Art director jobs

We’re recruiting for a Development Manager!

The Mill is a small scale multi-art form venue with big ambitions. Situated in the North Oxfordshire market town of Banbury, it is the focus of cultural life as the only public arts and performance venue in the Cherwell District.

Our 237-seat theatre plays host to high quality professional theatre, dance, comedy and music productions, whilst supporting opportunities for local community arts organisations to work and perform in a professional space. Our studio facilities offer a packed creative learning and participation programme focusing on both the visual and performing arts, covering everything from jewellery making to yoga, watercolour painting to creative writing and much more in between. In addition our café/bar and gallery area offers opportunities for local artists to exhibit and sell their work. Increasingly we are working outside of our building and in partnership with a wide range of artists and organisations both in Banbury and Bicester to ensure that all in our communities can experience the evidential health and wellbeing benefits of seeing and taking part in professionally led creative and cultural activities.

Following a successful application to join Arts Council England’s National Portfolio, The Mill has been a NPO since April 2023. The successful candidate will join the organisation at an exciting time in our development, and will play a key role in enabling us to secure the funding required to fulfil our future vision:

With your support we will be a truly exemplar, vibrant, indispensable Arts Centre of which Banbury is rightly proud;

Relevant to all our communities through a diverse programme which celebrates both taking part in and seeing first class arts and entertainment experiences made possible by the capital development of fit for future facilities that match our ambition.

The Development Manager will lead on delivery of The Mill Arts Centre’s fundraising strategy, with a particular focus on establishing new income streams through relationship-based fundraising including through the prospecting and stewardship of high-net worth individuals, companies and legacies.

You will develop and implement strategies to recruit and cultivate new supporters and oversee the stewardship of current relationships with care, with a focus on building new income streams from mid and major gifts.

Post: Development Manager
Reporting to: Chief Executive
Contract: Permanent, 0.5FTE (20 hours per week – schedule to be discussed)
Salary: £35,548.80 FTE (£17,774.40)
Holidays: 22 days per year FTE (11 days pro rata at 0.5FTE) plus public holidays
Place of work: The Mill Arts Centre plus occasional offsite meetings and events

This is an exciting opportunity for a highly motivated, dynamic and commercially minded individual to join the Senior Management Team of one of the UK’s leading museums. Working alongside the Director and Board of Trustees, the Director of Finance and Resources will oversee the financial management of the organisation.

The successful candidate will be a qualified Accountant with a proven track record of operating at a senior level.  They will have the ability to offer insight and challenge for future development, whilst ensuring the financial sustainability and growth.

The Director of Finance & Resources is responsible driving the quality and transparency of financial management and reporting, ensuring robust financial controls and the smooth running and management of Museum and Trading finances.

With experience at Board level, they must be comfortable with presenting to Boards, have the ability to develop strategy and present business plans.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Location: Deal, Kent (hybrid)

Salary: £ 50,000 FTE pa, pro rata at 0.6 FTE

Closing date for expressions of interest: 30 April 2025

Deal Music & Arts (DMA) aims to bring the best in arts and culture to Deal and the wider Dover District of East Kent. Our purpose is to create opportunities for local people and visitors to engage with the highest quality of music and the arts as audiences, learners and performers.

Founded in 1982, DMA has evolved from a summer festival to a year-round organisation that now delivers both the annual Festival and a range of learning & participation programmes to encourage creative engagement in the community of East Kent. Deal Music and Arts is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and requires all staff and volunteers to share and demonstrate this commitment.

Working in collaboration with the DMA Artistic Director who is responsible for the artistic excellence of the Festival, the Executive Director will provide strategic leadership and oversight to deliver DMA’s mission and objectives as set out in its Five Year Plan , and ensure the organisation’s financial viability. This is an exciting opportunity to play a crucial role in shaping DMA’s future and its positive contribution to the local community.

All applicants will need to complete an application form.

DMA is an equal opportunities employer.

For more details, contact us by with your expression of interest and to receive further details from us, by 30 April 2025

Deal Music and Arts Limited

Registered Charity no 1100003

Company Limited by Guarantee no 4833202

We are seeking an exceptional and experienced Director of Operations/Deputy Director to oversee the day-to-day management of the Institute. This senior leadership role will be pivotal in ensuring the smooth and effective operation of the organisation, aligning operational strategies with our mission and values. The Director of Operations will be responsible for ensuring that all deadlines are met, overseeing human resources, operational systems, external contracts, policy development, financial management and ensuring that the Institute's guiding principle of "changing the lens" is embedded throughout our programmes and initiatives.

