About the role

We are looking for a creative and experienced visual arts professional to lead the development, management and delivery of a portfolio of temporary art spaces across towns and cities in Scotland. Reporting to the Business Development Director, this new role is designed to support both artists, and our programme in an exciting stage of development for the organisation.

The Head of Spaces has responsibility for leading a committed team and shaping the overarching strategic and practical planning for temporary studio and project spaces alongside the development of spaces for our curatorial and artist development programmes.

Job Purpose

The Head of Spaces will shape and oversee the development of our artist-led, self-managed spaces. The postholder will build on relationships with artists in the Outer Spaces network, including those waiting to join, and will ensure each temporary art space runs smoothly from beginning to end.

Responsibilities

Artists

• Oversee artist relationships, including: enquiries, waiting list management, applications, inductions, agreements, artist relocation plans and artist communications.

• Maintain oversight of the artist network and develop opportunities for dialogue and artist engagement.

• Working with the Senior Leadership Team, develop and implement plans to monitor, measure and report on activity and impact.

• Develop and supervise the collection and management of records within our database.

Spaces

• Lead on art spaces planning, balancing demand with available and suitable property across multiple locations.

• Supervise the entire art spaces lifecycle from initial assessment and building set-up through to usage and exit planning.

• Maintain oversight of the portfolio of artist-led, self-managed spaces and reporting.

• Maintain and develop key property contacts and relationships with contractors.

• Working with the Senior Leadership Team, grow and manage the spaces infrastructure for a range of artistic practices.

• Working closely with the Head of Programme, manage the delivery of spaces for programme activity, including exhibitions.

Team

• Lead and develop the Spaces Team, ensuring that staff are effectively supported, and strategies and priorities are communicated.

• Create a supportive workplace culture with clear communication channels.

Other Responsibilities

• Maintain regular communication with colleagues to share progress on key activities.

• Be prepared to travel and work in locations across Scotland as required.
• Carry out any other responsibilities that reasonably fall within the scope of the Head of Spaces role.

Essential Skills 

• Knowledge of the Scottish visual arts sector 
• Excellent organisational and communication skills 
• Experience of working with and managing staff teams
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively 
• Ability to balance a dynamic workload
• Ability to be flexible

• Knowledge of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion 

• Experience of monitoring and reporting 

• Experience of data management and storage 

Desirable Skills

• Knowledge and experience of artist development programmes 
• Ability to drive with the use of a car 

• Interest in environmental sustainability 

• Knowledge of health and safety 

Terms & Conditions 

Salary: £40-45K per annum 

Hours: Full time, 35 hours a week 

Holidays: 33 days including statutory holidays 

Contract: Permanent 

Notice period: Three months 

Reporting to: Business Development Director 

Location: All Scotland. Hybrid working, from home or one of our spaces with regular travel.

How to apply

Please email your CV and covering letter outlining your suitability for the role, as a single PDF document to vacancies@outerspaces.org. Please use the heading 'Head of Spaces' in the email subject heading.

We are committed to building inclusivity and diversity within our team and artist network. We encourage candidates who are underrepresented within the arts sector to apply for this post. If there are any adjustments that would help support you in your application, please do get in touch.

Deadline: 9am, Monday 17 November 2025. Late application will not be accepted.

*PLEASE NOTE NEW INTERVIEW DATE* Interviews will take place week commencing 1 December 2025.