Arts development officer jobs

The Development Office at Oundle School is looking for Deputy Director of Development who will be instrumental in advancing our philanthropic goals and will support the management and running of its driven and friendly team.

THE ROLE

The Deputy Director of Development will play a key part in helping us achieve our philanthropic goals. This role provides a real opportunity to make a tangible difference: devising and shaping strategy, driving forward our stewardship and legacies programme, building key relationships with major donors, and working closely with the Director of Development on the next advances in this vital area of the school’s work.

This is an exciting opportunity for a dynamic relationship manager who is highly motivated, creative, and intellectually curious, with experience of working within a fundraising or relatable field. We are looking for a dedicated colleague who will enjoy working across a vibrant constituency within a beautiful architectural setting to deepen philanthropic relationships between the school and its alumni and parent body.

While this role is 40 hours per week, year round, we are open to discussion about working arrangements including hybrid working to attract a candidate who can help us achieve our ambitions.

THE SCHOOL

Oundle and Laxton Junior Schools have long been associated with the very best of modern independent education, especially boarding. The Schools take seriously their responsibility to pupils so that they can emerge as decent, open-minded adults; ambitious about what they can go on to achieve and contribute. Over 1400 pupils are on roll at the School, of whom 840 are full boarders. Academic results are steadfastly excellent. 

A team of around 800 staff, both academic and support, ensure an education of the highest standard is in place across the Schools with the efforts of the whole team focused on this fundamental aim.

LIVING IN OUNDLE

We are fortunate in our location at the heart of a beautiful market town. School and town are part of the same community and our pupils take their place within this community, not isolated from it. The town has a spirited cultural life, with an annual international festival, literature festival, and frequent performances of nationally touring shows at the School’s Stahl Theatre.

TO APPLY

Full details of the role, including hours of work and salary, can be found in the Job Description. If you are excited by this opportunity, please complete and return an application form and supplement to the application before the closing date.

Please note CV submissions cannot be accepted.

Application closing date: Wednesday 21 January 2026, 9am.

Interviews will take place week commencing 2 February 2026 and 9 February 2026.

Oundle School and Laxton Junior School are proud to be equal opportunity employers and we welcome applications from all. We aim to ensure that all applicants are provided with the same opportunities during the recruitment process, and we endeavour to comply with the duties placed upon us to make reasonable adjustments as prescribed by the Equality Act 2010. Should you need to request a particular adjustment to enable you to participate fully in the recruitment process, please ensure that this is made known, to the HR Department

Both Schools are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Applicants will be required to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Recruitment Agencies

The Corporation of Oundle School has an internal recruitment department, but where agency support is required, we will engage our trusted partners. Our adverts are intended to encourage direct interest from potential applicants, not recruitment agencies. Speculative CVs sent from sources other than directly from a candidate, will not be acknowledged or considered.

The National Youth Jazz Orchestra (NYJO) is seeking a Finance Manager to strengthen our financial foundations as we celebrate 60 years of nurturing young talent. This newly created role brings together financial operations across our vibrant organisation, working closely with our Chief Executive and all departments.

Founded in 1965, NYJO has grown from a single jazz orchestra to a dynamic charity delivering engaging participation projects and impactful live performances. As an Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation and Resident Artistic Company at Woolwich Works in Greenwich, we're dedicated to making jazz accessible to early-career musicians, young people, and audiences nationwide.

You'll oversee day-to-day financial management while contributing to strategic planning that shapes how we empower the next generation of jazz musicians. This includes managing our Xero accounting system, preparing quarterly management accounts and cash-flow statements, leading the annual budgeting process, and ensuring compliance with charity finance regulations.

Working across our three core areas - the National Youth Jazz Orchestra for emerging professionals aged 18-25, NYJO Learning programmes, and Community Outreach initiatives - you'll collaborate with programme, marketing, and development teams to create and monitor project budgets, track restricted income, and provide financial reporting to funders including Arts Council England, trusts, foundations, and sponsors.

