The opportunity
Do you have the vision to establish a Strategic Events and Showcasing Team that works collaboratively with our world-class Colleges? If so University of the Arts London (UAL) is seeking a strategic leader to help establish this function and lead on the development an implementation of our events and showcasing strategy. This is a pivotal role that will shape how we tell the story of our vibrant community, cutting-edge research, and world-class creativity through dynamic and innovative events that span the creative industries.
The successful candidate will work closely with UAL’s senior leadership, academic departments, gallerists, events teams and community engagement leaders to design and execute a university-wide strategic approach to events and showcasing. By coordinating activity, developing capability and building the infrastructure on which our teams can shine, you will increase the reach of our wide range of external events, public programming and UAL Showcase (our always-on global online exhibition of student work). As well as overseeing the university’s small central events team, you will help college teams to design for impact and connect with new audiences - from our neighbours in London to global creative leaders. This is a unique opportunity to make a tangible impact on the University’s events and showcasing offering at the strategic level.
About you
We are looking for an innovative leader who is passionate and knowledgeable about audience development and events strategy. You will have strong communication skills, with an ability to adapt style to connect with diverse audiences and the ability to create a compelling case for support as well as producing strategic plans and reports for senior leaders. Collaboration is at the heart of this role, so being comfortable working with diverse teams and influencing change is essential. You will also have a full understanding of the professional standards for events and other associated responsibilities (such as data protection, due diligence, freedom of speech etc).
Application process If you have not applied or signed up for job alerts with us before, you will need to create an account. Registration does not take long and will help you to keep track of your application during the recruitment process.
Stages involved in the process: Application, Shortlisting,, Onboarding.
As part of your application, you will need to write a supporting statement in no more than 1,500 words that covers some/all of the competencies that can be found in the person specification. The application form will let you know exactly criteria are being tested.
We advise you to apply early as the application closing date may be brought forward if we receive enough applications. If you have any general questions or require any reasonable adjustments, please get in touch via S
We understand the benefits of using AI in work. However, if you are thinking of using AI to support your application, we ask you to think carefully about what value it adds. AI tools tend to lack the personal touch and authenticity we value in candidates. Therefore, we encourage you to showcase your unique knowledge and skills using your own voice.
What we offer
To recognise the hard work of our staff and their contributions, we provide a wide range of benefits – please check our careers site/Canvas for further information as conditions and exclusions apply:
34 days of annual leave and 2 days off to volunteer plus bank holidays
Flexible and Dynamic working options available from the first day
Discounted Medical Insurance including Digital GP service, therapies, in-patient and day-case treatment
Free counselling and advice via our Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
Sector-leading Equal Parental Leave policy (6 months full pay for both parents)
Defined-benefit LGPS pension scheme
In-house training and development including apprenticeships and free places on creative courses
Interest free loans on travel and tech, discounts on gym memberships, nursery fees, eye care and much more
Various opportunities to attend student shows and exhibitions
We are UAL
University of the Arts London (UAL) offers an extensive range of courses in art, design, fashion, communication and performing arts. We are a collegiate University spread across London with six Colleges, four Institutes and five Research Centres. UAL also has two subsidiary companies, delivering specialist activities – UAL Short Courses Ltd, and UAL Arts Temps Ltd.
We’re made up of all types of people, coming together in London, the world’s creative capital. We are designers, artists, performers, thinkers, researchers and makers. Our students, staff and graduates form a global network of creatives, entrepreneurs and leaders. Together, our ideas change the world. Because the world needs creativity.
We are ranked highly across the board. We are ranked first for specialist art and design, second in the world for Art and Design in the 2024 QS World University Rankings (for the sixth year in a row), ranked fifth in sustainability and two of our colleges were rated in the top three fashion schools in the world.
Our culture
We have become one of the world’s most international Universities, welcoming over 22,000 students and 6,000 staff from 130 countries. And, as a global university, staff and students learn from different cultures and perspectives, which leads to new conversations and innovative work. At our very core, everything we do seeks to challenge the status quo by driving social purpose and standing up for what matters.
We welcome applicants from all backgrounds including those who may feel underrepresented in the workforce due to their socioeconomic circumstances such as those from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic ( backgrounds. We aim to be a university where everyone can be themselves and are supported to reach their full potential.
With our commitment to inclusion and diversity, we are proud to be a Race Equality Charter (REC) member to help us reduce barriers that negatively impacts staff, a Stonewall Diversity Champion to ensure all LGBTQ+ people are valued at work, a Disability Confident Scheme Committed employer and member of the Business Disability Forum which help us to improve the lives of disabled people in the workplace.
Please read through our page before applying.