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Philanthropy and Partnerships fundraising at Alzheimer's Research UK has grown significantly over recent years. The Directorate has a strong track record of soliciting seven-figure donations and winning significant corporate partnerships with well-known and well-loved brands such as Omaze, Cadbury, Warburtons, Roadchef and Dobbies.
We are now building upon this success and have launched a new, significant fundraising campaign. This campaign will help drive further transformational growth, from income across major donors, trusts and foundations, and corporate partners. Ultimately, it will help us fund cutting-edge research that will bring forward the day when we can diagnose, treat and prevent dementia.
As part of Alzheimer’s Research UK’s Leadership Team, and working closely with the senior stakeholders across ARUK, the Head of Philanthropy will lead the organisation’s work with our philanthropy audiences (namely major donors, trusts and foundations). Under the banner of the new campaign, the Head of Philanthropy will define and implement the team’s strategy, ensuring it supports the charity’s vision, mission and strategic objectives.
The Head of Philanthropy will lead a Directorate of approximately 8-10 people and line manage three team members (namely the Philanthropy Executive and two Philanthropy Managers).
The role holder will also personally lead on relationships with a small group of ARUK’s most generous supporters, and prospective supporters, across Philanthropy audiences.
Key Responsibilities:
Strategy, finance and reporting
· Work with the Director of Philanthropy and Partnerships and Partnerships to lead on the strategy for the Philanthropy Team, including leading on the Ops plan, budgeting and strategy for the team.
· Grow Philanthropy income at Alzheimer’s Research UK, in line with agreed targets and expenditure.
· Monitor progress against targets, adjusting as necessary.
· Provide direction, guidance and support across the Philanthropy team.
· Evaluate reporting methods across the team and ensure they facilitate the accurate recording of the Philanthropy team’s fundraising activities.
· Represent the Philanthropy team at Head level internally.
Fundraising
· Manage a small portfolio of key current and prospective donors, building strategic relationships at the very highest level and delivering six and seven-figure gifts.
· Build a network of Senior Volunteers, working with the Director of Philanthropy and Partnerships to ensure the team are maximising the opportunities available through our President, Chair and other senior stakeholders.
· Develop a thorough understanding of ARUK’s projects, policies and activities to enable you to articulate the mission of our work and inspire people to join us.
· Present and pitch to potential supporters and donors, managing high-level meetings where relevant and engaging other appropriate senior representation when needed.
· Ensure high-quality management of existing supporter relationships, making sure supporters find giving to ARUK rewarding and enjoyable.
· Tailor and develop Cases for Support to attract support for the work of ARUK’s projects.
· Manage and attend events and meetings with external representatives and involving the Director of Philanthropy and Partnerships, CEO and other colleagues and volunteers.
· Work with senior and scientific staff, empowering them to build relationships with current and prospective supporters.
· Explore the opportunities for cross-team working, especially, but not limited to the Corporate Fundraising and Celebrity teams.
Line Management and people management
· Inspire, motivate, challenge and support individuals and teams within the Philanthropy team. Promote collaborative working across the team and with other teams across the charity, developing a culture of innovation, openness, accountability and resourcefulness.
· Line manage three members of staff, namely two Philanthropy Managers and the Donor Relations Manager, actively empowering, coaching and supporting them to develop their teams’ operational plans and deliver on key priorities.
· Set clear goals, objectives and KPIs for each team member and provide them with the ongoing guidance and support they need to reach them.
· Role model and actively embed Alzheimer’s Research UK values and behaviours across all activities, and champion the principles of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion.
· Provide strong leadership and support to the Philanthropy Team, through coaching, mentoring and developing individuals to enable them to effectively carry out their role. Carry out performance appraisal meetings and effectively promote team building and collaborative working to deliver the strategic and operational plans.
· Ensure all Philanthropy and Partnerships activity is conducted to the highest standards and in line with the strategic priorities, developing consistent and rigorous methods for measuring success and sharing knowledge/outcomes across the team, department, and wider charity.
Communications
· Work closely with the Finance team to ensure all grants are correctly allocated and used, and conditions met
· Liaise and work with the Research team and the Communications team to produce accurate and timely reports and applications
· Stay up to date with ARUK’s research and other news to be able to communicate effectively with supporters, disseminating the charity’s key messages both among the team and to key supporters.