This role offers genuine impact: your financial expertise will directly support young musicians' creative development and help us deliver programmes that respond to community needs. You'll produce reports for our Board of Trustees, manage Gift Aid returns, ensure statutory compliance, and maintain the strong financial governance essential to our mission.

We're looking for a qualified or part-qualified accountant with charity finance experience, or equivalent expertise in the arts sector. You'll need strong Xero skills, solid understanding of charity SORP and restricted fund accounting, and the ability to translate complex financial information into clear insights for non-financial stakeholders.

Requirements and Responsibilities

Essential:

• Qualified/part-qualified accountant (ACCA/CIMA/ACA/CIPFA) or equivalent professional experience in charity/arts finance
• Experience managing finances for UK charity or non-profit organisation
• Working knowledge of charity SORP, Gift Aid, and fund-restricted accounting
• Strong Excel and accounting software skills
• Excellent communication skills to explain finance to non-financial stakeholders
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail

Desirable:

• Experience in music, youth, education, or cultural sectors
• Experience with Arts Council England and other funders
• Interest in jazz music and supporting music education opportunities

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage Xero accounting system and maintain accurate financial records
• Prepare quarterly management accounts, cash-flow statements, and variance analysis
• Lead annual budgeting and support multi-year financial planning
• Track restricted income and provide funder reporting
• Ensure charity compliance (Companies House, Charity Commission, HMRC)
• Support Board meetings and contribute to strategic decision-making

Job Responsibilities

Financial Management: Oversee Xero accounting system, maintain accurate records, prepare quarterly management accounts and cash-flow statements with variance analysis for Board of Trustees. Manage bank reconciliations, accounts payable/receivable, payroll and pension administration.

Strategic Finance: Lead annual budgeting with CEO and department leads, support multi-year financial planning and scenario modelling.

Project & Grant Management: Collaborate with Programmes, Marketing and Development teams on project budgets. Track restricted income and provide financial reporting to Arts Council England, trusts, foundations, and sponsors. Ensure accurate cost allocation across projects and funding streams.

Governance & Compliance: Ensure statutory compliance (Companies House, Charity Commission, HMRC including Orchestra Tax Relief and VAT). Lead year-end financial statements preparation and independent review. Manage Gift Aid returns and maintain internal financial controls.

Working Schedule: Part-time position: 3 days per week Location: London with flexible/hybrid working Salary: £45k-£55k FTE depending on experience Holiday: 20 days plus bank holidays (pro rata) Reports to: Chief Executive

How to Apply

Send your CV and covering letter (maximum 2 pages) outlining your relevant experience and what draws you to NYJO before 22 January 2026. Please confirm your availability for first round online interviews (week of 2nd February 2026) and in-person second interviews at Woolwich Works (12th February 2026). We welcome applications from all backgrounds and are committed to building a diverse team. 

Role: Music Development Officer

Reporting to: Executive Director / Senior Lead

Salary: £17,042.40 (pro-rata of £28,404)

Hours: 21 hours per week

Contract: Fixed term – three years from start date

Location: Home, with the option to work from an office in Cardiff or Carmarthen.

Summary

We’re looking for a Music Development Officer to join our fantastic team at Disability Arts Cymru! Do you have a passion for music and a commitment to promoting the rights of disabled people? This could be the perfect opportunity for you. If you’re excited by the power of art to explore social issues and inspire real change, we’d love to hear from you.

What it’s like to work with us

Disability Arts Cymru (DAC) is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation funded by the Arts Council of Wales. We’re a membership organisation that produces and promotes art which reflects the lived experience of disabled people in Wales and champions equality across the arts. At the heart of everything we do is the social model of disability. We work to challenge barriers and negative attitudes, helping individuals and organisations understand that it is society and negative attitudes, not impairments, that disable people.