The ideal candidate will bring a wealth of experience in operational management within the arts or cultural sector, with a passion for supporting Black arts and heritage. The role requires a commitment to fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace, the ability to manage effectively cross-functional teams and to liaise with artists, programming partners and funders.

Key Responsibilities:

• Human Resources and Staff Management
• Operational Leadership and Strategy
• Fundraising and Stakeholder
• Policy, Governance and Compliance
• Financial Management
• Reporting and Evaluation

This is a unique opportunity to lead a globally respected organisation dedicated to preserving and enhancing the city's World Heritage Site while promoting its positive role in a dynamic, living city.

Reporting to the Board of Trustees, the Director will be responsible for providing visionary leadership, fostering a collaborative and inclusive organisational culture, ensuring financial sustainability, effective governance and the successful delivery of strategic objectives. They will serve as the primary spokesperson for the World Heritage Site, building strong relationships with key stakeholders.

The successful candidate will bring experience in the culture or heritage sectors, strong communication and interpersonal skills, financial and fundraising knowledge, and a passion for Edinburgh’s historic environment. 

This role presents a chance to make a lasting impact on one of the world's most celebrated World Heritage Sites. 

We are looking for an experienced, visionary and strategic Director of Community Services to lead and develop our Advice and Support Services and our Engagement and Development Programmes. You will have a passion for, and a demonstrable track record of, building strong, resilient, and inclusive communities as well as developing and motivating a team of staff and volunteers. You will be a supportive, compassionate, enthusiastic, and experienced leader and manager of Community led and quality-led Community services.

An effective change manager, you will be passionate about making a real difference to the Irish and wider communities across London. This is a great opportunity to join the leadership team of the London Irish Centre (LIC) as it embarks upon a significant turning point in its 70-year history, helping the charity deliver its ambitious organisational strategy to empower and enrich even more lives through Irish Community and Culture.

About You

• You have demonstrable experience of leading and managing community services in the independent or public sector for a minimum of ten years.
• You are a professional, enthusiastic leader who can bring your sector experience to benefit this critical role and the wider organisation.
• You are an inspirational leader, bringing a team and others with you and leading by example.
• You have a proven track record in successfully leading a team, across multiple service delivery areas, and in implementing change.
• You are well-organised, able to manage several competing requirements with the ability to prioritise your work effectively to meet tight deadlines.
• You demonstrate excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal and are comfortable working with people across a wide portfolio, with various levels of experience and socio-economic backgrounds.

Key areas of responsibility

 Workforce

• Maintain a positive culture within the Centre in line with the London Irish Centre values and expectations.
• Overall responsibility for management, development, motivation, support and appraisal of the community services teams, and other team members when agreed with the line manager.
• Maintain and implement effective policies and processes for managing staff and volunteers, including recruitment and retention, induction, training and appraisals. 
• Ensure adequate and appropriately skilled staffing of the community services team.
• Monitor performance against budgets, targets and Key Performance Indicators.
• Ensure best practice and quality assured delivery of Community Services and Programmes.

Financial 

• Overall responsibility for management and reporting of community services budget. 
• Overall responsibility for management and monitoring of all community services` grants. 
• Responsibility for ensuring services are managed within delegated budget.
• Operating within financial governance arrangements at London Irish Centre.

Income generation

• Ensure relationships with all supporters and donors are managed and developed effectively, including trusts, individuals, major donors and corporate partners. 
• Identify suitable new grant and trust funds and lead on applications.
• Lead on monitoring, reporting and submissions for current grant and trust funds in accordance with funders` requirements.

Impact and Innovation 

• Overall responsibility for the service`s impact management in line with the London Irish Centre’s theory of change. 
• Lead on identification and adoption of innovative technology to improve the processes and impact on community services.
• Overall responsibility for communicating the outcomes and impact of the community services and programmes.
• Strategic Development.
• Work with the CEO, other management and the Board of Trustees to set and achieve the charity`s strategic objectives. 
• Ensure Community Services resources are effectively targeted. 
• Lead in implementing a strategic plan for Community Services and support team leaders to deliver against performance targets. 
• Develop and foster positive relationships with external stakeholders. 
• Engage with existing and new partners to ensure the charity meets the increasing needs of those who use our community services.