Knowledge, skills and experience needed:
· Demonstrable knowledge and experience of major gift fundraising.
· Thorough understanding of managing a team of fundraisers.
· Experience of developing and implementing fundraising strategies.
· Proven track record in establishing, monitoring and achieving ambitious fundraising targets.
· Experience of managing a Philanthropy team to deliver significant income growth.
· Excellent communicator, with an ability to build relationships and inspire confidence and respect at all levels.
· Demonstrates strong negotiation, influencing and decision-making skills, with an ability to present arguments logically and confidently
· Excellent listening skills, receptive to feedback and demonstrates flexibility, curiosity and an ability to learn.
· Strong team player who can work both independently and collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders.
· Confident and engaging presenter with an ability to adapt style to suit the audience and react/manage short lead times.
· Excellent planning and organisational skills, with an ability to work to deadlines and reprioritise work in accordance with the organisational needs.
· Highly motivated and target driven, with an ability to demonstrate a proactive and pragmatic approach and identify ways to deliver creative and innovative solutions.
· Strong attention to detail with an ability to remain calm under pressure
· Strong ethical standards and a high level of personal integrity.
· Excellent IT skills in PowerPoint, Word and Excel.
Additional Information:
Ways of working: As part of our Agile ways of working you will be required to work approximately 2 days a week from the office, which is subject to the requirements of the role and the business needs. Flexibility on where you work can be split between working from home and our office.
Roles that are classed as part of the Agile ways of working are not able to claim any costs for Mileage/Travel on Public Transport, Accommodation and/or Meals. This includes when attending the office for various meetings/events.
Our Office: Our office is at 3 Riverside, Granta Park, Great Abington, Cambridge, CB21 6AD.
Salary: Circa £70,000 per annum, plus benefits
Please download the Vacancy Pack on our website for more information.
The closing date for applications is the 4th May 2026, with interviews being arrange once shortlisting has been completed. Please indicate in your covering letter if you are unable to attend an interview on a certain date. We would encourage you to submit your application at the earliest opportunity, as on occasion we may have to bring forward the interview date and/or the closing date based on the needs of the business. Although a possibility, this will only happen in exceptional circumstances. Please indicate in your covering letter if you are unable to attend an interview on a certain date.
We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive culture where everyone can be themselves and reach their full potential. We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and cultures, particularly from those in the global majority, those with disabilities, men and those from the LGBTQIA+ community. Any offer of employment is however subject to you having the right to work in the UK.
As part of our commitment to being an inclusive employer and ensuring fairness and consistency in our selection process, we will handle your CV and application with the utmost confidentiality. Should you require any adjustments at either the application or interview stage, please contact us via the website.
How to apply: Please create an online account using our Online Recruitment Platform which can be accessed through our Job Vacancies page. You will be able to attach your CV to your application and track the status of your application.
About Alzheimer’s Research UK: Alzheimer's Research UK is the UK's leading dementia research charity. Our mission is to accelerate progress towards a cure. Today 1 in 2 people will be impacted by dementia, either through caring for a loved one, developing it themselves or tragically both. But there is hope.
There has never been a more important and exciting time in dementia research. With promising new drugs in clinical trials that slow the progression of the diseases that cause it, and revolutionary new ways to diagnose them on the horizon, we are now at a tipping point. Working with the smartest minds globally and across the UK, with industry and academia, Alzheimer’s Research UK is uniquely placed to invest in the very best research identifying barriers to a cure and knocking them down so that there are more and better treatments for everyone with dementia. For the first time in history, we can see a future where people with dementia can get a swift and accurate diagnosis, and effective treatments that could slow or even stop their disease. We stand for everyone affected by dementia. We stand for a cure.
In 2024, we were incredibly proud to be awarded a 3-star accreditation by Best Companies which recognises ‘World Class’ levels of workplace engagement. This is the second consecutive time; we have been awarded a Best Companies 3-star accreditation.
We were also listed in the prestigious Best Companies lists:
· 18th in the 100 Best Large Companies to Work For in the UK.
· 10th in the 50 Best Companies to Work For in the East of England.
· 2nd in the 30 Best Companies to Work For in the Charity Sector.
ARUK really does look after its people, where you will be able to add value and make a difference.