Working for DAC means joining a small, highly experienced, and enthusiastic team based across Wales. Most of our work is home-based, though you’ll be expected to attend events around the country and visit our headquarters in Carmarthen or Cardiff from time to time. Our staff benefit from a generous annual leave allowance, including a Christmas and New Year office shutdown, additional discretionary days, two team social days each year, and a friendly weekly remote coffee chat over Zoom.

What you’ll be doing

You will manage and support a group of DAC musician members, helping them to create new work, access opportunities, and grow both creatively and professionally. This will include hosting events, developing and leading projects, building and maintaining relationships with partner organisations in Wales and beyond, administering and supporting arts commissions, and delivering training when required.

What we’re looking for

• Practical experience in the arts, specifically within a music context.
• Proven experience planning and delivering projects to a high standard.
• An effective communicator, able to engage with people at all levels.
• A positive team player, who collaborates well and builds strong relationships internally and externally.
• Strong organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects, meet deadlines, and work effectively remotely.
• A lived understanding of the experiences of disabled and/or deaf people in Wales, alongside a passion for using art to drive social change.

Knowledge, skills and experience

Essential

• Relevant experience, or demonstrable knowledge, of delivering socially impactful arts projects in Wales.
• Strong awareness of the music industry in Wales and established relationships with key people in the sector.
• Educated to degree level, or with significant equivalent industry experience.
• Ability to plan, deliver, and support arts projects and events.
• Strong understanding of the lived experience of disability and a working knowledge of the Social Model of Disability.
• Effective interpersonal skills with the ability to build and maintain relationships, and to communicate effectively with people at all levels.
• Strong organisational skills, with the ability to manage time, prioritise workloads, and deliver to deadlines in a home-working/hybrid environment.
• Ability to work positively and collaboratively within a small staff team, including cross-artform collaboration.
• Excellent IT skills, including MS Office and digital communication platforms (e.g. Zoom, Teams).
• Experience gathering and evaluating feedback to report on project impact and member needs.
• Clear understanding of equality, diversity, and access in the arts, with particular emphasis on the Social Model of Disability.

Desirable

• Fluent Welsh speaker
• Experience of delivering training

How to apply

To apply, please complete an application form and equalities form and return them by email with the subject line: “Music Development Officer”.

When completing your application, please provide examples demonstrating how you meet the knowledge, skills, and experience criteria outlined above.

Please note: Due to the nature of this role, only written application forms will be considered. We especially welcome applications from disabled and deaf people and those from underrepresented communities.

Deadline: 19/12/2025

Role: Literature Development Officer

Reporting to: Executive Director / Senior Lead

Salary: £17,042.40 (pro-rata of £28,404)

Hours: 21 hours per week

Contract: Permanent

Location: Home based, with the option to work from an office in Cardiff or Carmarthen.

Summary

We’re looking for a Literature Development Officer to join our fantastic team at Disability Arts Cymru! Do you have a passion for Literature and a commitment to promoting the rights of disabled people? This could be the perfect opportunity for you. If you’re excited by the power of art to explore social issues and inspire real change, we’d love to hear from you.

What it’s like to work with us

Disability Arts Cymru (DAC) is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation funded by the Arts Council of Wales. We’re a membership organisation that produces and promotes art which reflects the lived experience of disabled people in Wales and champions equality across the arts. At the heart of everything we do is the social model of disability. We work to challenge barriers and negative attitudes, helping individuals and organisations understand that it is society and negative attitudes, not impairments, that disable people.

Working for DAC means joining a small, highly experienced, and enthusiastic team based across Wales. Most of our work is home-based, though you’ll be expected to attend events around the country and visit our headquarters in Carmarthen or Cardiff from time to time. Our staff benefit from a generous annual leave allowance, including a Christmas and New Year office shutdown, additional discretionary days, two team social days each year, and a friendly weekly remote coffee chat over Zoom.