This job description is a guide to the nature of the work required of the Director of Community Services. It is not wholly comprehensive or restrictive and may be reviewed as required.

In our application pack we have included a job description and person specification to support your candidature. The details in the job description and person specification should be addressed in a maximum one-page cover letter. The cover letter should include your current job title, salary and position within banding where relevant. Click apply, upload your CV and cover letter to the portal on our website link.

 Please note that all roles at the London Irish Centre are subject to enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks as part of our commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of vulnerable individuals.

 The deadline for applications is Wednesday 30th April 9:00 a.m.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and we will be actively interviewing. We reserve the right to close applications before the stated deadline. Interviews will begin with an initial online screening, followed by in-person interviews at the Centre, likely during the week commencing May 5th.

Are you a highly experienced, driven and proactive finance & operations professional? Are you passionate about creativity and social impact? Would you like to join a multi-award-winning charity at a time of exceptional growth and impact? We would love to hear from you.

Create has just entered Year Five of its ambitious seven-year strategy to double its reach/impact by the charity’s 25th anniversary in 2028. As the charity progresses into this critical phase of development, we have been awarded a major (£320k) grant to support capacity building. This will enable the further implementation of Salesforce as the charity’s CRM, focusing on the project management and finance functions of operation, transforming efficiency and reducing administrative strain. This will be achieved by creating the position of Technical Project Lead to project manage and oversee implementation of Salesforce; increasing capacity in the finance team by appointing a Finance Manager; and implementing new cloud-based financial accounting software to work alongside Salesforce. This is an incredibly exciting time to join the charity and make your mark.

The Director of Finance & Operations will direct, administer and coordinate the financial, governance, HR, IT and operational activities of the charity in accordance with company policies and the Strategic Plan established by the Chief Executive (CE) and the Board of Trustees, and to assure the quality, effectiveness and efficiency of the planning, delivery and reporting of these activities.

Salary: £46,000-£51,000 per annum depending on experience.

How to apply

Download the application pack from our website which includes a full job description and person specification.

The deadline for applications is 9am on Wednesday 7 May 2025.

1st Interviews: Thursday 15 May at Create’s offices
2nd Interviews: Tuesday 20 May at Create’s offices

To apply, please send a completed application form with a short email providing a telephone number where you can be contacted in confidence.

Completed application forms should be returned to Create with the job title in the subject field).

Create is committed to a policy of equal opportunities embracing diversity in all areas of activity and welcomes applications from disabled people and people of all ethnicities.

No agencies / consultancies.

We are committed to improving diversity and inclusion across our organisation. Don’t meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that women and the Global Majority are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every single specification. If you’re excited about the role but your experience or qualifications don’t perfectly align, we encourage you to apply anyway. We particularly encourage applications from underrepresented groups such as the global majority, LGBTQA+, those with a disability and neurodiverse conditions.

The role:

This is a key role within the Executive Leadership team, with accountability for Finance, Procurement and IT at the Globe. You will work collaboratively with the CEO and Executive leadership team to drive strong business as usual delivery, and provide provide balanced insight to Executive Leadership Team and the Senior Leadership Group so that they can take responsibility for questioning routines and rituals, and for streamlining processes that improve efficiency.

The Finance Director is the lead on the Audit and Risk Committee (ARC) and is a key part of other relevant committees. You will also attend and report at Board meetings, developing strong working relationships with Board members, the Artistic Director, Executive Leadership members, members of the Senior Leadership Group (SLG), the Finance and Procurement team, the Globe’s IT contractor, and colleagues throughout the Globe.

The skills:

· Chartered Accountant.

· Extensive Director level business experience in a complex organisation.

· A strategic thinker with entrepreneurial instincts

· Demonstrable experience in managing contracts.

· Experience within the charities sector including understanding of the relevant accounting, taxation and other regulatory requirements this presents.

· Empathy with the work, aims and mission of the Globe including an appreciation of the balance between the charitable purpose and commercial imperatives.

· An effective and flexible leadership and management style with demonstrable ability to inspire, motivate, coach and develop a team.

· Credibility and authority to work effectively and liaise internally with senior staff and externally with Trustees and other stakeholders.

· An excellent negotiator and influencer with string emotional intelligence and good communication skills.

· Analytical problem-solving ability with the appetite and energy to evaluate, challenge and change the status quo.

· Experience in financial and risk compliance and governance issues.

· Accessible and inclusive report writing and presentation skills demonstrated as a part of Board level reporting.

