Head of Marketing & Communications
About the Role
The Head of Marketing and Communications plays a leading role in developing the gallery’s brand, growing and diversifying audiences, and strengthening the visibility of the organisation locally, nationally and internationally. Working closely with the Director and Senior Management Team (SMT), this pivotal role supports the gallery’s objectives to increase footfall and digital engagement, strengthen relationships with existing visitors, and develop new audiences. The post-holder collaborates with the Director to maintain the artistic reputation and profile of one of the UK’s most ambitious contemporary art organisations, driving ambitious marketing and communications campaigns.
Location & Compensation
Location: Central Oxford, OX1
Salary: £50,000 per annum
Hours: Full Time – 40 Hours per week
Contract: Permanent
Responsibilities
* Grow and diversify the gallery’s visiting and online audiences by leading audience development, communications and digital marketing strategies.
* Develop and oversee implementation of all marketing, communications and PR activity including media relations, social media, digital activity, marketing and branding collateral, and on‑site interpretation.
* Formulate and implement a transformational vision for the use of digital technologies to drive engagement and interaction with online audiences.
* Manage relationships with external PR and marketing consultants and companies.
* Develop and nurture key stakeholder, media and marketing relationships, cultivating new relationships to enhance the gallery’s national and international profile.
* Strategically develop distinctive and innovative digital content in close collaboration with the Head of Exhibitions, Head of Communities, Participation and Practice and the wider Marketing and Communications team.
* Work with colleagues to strengthen visitor experience and engagement, both on‑site and digitally, ensuring the gallery thrives as a leading contemporary art space.
* Collaborate with the SMT to drive audience research, development and evaluation, ensuring that the gallery attracts significant visitor numbers and addresses stakeholder priorities.
* Lead and develop the Marketing Manager and Design and Communications Officer.
* Attend events on‑site and externally to represent the gallery and build relationships with key external stakeholders, including occasional weekend and evening work.
* Ensure tight budgetary control, regular re‑forecasting against targets and best value for money in communications activities.
* Prepare reports for Arts Council England, Oxford City Council and other funders/stakeholders relating to digital, marketing and communications activities.
* Support equality, diversity and inclusivity initiatives, ensure GDPR compliance and participate in training and development activities.
* Report to the Board of Trustees as requested and undertake any other duties reasonably required by the Director.
Person Specification
* Experience running a senior Marketing and Communications team within an arts organisation or similar field.
* Experience leading mixed marketing campaigns with measurable targets.
* Significant experience of managing and motivating teams, being a supportive and encouraging team player.
* Excellent arts press contacts and partnership development experience.
* Demonstrable experience of audience research, segmentation and development.
* Strategic and analytical thinker skilled in implementing and reporting on strategies, evaluating data using platforms such as Google Analytics, AdWords, SEO, CMS and social media analytics.
* Ability to prioritise competing workloads and work effectively under pressure in a fast‑paced, leanly resourced environment.
* Strong project management and budget management skills.
* Inspiring and creative thinker with ambition, vision and enthusiasm.
* Self‑motivated, positive, flexible, reliable with excellent verbal and written communication skills.
* Strong affinity with the gallery’s values and mission, and passion for the visual arts and the transformative power of art in society.
About the Employer
This is one of the UK’s most exciting and influential contemporary art organisations, renowned for its bold and ambitious artistic programme that promotes diversity, internationalism and social change. Approximately 100,000 visitors are welcomed each year, with 15,000 attendances by schools and community groups. The gallery’s digital channels reach 450,000 users annually. A registered charity, it receives core funding from Arts Council England and Oxford City Council, supported by individuals, trusts, foundations, sponsors and friends.
Benefits
* Pension – auto‑enrolment pension scheme with Legal & General (employee 5% pre‑tax, employer 3% of qualifying earnings).
* Holiday – 25 days annual leave plus eight public bank holidays.
* Staff discount in Café and shop.
Closing Date for Applications
Midnight on Sunday 14th December 2025.
Election Equality and Diversity Statement
We are committed to improving the diversity of our workforce to better reflect the diversity of our local communities. All job vacancies are advertised as part of a fair and open process. We welcome applications from people of all cultures and ethnicities, including those who may experience racism, as part of our Anti‑racism Action Plan.
To Apply
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