Arts-in-Health Programme Manager

Overview

Responsibilities

• Design and implement strategic arts programs that align with hospital health and safety regulations.
• Manage departmental budgets and secure external funding through grants, philanthropy, or corporate partnerships.
• Recruit and supervise freelance artists, musicians, and designers working in clinical environments.
• Collaborate with clinical staff to integrate creative activities into patient care pathways and rehabilitation plans.
• Oversee the maintenance and curation of permanent hospital art collections and public exhibition spaces.
• Evaluate program effectiveness using quantitative and qualitative research methods to report on patient wellbeing.
• Liaise with external community organizations and cultural institutions to expand the reach of health-focused arts initiatives.

Qualifications

• A bachelor or master degree in arts administration, public health, fine arts, or a related field.
• Extensive experience in project management within a healthcare, non-profit, or cultural organization.
• Demonstrated knowledge of infection control, health and safety, and safeguarding protocols in clinical settings.
• Proven track record of successful grant writing and financial management for creative projects.
• Advanced communication skills for negotiating with clinical directors and board-level stakeholders.

Nice to have

• A postgraduate qualification specifically in Arts in Health or Medical Humanities.
• Experience in conducting peer-reviewed research or clinical evaluations of creative interventions.
• Professional certification in project management such as PMP or Prince2.
• Established networks within both the regional arts sector and the national healthcare system.

Work environment

• Work is primarily conducted in a mix of administrative offices and active clinical wards or public spaces.
• Collaboration involves frequent interaction with medical professionals, facilities managers, and diverse patient populations.
• Hours are generally standard business hours, though occasional evening events or weekend workshops occur.
• The culture is mission-driven and requires high emotional resilience due to the nature of healthcare environments.
• Digital tools include project management software, grant tracking databases, and standard office suites.

Benefits & growth

• Compensation often follows healthcare administration or public sector pay scales with stable pension benefits.
• Career progression leads to senior roles such as Director of Patient Experience or Head of Cultural Strategy.
• Professional development is supported through specialized arts-in-health networks and medical humanities conferences.
• The role offers unique opportunities to contribute to cutting-edge research regarding the social determinants of health.
• Growth potential exists in expanding roles into environmental design, staff wellbeing, and community outreach programs.