· Positive, determined, pragmatic, and resilient – able to inspire confidence and respect.

· The ability to work flexibly in a creative, fast-moving environment and understand the importance of artistic risk taking and to respond positively to it.

· Experience in, or a personal interest in the arts, heritage/museum, or creative industries.

· Experience of managing IT contracts or IT staff.

The team:

The Finance Department provides timely and accurate financial information to key stakeholders while protecting Shakespeare’s Globe assets and ensures compliance with laws and regulations in relation to financial and taxation matters. Serving as a key partner on topics requiring economic, financial and value for money inputs and expertise, the Finance Department manages Accounting and Financial Reporting, Tax, Banking Relationships, Procurement, Financial Risk Management, Contracts, Management Reporting, and external audit partners

Shakespeare’s Globe:

We celebrate Shakespeare’s transformative impact on the world by conducting a radical theatrical experiment. Inspired and informed by the unique historic playing conditions of two beautiful iconic theatres, our diverse programme of work harnesses the power of performance, cultivates intellectual curiosity and excites learning to make Shakespeare accessible for all.

Director of Finance and Operations

Contract type: Fixed Term, initially 18 months, part time (initially 2 - 3 days a week)

Contract start date: asap

Location: Remote (some travel for meetings in London)

Please note, this role is only open to applicants residing in and with the right to work in the UK.

This is an exciting opportunity to become a key member of the leadership team for a unique Fund focused on commercial scripted and unscripted projects that address the climate crisis. This is a part time role working remotely, but with the potential for growth. 

‍

THE COMPANY

Climate Spring is a unique organisation working to fund and develop content with the world’s leading production companies and broadcasters. We are a company based in the UK working globally, funded by philanthropic foundations. Our team is made up of film and TV professionals, climate and funding experts based in the UK, US and France. Our primary focus is on identifying, supporting and developing a range of long-form content that is commercially viable within the global English language market. We also provide consultancy and training support to the industry on climate storytelling within a commercial context. We aim to create better  connections, coordination and partnership to what is a growing movement of interest Climate Spring has grown rapidly over the last 18 months, and has plans for further expansion. 

THE ROLE

We are looking for a motivated and passionate Director of Finance and Operationsto join our team, to provide strategic and financial leadership and support to Climate Spring as it continues to grow

Key responsibilities:

• Strategic leadership on all finance and operational matters affecting Climate Spring’s activities
• Manage and oversee the organisation’s budget in line with the organisation’s strategy
• Support the Executive Director and Director of Impact with fundraising strategy and funder management.
• Oversee the financial management of the organisation
• Provide financial and operational leadership for the organisation’s establishment of a new production fund
• Prepare and present financial reports for board and funders.
• Manage relevant internal and departmental operational developments
• Oversee the organisation’s operations, ensuring effective and inclusive practices and policies
• Oversee the organisation’s HR policies and practice
• Supporting the Executive Director in reporting to the board and ensuring effective governance

Minimum role criteria:

• 10+ years of experience working in philanthropic, social investment or charity sector with significant leadership experience. 
• Experience managing organisational budgets over £2m
• Experience managing a diverse team
• Experience managing grants and donor relationships

Additional desired skills

• Experience managing social investment funds
• Experience of the entertainment or culture sectors
• Experience setting up new organisations or companies
• Experience drafting contractual agreements
• Governance expertise

To be considered for this opportunity you will need to demonstrate the following skills:

Key skills:

• Excellent leadership skills that foster inclusive cultures
• Excellent fundraising and donor/investor partnership management skills
• Entrepreneurial and adaptive, with creative problem-solving abilities
• Strong attention to detail
• Excellent organisational, time management and long-term planning skills 
• Excellent writing and communication skills, including clear and effective written and verbal communication skills, negotiating skills, strong drafting abilities 
• Professional individual who can build and manage a positive team dynamic
• Demonstrable experience of building and managing budgets and organisational finances. 
• Problem solving skills, and a can-do, team attitude
• Ability to juggle multiple, competing priorities, pivot quickly, think practically and be solution-oriented
• Diligent and resourceful 

We strongly encourage applications for this role from people with a disability and if you meet the minimum criteria for a role and you have declared that you are disabled, we’ll guarantee you’ll get to the next stage* (minimum criteria above). We're happy to discuss any support/personalisation you may need during our selection process as a reasonable adjustment. 

