Vacancies
CEO (Director) – Towner Eastbourne
Towner Eastbourne is seeking an exceptional CEO (Director) to lead one of the UK’s most distinctive visual arts organisations into an ambitious new phase of growth.
Awarded Art Fund Museum of the Year 2020 and host of the Turner Prize 2023, Towner combines a nationally significant collection – including the UK’s foremost public holding of works by Eric Ravilious – with bold contemporary programming and deep civic impact. Guided by its Strategic Priorities 2025-30, the organisation is expanding its reach, influence and sustainability across multiple sites.
As CEO (Director), you will be the strategic, artistic and executive leader of Towner, you will:
- Deliver a compelling vision that balances artistic ambition, public value and commercial realism.
- Lead Towner as a multi-site organisation, including the major new Towner Seven Sisters development at Black Robin Farm in the South Downs National Park.
- Strengthen national and international profile while deepening regional and civic impact.
- Drive financial resilience through mixed income models, partnerships and fundraising.
- Inspire a values-led, inclusive and high-performing organisational culture.
We are looking for a senior, credible and entrepreneurial leader with:
- CEO/Director experience in a major cultural, creative or mission-driven public organisation.
- Strong artistic and sector credibility, with the ability to speak confidently about art and cultural practice.
- A proven track record of strategic growth, financial stewardship and working with boards and major stakeholders.
- The insight and judgement to navigate complexity, change and opportunity in a shifting cultural landscape.
This is a rare opportunity to shape the future of a leading UK cultural institution at a moment of significant ambition and possibility.
For an informal and confidential discussion, please speak with our advisors at Berwick Partners:
William Pringle
Partner, Head of Charity, Arts, Culture & Heritage Practice
Berwick Partners
+44 (0) 207 518 2635 / +44 (0) 7515 919 648
William.Pringle@berwickpartners.co.uk
Closing date for applications: Friday 12th June 2026
Work Experience
Placement Opportunities
Towner is partnering with East Sussex County Council work experience team to arrange student placements with selected secondary schools in Eastbourne. Students with an interest in creative careers will be will be chosen by the schools, and these opportunities are not open to application.
If you are interested in a creative career our partner Talent Accelerator has a range of programmes, resources and opportunities for young people.
