Cultural Services Director (Maternity Cover) at Falmouth Town Council

About Us

Falmouth is one of the UK’s most distinctive coastal towns – creative, entrepreneurial and rich in heritage. Falmouth Town Council is recognised nationally for its ambitious, collaborative and community-driven approach, with culture sitting at the heart of its strategic vision.

Falmouth Town Council is seeking an exceptional cultural leader to join us at a pivotal moment in our development.

About the Role

This is a rare opportunity to lead one of Cornwall’s most ambitious and community-focused cultural service directorates, encompassing the award-winning Falmouth Art Gallery, Falmouth Library, youth services and community outreach programmes.

As Interim Cultural Services Director, you will provide strategic leadership across a highly visible and much-loved service at the heart of one of the South West’s most vibrant coastal towns. You will lead a talented team, maintain momentum across major projects and partnerships, and help shape the future of cultural provision in Falmouth.

This role comes at an exciting time, with:

• Delivery of the new Town Council’s Cultural Services Strategy
• Plans for a major transformation of the historic Municipal Building
• Growing regional and national partnerships
• Aspirations linked to Falmouth’s future as a potential Town of Culture

Who we are looking for

We are looking for an experienced and inspiring leader with a strong background in cultural services, arts, museums, libraries, heritage or related sectors. You will bring:

• Senior leadership experience within cultural services (arts, museums, libraries or heritage)
• Strong partnership-building and stakeholder engagement skills
• Experience securing external funding and developing strategic opportunities
• The ability to balance strategic leadership with operational delivery
• A passion for inclusive cultural provision and community impact

You will play a key role in ensuring Falmouth’s cultural services continue to thrive, evolve and remain accessible, relevant and sustainable for local communities and visitors alike.

How to Apply

For a confidential conversation about the role, please contact:

Anna Jay, Managing Director, Public Leaders Appointments:
anna@publicleadersappointments.com

Full details available in the attached briefing document – you must submit a CV and cover letter addressing the specific points set out in the brief in order for your application to be considered.

Applications should be submitted to applications@publicleadersappointments.com with reference ‘Falmouth’.

Key Dates

• Closing date: Midday, Thursday 25 June 2026
• Psychometric Leadership Profiling (online):  3 – 8 July 2026
• Final interviews: Thursday 16 July 2026

Falmouth Town Council is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcomes applications from all sections of the community.