagram
Like us on Facebook
Visit our website