Associate Director – Culture & Communities
Salary: £92,995.00 - £104,484.00
Location: Dudley, West Midlands – on site
Employer: Dudley MBC
Be the change. Lead the future. Improve lives.
Dudley Council is seeking an outstanding individual to join our senior leadership team as the Associate Director for Culture & Communities. This high-impact, high-profile role is central to the Council's improvement journey, focusing on upholding the highest standards of governance and championing continuous improvement.
You will drive strategic and operational change, work closely with Directors and Group Directors, and lead culture and communities’ functions and their associated resources to enhance community well-being, promote sustainability, deliver key priorities aligned with our vision and ensure proper compliance and effective business operations of the council.
You will be part of the Council’s senior leadership team, driving the transformation agenda by maximising technology and automation, fostering a culture of high performance, and ensuring modernised, efficient services that prioritise customers.
Key Responsibilities:
* Support the Director in managing functions within the service area, providing guidance to meet objectives.
* Develop and implement strategies, translating corporate goals into actionable plans.
* Identify and address opportunities and challenges with innovative solutions.
* Drive transformation through the Council's new operating model and foster an adaptable workforce.
* Accountability and leadership for:
* Develop the visitor economy, cultural programming, events, and festivals.
* Oversee community development, anti-social behaviour, community safety, park activators, and traveller engagement.
* Manage leisure centres, sports facilities, and community buildings/assets.
* Libraries and Community Access Points: Lead the development and modernisation of library services.
* Bereavement and Registration Services: Ensure efficient delivery of burial, cremation, and civil registration services.
* Ensure services are accessible, inclusive, and responsive to community needs.
* Champion place-based approaches and partnerships to empower communities and enhance the local environment and culture.
If you are a forward-thinking professional with a passion for public service and transformation, we want to hear from you.
Why Dudley?
Dudley is a borough on the rise — ambitious, inclusive and committed to change. Join us and play a central role in helping our residents live healthier, more independent lives. This is a unique opportunity to influence the future direction of the Council, working at the forefront of innovation and governance. Be part of a leadership team committed to improving services, efficiency, and customer experience for our community.
For more information, please visit: https://www.dudleycounciljobs.org.uk/
For an informal discussion, please contact Jim Deakin, Director of Neighbourhoods via Jo Cook – Joanne.Cook@dudley.gov.uk
Application Process
Applications close: Wednesday 29 October 2025.
The recruitment process will be to undertake technical interviews with longlisted applicants to confirm the shortlist. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to assessment centres and attend final interviews.
Dudley Council is committed to diversity and inclusion. Your personal data will be anonymised when you apply to ensure compliance with our anonymisation process.
All applicants must be able to provide documentation to prove their right to work in the UK.
Dudley MBC does not currently offer sponsorship for candidates without the Right to Work in the UK.
If you require support completing an online or paper application form and/or interview techniques, please contact Dudley Adult and Community Learning on 01384 818 143 or acl@dudley.gov.uk
Dudley Council will check the information that you have provided against any details already held for accuracy and completeness.
Equal Opportunities Statement
Dudley Council is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community.
#J-18808-Ljbffr