What you’ll be doing

You will manage and support the DAC literature group, helping them to create new work, access opportunities, and grow both creatively and professionally. This will include hosting events, developing and leading projects, building and maintaining relationships with partner organisations in Wales and beyond, administering and supporting arts commissions, and delivering training when required.

What we’re looking for

• Practical experience in the arts, specifically within a literature context.
• Proven experience planning and delivering projects to a high standard.
• An effective communicator, able to engage with people at all levels.
• A positive team player, who collaborates well and builds strong relationships internally and externally.
• Strong organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects, meet deadlines, and work effectively remotely.
• A lived understanding of the experiences of disabled and/or deaf people in Wales, alongside a passion for using art to drive social change.

Knowledge, skills and experience

Essential

• Relevant experience, or demonstrable knowledge, of delivering socially impactful arts projects in Wales.
• Strong awareness of the literature landscape in Wales and relationships with key people in the sector.
• Educated to degree level, or with significant equivalent industry experience.
• Ability to plan, deliver, and support arts projects and events.
• Strong understanding of the lived experience of disability and a working knowledge of the Social Model of Disability.
• Effective interpersonal skills with the ability to build and maintain relationships, and to communicate effectively with people at all levels.
• Strong organisational skills, with the ability to manage time, prioritise workloads, and deliver to deadlines in a home-working/hybrid environment.
• Ability to work positively and collaboratively within a small staff team, including cross-artform collaboration.
• Excellent IT skills, including MS Office and digital communication platforms (e.g. Zoom, Teams).
• Experience gathering and evaluating feedback to report on project impact and member needs.
• Clear understanding of equality, diversity, and access in the arts.
• Ability to write and converse in Welsh is essential for this role.

How to apply

To apply, please complete an application form and equalities form and return them by email with the subject line: “Literature Development Officer”.

When completing your application, please provide examples demonstrating how you meet the knowledge, skills, and experience criteria outlined above.

Please note: Due to the nature of this role, only written application forms will be considered. We especially welcome applications from disabled and deaf people and those from underrepresented communities.

Deadline: 19/12/25

Liverpool Arab Arts Festival (LAAF) is the UK’s leading celebration of Arab arts and cultures. We are a small team that delivers huge impact - rooted in Liverpool’s communities yet connected to artists and audiences across the world. Our work is grounded in representation, collaboration, and exchange, bringing Arab creativity and perspectives to the heart of the UK’s cultural landscape.

As Chief Executive Officer, you will lead this unique organisation through a pivotal period of transition and renewal. Working closely with the Board, staff team, freelance workers, artists, communities and partners, you will provide strategic, financial, artistic and cultural leadership - ensuring that LAAF continues to thrive in an increasingly complex political, social, and financial climate. This is a deeply rewarding role that calls for someone who is rigorous, transparent, and community-minded; someone who understands both the practical challenges of running an arts organisation and a live festival, year-round events and engagement projects, and the responsibility of representing communities whose stories matter.

The ideal candidate will be ready to immerse themselves in the relationships and networks that keep LAAF alive, and to lead with creativity, care, and conviction.

Are you a commercially minded, senior leader with strong experience in operations, company management, partnership building and income generation?

VDT is seeking an experienced Head of Operations and Business Development to spearhead the implementation of our ambitious new Commercial Strategy, driving growth and expanding income streams.

This is a crucial, high-impact role for someone who thrives on operational excellence, has excellent management skills and a passion for strategy implementation. It is ideal for someone with strong experience in partnership building, negotiating contracts, lead generation and organisational development.

Working closely with the Chief Executive / Artistic Director, the role works collaboratively across the small staff team to deliver the company’s Business Plan, Funding Agreement, Mission and Values. You will identify opportunities, generate new leads and manage the company’s wide range of production, participation and continued professional development programmes. You will grow a new customer base for our online training and E-learning and develop income from within arts academic and social enterprise settings. You will track progress and ensure the company is run in line with best practice. 

