Strategic Development Lead (freelance)

Freelance, 7-month fixed term (October 2026 – April 2027), 8 days per month, £350 per 8 hour day. Bradford, with hybrid working. Closing date: Wednesday 16 September 2026, 12 noon.

Bradford Producing Hub (BPH) is entering an important new phase and we’re looking for a freelance Strategic Development Lead. Working closely with our Trustees, you’ll lead a focused period of strategic review, sector mapping and stakeholder engagement to build a clear picture of where support for Bradford’s creative talent is most needed, and set out realistic, ambitious options for the future.

You’ll combine strategic thinking with practical delivery, and you’ll have led organisations or development work through change before. You know Bradford’s creative community, you’re as comfortable with funders and budgets as with artists and communities, and you understand that strong cultural organisations are built on relationships, trust and listening as much as on programmes and funding.

Responsibilities

We’re looking for a practical strategic thinker with experience leading organisations, projects, or development work through change before, and comfortable holding both the big picture and the practical detail.

You know Bradford and understand its creative community, its challenges and its ambitions. You’ll bring existing relationships, or the confidence to build them quickly, and you’ll come with enthusiasm to represent BPH thoughtfully across the city and wider sector.

You’re comfortable with both funders and budgets as well as with artists and creative communities. You can write a compelling funding application, manage an expenditure plan, and turn evidence into clear recommendations, while keeping sight of the people all of this is ultimately for.

Above all, you understand that strong cultural organisations are built on relationships, trust and listening as much as on programmes and funding.

Essential

• Knowledge of Bradford’s artistic community, and a clear understanding of Bradford Producing Hub
• Experience of organisational leadership or strategic development
• Experience of managing organisational change
• Experience of research, mapping, consultation, evaluation or evidence-based planning
• Successful experience of fundraising, budget planning and developing funding applications
• Experience of developing partnerships across different sectors
• Strong financial planning and budgeting skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication, including the ability to produce clear reports, recommendations and stakeholder updates
• The ability to work independently while supporting and reporting to a Board
• An understanding of the opportunities and challenges facing artists and cultural organisations

Though not essential, it would also help if you had existing relationships across West Yorkshire’s creative sector, experience of community-led or artist-led practice.

How to Apply

Read more and apply: https://bdproducinghub.co.uk/freelance-strategic-development-lead/

Full details and the recruitment pack are on the website. To apply, send a CV, a covering letter (written, audio or video), and any access requirements to hello@bdproducinghub.co.uk by Wednesday 16 September 2026 at 12 noon.

Interview date: Wednesday 23 September in Bradford.