NEXT STEPS

If your skills & experience fit the above requirements and you would like to talk to us about this role, please apply by emailing  attaching:

• CV
• Covering letter (no more than 250 words)

Deadline for applications: 6th May 2025

Interviews: 26th May 2025

Charity People are honoured to be working in partnership with the UK's leading literacy charity, who are searching for an inspirational and passionate fundraising leader to join as their new Director of Development.

• Director of Development
• £85,000 - £90,000 Per Annum
• Permanent, 35 hours per week
• Reports to CEO
• 6 Direct Reports, leading a full department of 20
• As part of our flexible working policy, you will be free to work remotely for the majority of your time if you prefer. However, you will need to be able to be in London when required for events and in person meetings with partners and trustees, team planning days and other duties as part of our senior management team. This will be approximately two or three days per month on average and you will need to cover the cost of your travel.
• Excellent benefits including 28 days annual leave, plus bank holidays and Christmas closure, and generous pension contribution of up to 8%

The role

This key leadership role is at the core of a very successful and ambitious directorate, one that has seen some wonderful achievements across all income streams. This includes award-winning partnerships from the corporate sector, with partners including McDonalds, KPMG and The Premier League, in addition to a fantastic array of trusts and foundations, and strategic relationships with national bodies such as Arts Council of England and the Department of Education.

The Director of Development will continue our impressive growth trajectory and inspire a team of talented and ambitious fundraisers to success. You will work closely with the CEO and fellow members of the Senior Leadership Team, as well as being a key contact for delivery colleagues and programme leads.

About you

You will be an experienced and compelling leader, someone who can demonstrate a successful track record building and delivering fundraising strategies. You will need to show success in achieving income growth, and be experienced across several income streams, including managing strategic partnerships from the corporate world, working strategically with national bodies (e.g. Arts Council) and a deep understanding of fundraising campaigns. You will have exceptional communication skills across all audiences, including working at board level, and have an excellent understanding of financial planning and reporting. You will be a natural leader, who can engage, motivate and inspire the development department, and play a key part in building a strong and inclusive organisational culture, as part of our ED&I commitments.

To apply

To find out more information and to register your interest, please send your updated CV to Kevin Croasdale from our recruitment partner, Charity People. If your profile fits what we're looking for we'll be in touch with lots more details and to arrange a follow up meeting.

Key Dates

Deadline for Applications : Tuesday 22nd April 2025

First round interviews: Week commencing 5th May 2025 - 1 hour max per candidate

Second round interviews -Wednesday 14th May, in-person

We want you to have every opportunity to demonstrate your skills, ability, and potential. Please contact us if you require any assistance or adjustment so that we can help ensure the application process works for you.

For over thirty years, we've recruited extraordinarily talented people into rewarding and vital positions on behalf of some of the biggest and smallest non-profit organisations in the UK and internationally. We also work in partnership with organisations that support diversity in the workplace, recognising the need for continual diverse partnerships in our work. We're proud to be the chosen recruitment partner for many Charities, Universities, Membership bodies and Institutes

This historic performing arts organisation is here to transform, create, agitate and excite. It's a hub of inspiration where artists and emerging talent create extraordinary work and where young people can grow creatively as individuals. They now require an Associate Director of Partnerships and Philanthropy to cover a 13-month maternity contract starting this Summer. 

The Associate Director of Partnerships and Philanthropy will provide motivational leadership of the talented Partnerships and Philanthropy team and as a member of the Senior Management Team, will contribute to the leadership and the overall strategic direction of the organisation. You will deliver the Partnerships and Philanthropy income targets as well as building a pipeline to achieve growth in key income streams for future years in line with the three-year strategy. In 2026, the organisation will hold its biannual Gala, and as Associate Director of Partnerships and Philanthropy, you and your team will be responsible for delivering this successfully.  

To be successful, you will have proven ability to achieve income targets and secure significant new income both personally and by empowering your team. You will bring expertise in major donor and/or corporate fundraising, and you will be a strategic and experienced team leader and manager. This is an exciting time to join the organisation and make an impact during this first year of a new strategic period. 

At Prospectus we invest in your journey as a candidate and are committed to supporting you with your application. We welcome all candidates to apply, regardless of age, sex/gender, disability, race, religion, sexual orientation, marital status or pregnancy/maternity. If you have any disability and require reasonable adjustment/s to any part of the process then please contact Ryan Burdock at and Femke Vorstman at .

