Head of Communications

The job requirements are detailed below. Where applicable the skills, qualifications and memberships required have also been included. Workplace role categories describe our approach to workplace attendance

Salary: £66,190 - £ 75,010

Job Type: 12 Month Fixed Term Contract

Workplace category: Hybrid

Attachments: Job Information Pack

The Barbican is a multidisciplinary international arts centre in the City of London.

Across its theatres, concert halls, cinemas, galleries, business venues, public and community spaces, the Barbican showcases the most exciting artists and performers from around the world, pushing traditional artistic boundaries and helping us understand our lives in new and unexpected ways. Each year, the Centre presents hundreds of different performances, events and exhibitions that entertain and inspire millions of people, create connections, provoke debate, and reflect the world we live in.

Firmly rooted in its neighbourhood, the Barbican collaborates on projects with local communities, and supports young people and emerging talent to develop their artistic practice and access jobs in the creative industry.

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Are you a strategic, creative, and collaborative communications leader with a passion for the arts?

The Barbican Centre is looking for an Interim Head of Communications to lead our high-performing Communications team for a fixed-term of 12 months. In this pivotal role, you’ll shape and deliver impactful media strategies, enhance the Barbican’s national and international reputation, and support the internal transformation of one of the UK’s leading multi-arts centres.

About the Role

As our Interim Head of Communications, you’ll provide strategic leadership across all areas of communications, including media relations, stakeholder engagement, crisis comms, and internal communications. Working closely with senior leaders and artistic partners, you will lead the development and execution of campaigns that elevate the Barbican’s profile, strengthen relationships with funders and stakeholders, and support our ambitious artistic and commercial goals.

You’ll also work in close collaboration with the City of London Corporation’s central communications team, ensuring alignment with wider corporate priorities.

This is a unique opportunity to help shape the voice of a world-renowned arts institution at an exciting time of renewal and change.

What We’re Looking For

We’re seeking an experienced, confident and creative communications professional who:

• Has substantial senior-level experience in communications within the arts, cultural or not-for-profit sector
• Brings in-depth knowledge of media strategy, reputation management and stakeholder communications
• Is a skilled leader, capable of managing and developing a talented team and fostering cross-departmental collaboration
• Can provide trusted counsel to senior leaders and work effectively under pressure, including during crisis situations
• Is confident engaging with national and international press, board members, public bodies and arts organisations
• Has demonstrable experience in leading internal communications and shaping organisational narratives
• Is committed to inclusive leadership and embedding anti-racism, equity and accessibility in their work

What You’ll Be Responsible For

• Leading media and communications strategy across all Barbican activity
• Managing crisis and reputational communications
• Overseeing internal communications in collaboration with HR and leadership
• Supporting the Barbican’s profile among stakeholders, funders and the City of London Corporation
• Line managing a skilled team, including Senior Communications Managers and external consultants
• Managing a departmental budget of c. £1m and ensuring value for money in all activities

Why Join Us?

The Barbican is more than a venue – it’s a platform for the boldest artistic voices of our time. As a member of our senior leadership team, you’ll have the opportunity to make a real impact in shaping the future of arts and culture in the UK and beyond.

We are committed to being an inclusive, anti-racist organisation and welcome applications from all backgrounds.

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Ready to apply?

To apply click on the 'Apply Now' button below.

If there are any issues with the application process, please contact the Barbican Careers team at Careers@barbican.org.uk.

Deadline for applications is 23:55 on Monday 23 June 2025. The advert may close ahead of this date if a sufficient number of applications is reached - apply early to avoid missing out.

Please note that we are unable to accept late applications. We regret that we are unable to provide feedback on your application.

The City of London Corporation want to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to thrive in the work that we do. The City of London Corporation is currently undergoing a programme ensure that our pay and reward practices are competitive and equitable across the whole organisation – and is committed to regularly benchmarking and reviewing pay against external sectors.

As part of our commitment to increasing the diversity of staff within the Barbican we are particularly keen to encourage applications from people from groups that are currently underrepresented, including people from the Global Majority* and D/deaf and disabled people. We want to better reflect and understand the communities we exist to serve. We are members of the Disability Confident Scheme and guarantee to interview all disabled candidates who would like to be considered under this scheme and who meet the minimum essential criteria for the role. Please contact us if you require reasonable adjustments as part of the application process.

*Global Majority is a collective term that refers to people who are Black, Asian, Brown, dual-heritage, indigenous to the global south, and or, have been racialised as 'ethnic minorities'.