You might not have worked in the arts or creative industries before. If you have experience as a Business Manager, Operations Director, Executive Director or Senior Producer within or outside of the cultural / charity sector, then you’ll have the core skills we are looking for.

Closing date for applications: Midday Tuesday 6 January 2026

Interview Date: Thursday 15 January 2026 (possible second interview 23 January 2026).

The ISM seeks a Legal Officer to help deliver key services to its members across a wide range of legal issues. The role includes supporting unpaid-fee claims, helping musicians understand third-party contracts, and assisting the wider legal team with ongoing matters.

The award-winning ISM is the dynamic, change making professional body representing musicians. With a current membership of over 11,000, the ISM is known for its legal support to its members across a range of issues from copyright and employment disputes to contracts.  We are also known for our campaigning work on issues from equality to Brexit and AI which can cross over into legal services. We do not handle litigation and any disputes which proceed to this stage are handled by our legal insurance providers. 

It is vital that we deliver gold standard legal services, responding to the needs of our professional musician membership. You will be someone who has experience as a legal adviser or have some legal knowledge such as contract, copyright or employment law. You will be proactive with strong problem solving skills, good drafting and oral skills, keen attention to detail and good emotional intelligence.

You will be joining a professional staff team who are based in Bayswater, London. The role is five days per week of which at least three will be in the office.

For a full job description for this role and how to apply visit the ISM website.

Closing date is Monday 12th January at 9.30am. Interviews will take place face-to-face and applications generated by AI will not be considered.

The Royal Ballet and Opera continues to lead the way in opera, ballet, music and dance both live on stage and through multiple digital platforms, from live streaming to worldwide cinema screenings. Our Covent Garden theatre has been at the heart of London and British cultural life for three centuries. We are home to two world-class Companies: The Royal Ballet and The Royal Opera.

The Royal Opera House describes the place we work, not who we are. The whole is always more than the sum of its parts – we may be a House, but three quarters of our audiences experience what we do outside this building. While our Covent Garden theatre is the nerve centre, the impact and influence of the organisation can be felt in every corner of the country, and around the world.

The Development and Advocacy Department are looking to appoint an experienced fundraising professional who will work closely with the senior team on strategy development, generating opportunities to increase philanthropic giving by attracting new and lasting relationships and high value donors. Individually, you will make a substantial contribution to the current targets by managing and developing a portfolio of significant relationships, working to department best practice.

The ideal candidate for this post will be a team player with excellent communication and relationship management skills. You will play an active role in mentoring and developing junior members of the team and show your potential as a future leader. You will be able to demonstrate:

• A proven track record of securing major gifts and managing high-value donor relationships.
• Experience in developing and implementing fundraising strategies, prospecting plans, proposal writing and project management.
• Strong people management skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage credibly at senior levels.
• Strong understanding of fundraising compliance, tax-efficient giving, and donor stewardship best practices.
• Credibility and gravitas to engage confidently with senior stakeholders and donors.
• Strong relationship-building, networking, and influencing skills.

A background in the arts is not essential, though an interest in/the aptitude to upskill quickly in our art forms will be highly regarded. A firm understanding of the UK Philanthropic community and landscape is critical.

To submit your application, please provide a supporting statement that outlines how your skills and experience match the essential criteria listed above. Your supporting statement will be reviewed by the shortlisting panel, so please do take the time to consider your response and use this to highlight your suitability for, and interest in, the role. 

We recommend drafting your response in a separate document and then copying the final version into the application form. Please note that as part of our commitment to anonymised shortlisting, panels do not view CVs during the recruitment process. If you choose to upload your CV, our system will automatically pull information from your CV into our application form. 

The Royal Ballet and Opera is one of the UK’s leading arts organisations and our aim is to inspire imagination, ignite emotion and make the extraordinary for everyone. Equality, Diversity and Inclusion underpin all that we do. We want our people to be representative of the diversity in the UK. We understand the creativity and innovation that diversity can bring and strive to create an inclusive environment in which everyone can thrive.