If you feel you meet some of the criteria but not all, we really hope you'll enquire and learn more. Prospectus can advise and support on each part of the role and hopefully your application, so we look forward to hearing from you.  

In order to apply please submit your CV in the first instance. Should your experience be suitable, we will arrange for a meeting to brief you on the role. You'll then have all the information you need to formally apply. We are looking forward to connecting with you soon.

This historic performing arts organisation is here to transform, create, agitate and excite. It's a hub of inspiration where artists and emerging talent create extraordinary work and where young people can grow creatively as individuals. They now require an Associate Director of Partnerships and Philanthropy to cover a 13-month maternity contract starting this Summer. 

The Associate Director of Partnerships and Philanthropy will provide motivational leadership of the talented Partnerships and Philanthropy team and as a member of the Senior Management Team, will contribute to the leadership and the overall strategic direction of the organisation. You will deliver the Partnerships and Philanthropy income targets as well as building a pipeline to achieve growth in key income streams for future years in line with the three-year strategy. In 2026, the organisation will hold its biannual Gala, and as Associate Director of Partnerships and Philanthropy, you and your team will be responsible for delivering this successfully.  

To be successful, you will have proven ability to achieve income targets and secure significant new income both personally and by empowering your team. You will bring expertise in major donor and/or corporate fundraising, and you will be a strategic and experienced team leader and manager. This is an exciting time to join the organisation and make an impact during this first year of a new strategic period. 

At Prospectus we invest in your journey as a candidate and are committed to supporting you with your application. We welcome all candidates to apply, regardless of age, sex/gender, disability, race, religion, sexual orientation, marital status or pregnancy/maternity. If you have any disability and require reasonable adjustment/s to any part of the process then please contact Ryan Burdock at and Femke Vorstman at .

If you feel you meet some of the criteria but not all, we really hope you'll enquire and learn more. Prospectus can advise and support on each part of the role and hopefully your application, so we look forward to hearing from you.  

In order to apply please submit your CV in the first instance. Should your experience be suitable, we will arrange for a meeting to brief you on the role. You'll then have all the information you need to formally apply. We are looking forward to connecting with you soon.

The Association of Illustrators (AOI) is seeking an exceptional Chair to lead our Board of Directors. As the foremost professional body for illustration, the AOI has proudly supported and championed the creative industry since 1973. Today, we serve a thriving global community of more than 2,000 members.

Our Organisation and Next Chapter

The AOI stands as a recognised global leader in the illustration sector, combining robust financial management with innovative member services. Under the guidance of our current CEO and outgoing Chair, we have achieved significant milestones:

•Built substantial financial reserves

•Strengthened our advocacy for illustrators' rights

•Established new revenue streams

•Enhanced our industry profile and influence

•Developed comprehensive career support initiatives 

We are entering an exciting phase of development, requiring visionary leadership to grow our organisation whilst maintaining excellence in member support. The creative landscape is evolving rapidly, particularly with emerging technologies like AI, and we seek a Chair who can help us navigate these changes strategically.

Position Overview

Working closely with the Board and CEO, the Chair will guide the AOI's strategic direction while ensuring robust governance and sustainable growth.

Key Details:

•Reports to: Board of Directors

•Direct report: Chief Executive Officer

•Location: Somerset House, Central London 

•Time commitment: Quarterly board meetings (2 hours each) plus approximately 16 hours monthly for strategic consultation

Remuneration:

£11,000 - £13,000 per annum, comprising of:

•£1,000 PAYE stipend for governance duties

•Up to £12,000 annually in consultancy fees for strategic advisory work

Role Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership and Vision

-Guide strategic planning processes and implementation in collaboration with CEO and board

-Ensure alignment between commercial growth and social impact

-Foster innovation while maintaining financial sustainability

-Lead the Board in setting and reviewing strategic objectives

-Build consensus around key strategic decisions

Governance and Compliance

-Chair quarterly Board meetings with effectiveness and professionalism

-Ensure the Board fulfils its duties and responsibilities

-Oversee risk management and mitigation strategies

-Monitor organisational performance against strategic objectives

-Ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements

Financial Oversight

-Guide financial strategy and sustainability

-Review and approve annual budgets and financial reports

-Ensure appropriate financial controls are in place

-Support the development of new revenue streams

Stakeholder Engagement and External Relations

-Build and maintain strategic partnerships

-Act as an ambassador for the organisation

-Advocate for illustrators' rights and interests

People Leadership

-Provide support to the CEO 

-Lead Board recruitment and succession planning

-Foster a collaborative and inclusive Board culture

-Support professional development of Board members

Person Specification

Essential Experience

-Proven senior leadership experience in the creative industries or related sectors

