Policy Adviser, Arts Infrastructure

Job summary

The Culture Directorate’s aim is to support and promote growth in the cultural sectors across the country, and to realise and maximise the cultural, social and economic benefits these sectors bring to people in the UK. We are a directorate of about 80 people, working across culture, arts, libraries and the museums sectors. ​

This role is based within the Arts team. Our aim is to ensure the long

term financial sustainability of our arts and cultural organisations

across the country, and to deliver our Secretary of State’s vision to

make the arts available for everyone. ​

We are a flexible team and work to ensure the best outcomes for our

sector and deliver on our Secretary of State’s priorities: ​

• Growth and good jobs in every place​
• A more socially cohesive country with an inclusive national story​
• Richer lives with choices and opportunities for all​

Job description

As Policy Adviser, Arts Infrastructure you will oversee major cultural capital investment programmes and projects, ensuring public funding delivers sustainable and impactful cultural infrastructure.

You will manage DCMS oversight of the Cultural Development Fund (CDF), a £93 million place-based capital programme delivered by Arts Council England (ACE), working closely with ACE on project delivery, governance, change requests and ministerial advice.

You will also act as the key policy lead for a range of prominent capital projects, including the Octagon Theatre redevelopment, National Theatre capital upgrade programme, and government funding for the Crucible Theatre.

Additionally, you will support the development of wider arts policy, working across a flexible team and with sector partners to improve access to culture nationwide. You will lead on priorities that adapt over time, offering a dynamic opportunity to work on high-profile and fast-moving policy areas that achieve real-world measurable impacts.

You will belong to a supportive and dynamic team, reporting to the Head of Arts Infrastructure. The role does not have line management responsibilities. This is an exciting opportunity to deliver high profile capital projects and help shape the future of the arts. This role would suit a motivated candidate with a strong track record of delivery and stakeholder management. ​

Person specification

The ideal candidate would have the following key skills and experience, please note that desirable skills will only be used in the event of tied candidates:

Essential requirements:

• Delivering at Pace: A strong track record of overseeing complex funds, projects, or delivery programmes, ensuring governance, risk management, and the timely delivery of outcomes in a fast-moving environment.​
• Making Effective Decisions: Ability to analyse complex evidence and stakeholder views to provide clear, balanced and evidence-based advice.
• Working Together: Excellent collaborative skills, with the ability to draw on the expertise of colleagues and partners to navigate barriers and deliver shared strategic goals.​
• Seeing the Big Picture: Strong understanding of how arts infrastructure investment supports wider government priorities, including growth, place, and skills.

Desirable Skills:

• Understanding of grant delivery
• Knowledge of government business case processes

We are running an information session where prospective applicants can find out more about the role. This will be hosted by Greg Forrest, and will take place on:

• Wednesday 7th October, 10:00-10:45

The session will be an opportunity to hear more about the role, the team and wider directorate and the department. It will also be an opportunity for you to ask any questions.

Please register your interest by filling out this Registration form and you will be sent an invitation. Invites will only be sent after this deadline has passed.

Please note that the session will not be recorded and will not focus on the DCMS recruitment process - please direct any queries that you have on this topic (timelines, reasonable adjustments, onboarding etc) to [email removed]

Behaviours

We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

• Delivering at Pace
• Making Effective Decisions
• Working Together
• Seeing the Big Picture

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £36,734, Department for Culture, Media and Sport contributes £10,641 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides (opens in a new window).

DCMS values its staff and offers a wide range of benefits to everyone who works here. We’re committed to developing talent, and supporting colleagues to have great careers in our department. To support with that, some of the benefits we offer include:

• Flexible working arrangements and hybrid working - DCMS staff work on a flexible basis with time spent in offices, and time spent working from home
• 26.5 days annual leave on entry, increasing to 31.5 days after 5 years’ service
• A Civil Service pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%
• Access to the Edenred employee benefits system which offers discounts to popular retailers and access to various useful resources such as financial and savings advice
• 3 days of paid volunteering leave
• Up to 9 months maternity leave on full pay + generous paternity and adoption leave
• Staff reward and recognition bonuses that operate throughout the year
• Occupational sick pay
• Access to the Employee Assistance Programme which offers staff 24/7 confidential support and resources such as counselling, debt guidance and management advice
• Active and engaged staff networks to join including the LGBT+, Ethnic Diversity, Mental Health and Wellbeing and Gender Equality Networks
• Exceptional learning and development opportunities that you can explore alongside your day to day work
• Season ticket loan, cycle to work scheme and much more!

Terms and conditions at SCS grades will vary. Those applying for SCS roles should refer to the candidate information pack for more information on terms and conditions.

Things you need to know

Artificial intelligence

Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance (opens in a new window) for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.

Selection process details

This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours, Strengths and Experience.

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