We encourage applications from people with a wide range of backgrounds, experiences and skills to join our teams. We particularly welcome applications from those who are from a global majority background and/or those who are disabled, as they are under-represented within our organisation.

We are a Disability Confident Employer, which means that we are actively working to ensure that candidates with disabilities and long-term health conditions feel supported, engaged and able to fulfil their potential in the workplace. We will endeavour to offer an interview to candidates who tell us they wish to participate in the scheme and who demonstrate in their application that they meet the essential criteria for the role, though sometimes due to the volume of qualified candidates with declarations this is not possible.

The RBO is also committed to safeguarding and protecting all children, young people, and adults and we implement robust safer recruitment practices. Due to our safeguarding promise, certain roles will be subject to a DBS check before commencing employment with us, which will be indicated in the advertising.

Closing date for applications: Midnight, 5th January 2026.

Interviews will be held across 2 stages - the first online via MS Teams and the second in person at the ROH Covent Garden. 

Applicants must have work authorisation for the UK.  No agencies.

Tender is an arts charity working with children and young people to prevent domestic abuse and sexual violence through creative projects. Our programmes are safe, enjoyable, age-appropriate spaces where young people can engage with sensitive topics and “rehearse” for real-life scenarios. Participants are encouraged to be both consumers and producers of learning through script-work, role-play and creative media such as films and art. Throughout, we enable young people to explore their choices, rights and expectations in relationships and to recognise the early warning signs of abuse.

We have an exciting opportunity for someone who is interested in both research and converting that research into compelling data and stories to support our policy and influencing work.

This role will sit within our Research & Impact team, but will work across our communications, fundraising, and policy & influencing teams, particularly working closely with our senior leadership team to support our policy & influencing work. By converting the evidence and research from the research & impact team in to actionable insights and recommendations which can be shared with our funders, supporters and key decision makers such as policy makers and civil servants, you will play an important role in promoting the importance of prevention work as a tool to prevent domestic abuse and sexual violence.

We are looking for someone with some experience in research and evaluation who has a passion for communication and storytelling. You will enjoy exploring quantitative and qualitative data to pull out meaningful insights, building relationships with a range of internal and external partners, and using data and evidence to persuade others to prioritise prevention-focused approaches to addressing societal issues.

Key responsibilities

The main responsibilities of this role are:

• EnsuringTender’s projects implement Tender’s Theory of Change and evaluation processes, and ensure learnings from evaluations are used to improve Tender’s work
• Analysing Tender’s evaluation results and carrying out secondary research to produce reports and guidance on best practice approaches to preventing domestic abuse and sexual violence
• Using the findings from Tender’s evaluations and research to author and disseminate (on behalf of Tender and working in partnership with other organisations) recommendations for policy makers on preventing domestic abuse and sexual violence

Development Officer Vacancy

We are seeking an enthusiastic and proactive fundraiser to develop and maintain strong relationships with donors and partners, while providing high-level administrative and communications support to the department. The post-holder will play a key role in contributing to securing funding for all aspects of the School’s work.

This is a full-time, year-round position, reporting to the Head of Development & Communications (however, if part-time hours would better suit you, we will consider applicants who can commit to working a minimum of three days a week).

In this newly established role, the post-holder will:

• Support the generation of the School’s philanthropic revenue from both existing and new sources, with a focus on Trusts and Foundations and smaller gifts (<£500), primarily for:

  • Student scholarships and bursaries
  • Capital projects
  • Academic and creative initiatives

• Work with the Head of Development & Communications to manage a portfolio of Trusts and Foundations, helping to retain existing support through:

  • Timely and effective donor communications
  • Meetings, reporting, and stewardship

• Take responsibility for the day-to-day management of the ‘Friends of Rambert School’ scheme, including:

  • Maintaining a database of renewals
  • Coordinating engagement opportunities

• Use research and communication skills to:

  • Identify new fundraising prospects in the UK and abroad
  • Assist in preparing compelling proposals and applications to secure support for the School and its students

This new role at Young Sounds UK will lead on securing grant income from and coordinating relationships with Trusts and Foundations. This will include identifying and researching funders, submitting compelling applications and completing timely and accurate reports.