-Track record of successful strategic planning and implementation

-Understanding of governance and financial management

-History of delivering both social and commercial value

Knowledge and Understanding

-Appreciation for the illustration industry and its challenges

-Strong grasp of the creative sector's commercial landscape

-Understanding of not-for-profit governance

-Awareness of emerging technologies and their impact

-Understanding of diversity and inclusion best practices

Leadership Qualities

-Strategic thinker with proven problem-solving abilities

-Excellent chair and facilitation skills

-Strong diplomatic and negotiation abilities

-Ability to build consensus and manage diverse viewpoints

-Commitment to collaborative leadership

How to Apply

To express your interest in this position, please submit:

•A comprehensive CV

•A covering letter explaining your suitability for the role

•Contact details for two professional references (these will only be contacted with your permission)

Please send your application by 5pm on 12th May 2025 

The AOI is committed to building a diverse and inclusive organisation. We particularly welcome applications from candidates who are under-represented within the illustration industry. We believe that diversity strengthens our organisation and look forward to hearing from all interested applicants.

If you would like to submit your expression of interest in an alternative format, such as a video recording, please contact us in advance to discuss options.

Role Purpose

This is an exceptional opportunity to join the Royal Hospital Chelsea as Assistant Director of Audience Engagement on a fixed term contract to cover maternity leave.  A core focus of the role is to develop the Royal Hospital Chelsea into a national heritage destination while ensuring our community of veterans remains at the heart of everything we do.

During this fixed term contract, you will be responsible for delivering our public engagement strategy, and drive visits to, and engagement with, the Royal Hospital Chelsea’s heritage, supporting sustained and manageable footfall and increased income through public programmes, secondary spend and commercial visitor opportunities.  

You will oversee the successful delivery and operation of the new Visitor Centre within the recently restored Soane Stable Yard, ensuring the visitor experience both onsite and digital is inspiring, inclusive, and impactful. You will also lead our contribution to the Chelsea Heritage Quarter, including co-delivering the annual Chelsea History Festival, working alongside key partners: the National Army Museum and Chelsea Physic Garden.

This role carries senior leadership responsibility, including line management of a talented team covering public programmes, community engagement, visitor experience, and retail. You are also responsible for managing RHC’s relationship with a café concession. You will work closely with colleagues across the Royal Hospital Chelsea and externally to grow our public reach and income potential, positioning the Royal Hospital Chelsea prominently within London’s cultural landscape and the wider heritage sector.

About You

We are looking for an inspiring, strategic leader with a proven track record in the heritage, museums, or visitor attraction sector. You will bring significant experience in audience engagement or similar roles, including at least five in a senior leadership or management capacity. You will be adept at developing and delivering public-facing programmes, and leading a high-performing, multidisciplinary team.

The successful candidate will be a creative thinker with excellent communication skills, a strong grasp of commercial opportunities, and the ability to develop inclusive strategies that attract core, target, and hard-to-reach audiences.

About Us.

The Royal Hospital Chelsea, home of the iconic Chelsea Pensioners since 1692 provides both sheltered accommodation and full nursing care for up to 300 retired British Army veterans.

The ethos of the Royal Hospital is one that puts a premium on selflessness and companionship.  Our values of nurturing belonging, respect individuals, encourage pride and enjoy life underpin that ethos. We are united in a shared purpose, living and working together and ensuring everyone has a place in our diverse social and military community.

The Royal Hospital Chelsea is dedicated to equality, diversity, and inclusion, where all backgrounds and abilities can reach their full potential. We pride ourselves on attracting a wide range of talent, removing potential barriers, and promoting equal opportunities. We know, the more varied and inclusive our teams are, the better our organisation will be for our community. We are a Disability Confident employer dedicated to hiring diverse talent and ensuring you are treated with respect throughout the recruitment process and upon joining our community.

Our selection process.

Should your application be successful you will be invited to a formal interview, where you will be asked questions relating to your experiences and key requirements of the role. If you are successful after the interviews, we will:

• Ask for references from those you have listed on your application form
• Check your right to live and work in the UK
• Check any declarations you have made on your application form
• Ask you to complete a medical form
• Carry out an Enhanced DBS application.