Community and Cultural Engagement Officer (Redeployment 24957)

• Suffolk County Council
• Location: You can work from any of our 45 libraries in Suffolk that have space - hybrid working
• Salary: £35,570 per annum pro rata
• Hours: 30 hours per week
• Contract: Fixed term/Secondment is externally funded by The Arts Council, expected to end 31/03/2028, subject to funding continuation.

This advert is open to current redeployment Suffolk County Council staff only

At Suffolk County Council, every role is an opportunity to make a meaningful difference. As a Community and Cultural Engagement Officer within our Creative Communities Team, you'll help shape and deliver inspiring cultural opportunities that connect communities, support wellbeing, and transform perceptions of what libraries can offer.

Reimagine the possibilities

Your role and responsibilities

This exciting role will lead the day-to-day delivery and development of the Let's Get Creative project and associated cultural initiatives, championing libraries as gateways to culture and creativity. Working with cultural organisations, artists, community partners and library colleagues, you'll help bring high-quality creative experiences to communities across Suffolk while supporting libraries to become vibrant cultural venues. 

You'll build strong relationships with cultural providers, support touring performances and activities in libraries, and help integrate external events into the library events directory. You will also play a key role in ensuring projects are accessible, inclusive and responsive to community need.

This is a varied and rewarding role offering the opportunity to influence cultural participation and improve access to creative opportunities for communities across Suffolk.

• lead the delivery and ongoing development of the Let's Get Creative project
• build and maintain effective relationships with cultural organisations, artists, libraries and community partners
• coordinate workshops, meetings, events and cultural activities across Suffolk libraries
• support library staff to confidently host and deliver creative projects
• develop marketing and promotional materials to raise awareness and engagement
• oversee project planning, reporting, monitoring and evaluation
• champion equality, diversity and inclusion across all project activity
• support the development of toured performances and cultural activity within libraries
• promote environmentally responsible approaches throughout project delivery
• represent Suffolk Community Libraries at conferences, partnership meetings and networking opportunities

As part of your role, you may be required to work at any of our Libraries which are involved with a given project.

You will need

We're looking for an organised, enthusiastic and collaborative individual with experience of delivering successful projects and building strong partnerships.

We hope you'll bring

• proven project management experience within cultural, creative, community or related environments
• experience working with diverse communities and a wide range of stakeholders and a commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion
• excellent communication and relationship-building skills
• strong organisational and time management abilities with experience managing multiple priorities and meeting deadlines
• confidence using Microsoft Office applications
• excellent attention to detail and problem-solving skills
• the ability to work independently as well as collaboratively within teams
• a willingness to learn, develop and continuously improve. 

The team

You'll join the Creative Communities Team, contributing to Suffolk Community Libraries' Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation funded programmes and associated projects. Working alongside the Cultural Partnerships Lead and wider colleagues, you'll help deliver high-quality creative and cultural opportunities that improve wellbeing and strengthen communities across Suffolk.  

Empowering everyone

We’re big believers in potential, possibility and the power of different ideas. We’re always searching for ways to encourage, respect and enable everyone to be the best they can be. We want to represent the diverse communities we serve. We welcome applications from all individuals, especially those from groups that are currently underrepresented in the organisation, as shown in our Workforce Equality Report. 

For more information

Please contact Paul Howarth (Library Content Engagement and Development Manager) for a casual conversation. You can reach them by calling 01473 265306 or emailing Paul.Howarth@suffolk.gov.uk.  

If you want to apply for a secondment, read the secondment policy first. Make sure you get permission from your current manager before submitting your application.  

How to apply

Step 1 - Read the Job and Person Profile (Word).

Step 2 - Click ‘Apply Now’ to start your online application. 

Step 3 - Upload a supporting statement answering the following questions below (no more than 400 words per question). You should use the Supporting Statement template (Word).

1. Tell us about a project you have led from planning through to delivery. How did you ensure it met its objectives, timescales and stakeholder expectations?
2. Describe a time when you built and maintained effective relationships with a range of partners or external organisations, ideally in an arts and culture context.  What approach did you take and what was the outcome?
3. Describe a time when you ensured a project, event or service was accessible, inclusive and responsive to the needs of diverse communities. What considerations did you take into account?

Step 4 - Upload a CV (without name and personal details).

Please note: Without a supporting statement and CV, your interest will not be progressed. Any supporting documents must be in either PDF or MS Word format.

For guidance on completing your application, please see our How to Apply page.

Planning to use Artificial Intelligence (AI)? Please ensure your application still reflects your own skills, experience and ideas. If used inappropriately, your application may not be processed. Please read our guidance for using AI to understand what’s acceptable.

Do you need any reasonable adjustments to help you to apply? If you are disabled and/or have additional support needs, you can request reasonable adjustments. You can do this by contacting our Recruitment Team at recruitment@suffolk.gov.uk or 03456 014412.  You can find examples of possible adjustments on our Reasonable Adjustment pages.

Closing date: 11.30pm, 20 October 2026

This authority is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks or police vetting will be required for relevant posts. #LI-Hybrid