You'll need to be comfortable with managing budgets, using CRMs, and demonstrating our impact through writing case studies that bring our work to life. You'll also need to have excellent communication and relationship building skills, and be organised, flexible and with a great attention to detail.

We're looking for someone who has at least three years experience of fundraising in a charity, especially if they’ve focused on fundraising from Trusts and Foundations, and who is looking for an opportunity to take the next step in their career.

For full information on this role, including key responsibilities and person specification, please view the job pack.

The closing date for applications is Monday 19 January 2026 at 12 noon.

About Young Sounds UK 

Young Sounds UK exists because musical talent is everywhere but opportunity isn’t: family finances and other obstacles too often get in the way. We’re here to change this in two key ways:

• We support young musicians from low-income families with funding and other help 
• We support music education through training, advocacy and research.

Established in 1998 we work across genres and across the UK. Our four programme areas are: 

• Discover: training teachers in how to spot young people’s musical potential 
• Connect: targeting and sustaining young people’s emerging talent through strategic support
• Thrive: funding young talent UK wide through annual grants and tailor-made help for individual musicians
• Innovate: leading new thinking and action on talent development

Dancers’ Career Development (DCD), the national charity that enables and empowers dancers to thrive professionally and personally leading up to and beyond their performance careers, seek a Fundraiser.

DCD’s Fundraiser will work closely with the Executive Director and be instrumental in increasing fundraised and revenue income. 

Our ideal candidate will be a creative thinker with an open mindset to propose and explore new avenues of fundraising and income streams.

This role is ideally suited to a self-starter with a passion for the performing arts, who is motivated to make a tangible difference to the quality of dancers’ lives.

If you are excited by this opportunity and resonate with DCD’s values, please get in touch; we would love to hear from you.

Contract: Full-time permanent role

Salary: £35,000 per annum, pro-rata

Start date: As early as possible

Location: This is a remote working role, with monthly in-person team meetings which take place in London or Birmingham. Due to additional in-person events and meetings, as appropriate to the role and usually in London, the Fundraiser should be either based in London or within commutable distance.

Benefits: 23 days holiday pro-rata plus Bank Holidays (increasing to 28 days with length of service), 5% Employers contribution to pension scheme, Health & Wellbeing package, Professional Development opportunities.

Deadline: Applications must be submitted by 9am, Thursday 22 January 2026

Info: Download job application pack from our website for full job spec and how to apply.

Chief Executive Officer

Salary: £49, 282 - £54,495 per annum

Location: Gorse Hill Studios, Trafford, Manchester (Some remote working will be considered)

Contract Type: Full time, permanent

About Gorse Hill Studios

Gorse Hill Studios is a dynamic and ambitious youth and community arts charity. At the heart of our organisation is a belief that all young people deserve to feel valued, supported and inspired. We work with young people to build confidence, creativity and community connections, ensuring they have the opportunities and encouragement they need to thrive.

We believe that creativity can transform lives, and we are committed to placing young people at the centre of everything we do. Their voices, ideas and experiences help shape our programmes, partnerships and strategic direction.

We are entering an exciting phase of growth and development. Our team currently includes 20 core staff and a wider network of volunteers and creative practitioners, delivering a diverse portfolio of youth arts sessions, community engagement projects, creative wellbeing initiatives and partnership-led activity with local schools and organisations. The CEO will play a pivotal role in leading this portfolio, strengthening our impact, championing youth voice and ensuring young people continue to shape our future direction as we move into the next chapter of our development.

