Chief Operating Officer

Smyth & Co is delighted to be exclusively partnering with Art History Link-Up, a widening participation education charity to find a Chief Operating Officer (COO).  This role will play a crucial part in the strategic and operational leadership of Art History Link-Up. Reporting directly to the Founder & CEO, the COO will be responsible for overseeing the charity's day-to-day operations, ensuring that the organisation runs smoothly and efficiently, in addition to supporting capacity build.

This role will involve working closely with the small team of three employees, managing resources, and driving the successful implementation of the strategic plan for growth. The COO will also act as a key support to the Founder and CEO, providing guidance on organisational development and helping to steer the Charity towards its long-term goals.

Some key responsibilities:

• Operational Leadership - Oversee the day-to-day operations of AHLU, ensuring that all activities are aligned with the charity's mission and strategic objectives.
• Strategic Planning & Execution - Work closely with the Founder & CEO to develop and implement the strategic plan for growth
• Financial Management - Oversee the charity's financial operations, including budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting. Support the CEO in developing and delivering the fundraising strategy
• Governance & Compliance - Ensure that AHLU adheres to all relevant legal and regulatory requirements.
• Stakeholder Engagement - Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including partners, funders and alumni students.

What you’ll bring to the team

• Proven experience in a senior operational role, from within the charity or education sector.
• Strong strategic thinking and planning skills, with a track record of successfully implementing growth strategies.
• Excellent financial management skills
• Ability to manage multiple projects and workstreams simultaneously
• Leadership experience, with the ability to inspire and manage a small team.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships with a wide range of stakeholders.
• Knowledge of governance and compliance requirements within the charity sector.

About Art History Link-Up

Art History Link-Up believes that art history shouldn’t belong to the handful of people who currently have the opportunity to study it, unfortunately currently, fewer than 1% of state schools offer History of Art A-level. To address this, AHLU has provided free courses in art history to over 500 students from over 300 schools across the UK. Their alumni are now studying art history at Russell Group universities across the UK, including the Universities of Oxford, Cambridge, and the Courtauld Institute.