Community Engagement and Communications Manager

he Barbican is a catalyst for creativity, sparking possibilities for artists, audiences, and communities. Each year we present thousands of different performances, events and exhibitions that entertain and inspire millions of people, create connections, provoke debate, and reflect the world we live in. We are an international arts centre rooted firmly in our own neighbourhood, collaborating with local communities to create joyful celebrations of the stories and places they care about, while putting the City of London on the map as a destination for everybody.

We are looking for an experienced and motivated individual to become our Community Engagement and Communication Manager, leading the development and delivery of our community engagement strategy. This is a new post for the Barbican, offering the opportunity to bring best practice from elsewhere and directly shape this important area of work. It will be your role to ensure our local community is at the heart of our ongoing transformation. 

A major part of this role will be leading the community engagement work for Barbican Renewal, our exciting new capital programme that will invest in and improve our iconic building. The role will also be central to supporting the work of our new Creative Collaboration department, which aims to push the Barbican’s traditional arts boundaries and diversify our artistic programme and audience by building new connections and partnerships.

You’ll develop a deep understanding of our neighbourhood community in all its diversity – including residents, businesses, community organisations and local representatives – and will deliver innovative, high-quality, relevant and inclusive communications and engagement activities, which ensure community voices are centred, while building support for and participation in our plans and programmes.

The ideal candidate will have demonstrable experience of leading community engagement for major projects and/or arts organisations, and will be equally comfortable developing strategy and diving into the detail of delivery. You’ll be a dynamic and committed team player, and a confident and diplomatic communicator with strong political instincts.