About the Role

As CEO, you will provide strategic, compassionate and visionary leadership, ensuring Gorse Hill Studios delivers its mission to empower and inspire young people. Reporting to the Board of Trustees, you will hold overall responsibility for the organisation’s performance, culture, operations and long-term sustainability. This role calls for someone who demonstrates strong strategic insight with the ability to influence and inspire others, using emotional intelligence and collaborative leadership to build positive internal and external relationships.

A fundamental part of this role is your commitment to embedding young people’s voice in decision making. You will champion their perspectives, ensuring programme development, strategy and organisational culture reflect the needs and aspirations of the young people we serve.

You will also be an ambassador for the charity, building trusted relationships with young people, partners, funders and the wider community. This role requires a leader who is values led, resilient and passionate about supporting young people through the arts and creative engagement.

Roles and Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership and Governance

• Lead on the development and delivery of the charity’s long-term strategy, with young people meaningfully involved
• Ensure compliance with all statutory, regulatory and governance requirements, including Charity Commission expectations and safeguarding duties
• Provide clear, timely reporting to the Board
• Support the Board to operate effectively

Financial Management and Income Generation

• Oversee budgeting, financial planning and responsible management of all funds
• Lead a diverse income generation strategy
• Identify sustainable opportunities for organisational growth

Operational Management and Programme Delivery

• Oversee day to day operations and ensure systems are effective
• Ensure programmes are high quality, inclusive and reflective of young people’s needs and feedback
• Act as Designated Safeguarding Lead, or ensure robust safeguarding practices across the organisation

People Leadership and Culture

• Inspire, support and lead a dedicated staff and volunteer team
• Champion a positive, inclusive and collaborative working culture
• Oversee recruitment, wellbeing and performance management

External Relations and Advocacy

• Act as the primary spokesperson and ambassador for Gorse Hill Studios
• Build strong relationships with partners, funders and stakeholders
• Advocate for and with young people locally and nationally
• Represent the charity confidently at events and in the media

Skills and Experience

Essential:

• Senior leadership experience in the charity, youth, arts or wider non-profit sector
• Strong financial management skills
• Proven success in fundraising or income generation
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement
• Knowledge of safeguarding practices in youth settings
• Experience leading teams and developing positive organisational cultures
• Strategic leadership experience

Desirable

• Experience in the youth arts or creative community sector
• Understanding of the Trafford community landscape

Values and Commitment

We are committed to promoting equity, diversity and inclusion. We welcome applications from individuals who share these values and are passionate about empowering young people.

An enhanced DBS check will be required.

Application Details

To apply, please submit your CV and covering letter.

Closing date: 19 January

Interview date: 23 January at Gorse Hill Studios

Interviews will include a stakeholder panel and a formal interview.

REF-225 658

Barnet Mencap is a very well-established local charity which provides services and support for people with learning disabilities, autistic people, and their family carers, while also campaigning alongside them to improve their lives. The organisation aims to create a world where people with learning disabilities are valued equally, have their voices heard and are included in the community. 

We are looking to appoint a new CEO to lead the organisation and ensure it continues to provide its much-valued services.

The successful candidate will have: 

• Experience in a senior role in a relevant service i.e. Learning Disabilities, Children or Adult Services

• Experience of developing a strategy and monitoring framework in a similar environment 

• Experience of effective partnership working at a strategic and practical level 

• Proven track record of income generation and financial management 

• Knowledge of charity governance, regulation for a medium size charity, and working effectively with a board of trustees.

• Knowledge of the Health and Social Care environment, including key policies and legislation 

• Understanding of Health and Safety and Safeguarding in a service delivery environment 

• Understanding of the Social Model of Disability and how to apply it to deliver empowering person-centred projects and services 

Please read the full Job Description, Person Specification and Recruitment Pack for further information on the role. 

To apply, please send your CV alongside a covering letter explaining how you meet the criteria in the person specification. 

The successful candidate will be required to complete an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service application in line with Section 115 of The Police Act 1997.   

 Closing Date: 16th of January 2026 

Interview dates are planned for the 10th and 11th of February 2026.