Organizer Information

The International Curators Forum (ICF) is a London-based charity and Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation dedicated to fostering equity, access, and inclusion in the visual arts. ICF was founded in 2007 by artists and curators to support professional development, knowledge exchange, and systems change through public programming, workshops, networks, and discourse-led interventions. The organisation works internationally with creative practitioners to challenge barriers in the cultural sector and cultivate diverse approaches to curatorial practice. ICF operates without a permanent physical venue, delivering programmes across venues in the UK and abroad, and maintains a commitment to transparency, inclusivity, and cultural transformation.

Title & Description

Operations Manager – International Curators Forum
This role is a strategic operational leadership position responsible for the efficient running of ICF’s organisational processes and infrastructure. The Operations Manager will support the delivery and expansion of ICF’s public programmes, professional development initiatives, and organisational systems. The role is designed for an experienced professional who can strengthen administrative frameworks, enhance operational performance, and contribute to ICF’s mission of fostering equity, inclusion, and accessible practices within the visual arts and cultural sectors.

The Role Overview

  • Salary: £39,000–£45,000 per year, based on experience
  • Contract Type: Fixed-term, 2-year contract (full-time, 35 hours/week)
  • Contract Mechanism: PAYE employment
  • Pension: 3% employer pension contribution
  • Holiday: 28 days, including bank holidays
  • Reporting to: Artistic Director and Deputy Artistic Director
  • Location: Hybrid remote and in-person (UK and international)*
    (*Some on-site presence required for UK-based activities.)

Position & Tasks

  • Lead organisational administrative systems and frameworks to support daily activities.
  • Manage HR functions including contracts, staff records, training logistics, and compliance with governance policies.
  • Oversee financial operations including invoicing, bookkeeping (QuickBooks), budget management, and reporting.
  • Coordinate monitoring, evaluation, and data processes for internal and funder reporting.
  • Support fundraising activities, research funding opportunities, and contribute to organisational strategy.
  • Facilitate programme support such as travel bookings, inventory management, and operational support for events.
  • Uphold and advance ICF’s policies on inclusivity, equity, safeguarding, and ethical practices.
  • Represent ICF at public events when required and participate in team meetings with leadership.

Categories

  • Cultural Administration and Operations
  • Arts Management
  • Nonprofit Sector Management
  • Financial and HR Administration

Eligibility

  • Minimum 5+ years in relevant operations or managerial roles.
  • Demonstrated understanding of the visual arts and/or charity sector.
  • Excellent interpersonal, communication, administrative, and computer skills including proficiency with Microsoft Office, Google Drive, QuickBooks, and project management tools.
  • Experience with financial reporting, monitoring, evaluation, and database management.
  • Commitment to equity, inclusion, and anti-discrimination practices.
  • Familiarity with fundraising and charity compliance is highly desirable.

Program Benefits

  • Competitive salary within the UK arts sector.
  • Employer pension contributions.
  • Paid annual leave including holidays.
  • Hybrid work flexibility and exposure to an international cultural network.
  • Opportunity to shape organisational processes that impact equity-led cultural programming.

Application Fee

None

Application Requirements

  • Curriculum Vitae (max 2 pages).
  • Cover Letter/Supporting Statement (max 2 pages) addressing:
    1. How you meet the person specification with examples?
    2. Relevant operational experience.
    3. What you bring to the role.
    4. Motivation for working with ICF.
  • Contact details for two references (included on CV or in application email).
  • Optional completion of an anonymous Equal Opportunities monitoring form.

How to Apply?


Submit your PDF or Word document application to: admin@internationalcuratorsforum.org

Key Dates

  • Application Deadline: 5 January 2026
  • Shortlisting: 12–30 January 2026
  • Interviews: Conducted via Zoom during the weeks of 9 and 16 February 2026

Location

London, United Kingdom

Additional Details

  • Reasonable adjustments to the application process are available on request by 15 December 2025.
  • ICF encourages applications from diverse backgrounds and is committed to equal opportunities and accessibility.
  • Applicants invited to interview can request access to support with a dedicated budget.
  • If you do not hear from ICF by 26 January 2026, assume you have not been shortlisted.

Website Link: https://www.internationalcuratorsforum.org/2025/10/07/operations-manager-new-role/