Would you like to help shape the future of cultural life in Umeå?

As program director, you’ll play a key role in leading and developing the operations at Väven, one of the city’s most important hubs for culture, learning, and social dialogue. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to foster engagement, build collaboration, and contribute to a vibrant cultural scene for all of Umeå.

Your Role

You will lead the operations through the department’s unit managers and have overall responsibility for operations, finances, personnel, and the work environment. The role involves translating the municipality’s goals and cultural policy ambitions into concrete activities and results. The position is characterized by numerous points of contact and close collaboration with both political leaders and internal and external partners.

The role includes, among other things:

• leading, supporting, and developing the program department’s managers and operations
• leading the program department’s management team and collaborative efforts
• being responsible for operational planning, budgeting, monitoring, and analysis
• driving strategic operational development based on changes in the external environment and residents’ needs
• coordinating program activities, municipality-wide projects, and major cultural initiatives
• initiate and lead collaborations within the municipality and with external stakeholders
• represent the department in dialogue with policymakers, other municipal administrations, cultural stakeholders, and collaboration partners.

Who are you?

We are looking for a confident and clear leader who builds trust through a trust-based approach. You are a relationship-builder, communicative, and skilled at fostering collaborations both internally and externally.

You enjoy representing the department in various contexts and are comfortable engaging in dialogue with both political leadership and external stakeholders. With a strong holistic perspective, you drive development and collaboration while having the courage to make decisions and handle complex issues.

We are looking for someone with:

• relevant academic background
• experience in leadership roles with responsibility for operations, personnel, and finances
• strong ability to lead through other managers and achieve results together with employees
• experience in strategic development and change management
• experience in the cultural sector
• a strong understanding of public sector operations and the conditions within a politically governed organization
• experience collaborating with various stakeholders and building long-term relationships
• strong communication skills, both verbal and written
• Interest and ability to represent the organization in various forums and contexts
• Proficiency in Swedish and English.

It is advantageous if you have:

• experience managing other managers
• experience working in the public sector
• an established network within the cultural sector at the local, regional, or national level.

About Us

The Programs Department is one of the Cultural Administration’s four departments and consists of the Events and Venues Unit and the Museums and Art Unit. Together, they create the conditions for a diverse cultural life, ranging from performing arts, concerts, and exhibitions to public programs and the development and management of the municipality’s art collection.

A large part of this work takes place at Väven, one of Umeå’s most important gathering places. Here, municipal operations, private businesses, civil society, community organizations, and external event organizers collaborate to create vibrant programming year-round.

The Events and Venues Unit is responsible for the implementation and development of programming and venue operations, public events, and both large and small municipality-wide projects. The unit works in close collaboration with community organizations, cultural practitioners, and external event organizers, while also serving as an important support function for the administration’s other operations.

The Museum and Art Unit includes, among others, the Museum of Women’s History and the Umeå Art Gallery, and is responsible for the municipality’s art collection. The unit also addresses urban development issues related to public art and the designed built environment. It works to create relevant and meaningful connections between art, history, and the present, and helps strengthen Umeå’s position as a progressive and nationally recognized city of culture.

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About Umeå Municipality

Umeå Municipality is the region’s largest employer, with over 13,000 essential employees. Our organization is divided into nine departments, and together we work to ensure that Umeå grows thoughtfully. Our core values are based on a citizen-centered approach, transparency, trust, and continuous improvement. With us, you’ll work on missions that are vital to society, helping to ensure that Umeå remains a safe, secure, and fun place to live.

Umeå is northern Sweden’s largest city, offering a rich variety of experiences and opportunities. We’re a city of associations and culture that offers a richer life even outside of work. Here, you can learn what it’s like to live in Umeå: Moving to Umeå Municipality

Our team is growing, so maybe we’re looking for you? Do you want more, too? We offer fair working conditions, great benefits, and excellent opportunities for lifelong learning, as well as jobs that are important to everyone who lives and works here. We look forward to hearing from you.