To view further details about working for us and the benefits we offer, please visit Alzheimer’s Research UK
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Location: Home based within commuting distance of either Edinburgh, Cardiff or Belfast
Salary: £32,750 per annum
Hours: 35 hours per week
Closing date: Monday 19 May 2026 at midnight
Interview date: week commencing 25 May 2026 over video with possible second stage in person week commencing 1 June 2026
This is a full time fixed-term position for one year (with possible extension subject to funding).
Who we are looking for
Breakthrough T1D is the UK’s leading type 1 diabetes charity, dedicated to funding research, advocating for change, and supporting the T1D community. A year into our exciting rebrand from JDRF to Breakthrough T1D, we’re looking for a Senior Policy and Public Affairs Officer – Devolved Nations to help us build on this momentum.
The role of the Senior Policy and Public Affairs Officer - Devolved Nations is vital to achieving our UK-wide advocacy mission: to reduce health inequalities in type 1 diabetes, to widen access to type 1 diabetes treatments and technologies and to ensure that people with type 1 get access to emerging new treatments and future cures in the devolved nations.
You will lead on projects with key stakeholders and high-level Parliamentarians, such as our access to treatments and early detection work, as well as people with type 1 diabetes, policy makers and researchers. You will help to deliver Breakthrough T1D’s influencing plans, improving access to and choice of type 1 diabetes treatments and technology in the devolved nations.
Experience required
Experience of working successfully with politicians, their offices, Government departments, and other public affairs audiences to influence policy and to influence public/stakeholder discourse
Experience of leading public affairs delivery in one of more of the devolved nations
Experience in analysing Government policy in-depth and creating policy briefings
Experience of drafting briefings, reports and policy submissions
Experience of communicating across a range of parliamentary and professional stakeholders at all levels
Demonstrable knowledge, interest and experience of working in a public affairs and policy-based environment
Experience of organising stakeholder events
About Breakthrough T1D
Breakthrough T1D is the world’s leading charitable research funder into type 1 diabetes, improving lives until we find the cure. We are dedicated to our 400,000 strong type 1 community in the UK and work closely with our international affiliates across the world, including the US, Canada and Australia.
You will find a vibrant atmosphere and spirited team at Breakthrough T1D, always striving to make a difference to people living with type 1.
Employee benefits
As an employer we offer:
Hybrid working arrangements
Flexible working and will consider compressed hours
Generous annual leave entitlement – 25 days per year plus bank holidays for full-time staff with leave increasing after three and five years’ service
Health cash plan that allows you to claim for some treatments such as dental, optical and physiotherapy treatment
Season ticket and cycle loan
Pension scheme
Family-friendly policies – maternity, paternity, adoption and shared parental leave at enhanced rates
Personalised training to suit your career aspirations and professional development
Breakthrough T1D is an equal opportunity employer, we welcome applications from all individuals regardless of race, gender, disability, religious belief, sexual orientation or age.
Improving lives today and tomorrow by accelerating life-changing breakthroughs to treat, prevent, and, ultimately, cure T1D and its complications
The Head of Strategic Communications will lead strategic communications at ECU, building on our track record of shaping media narratives around the economy and working across multiple campaigns and programmes.
As our Head of Strategic Communications, you will devise and deliver impactful communications strategies to shape the way the UK media covers economic policy. You’ll help ensure that UK media debates are grounded in robust and innovative economic thinking and rise to the scale and urgency of current societal challenges.
If you believe that media and public debate on economics could be improved - and if you have the strategic communications track record to make that happen - then we would like to hear from you.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Location: Ideally London, but will consider other locations (There will be the expectation for 3 days in London per month and overseas travel)
1st stage interviews: 19th and 20th May (over MS Teams)
2nd stage interviews: 27th May (in London)
Step into one of the most exciting moments in The King's Trust’s history as we celebrate our 50th Anniversary and our most ambitious philanthropic campaign yet. As our new Head of Principal Giving, you’ll be front and centre of a bold national movement to unlock transformational investment for young people; today, tomorrow and for generations to come. This is your chance to support a £150m campaign and help shape and support our growing US philanthropic income stream, paving the way for long-term impact that lasts well beyond our golden year.
In this high-profile role, you’ll build powerful, strategic relationships with philanthropists, trusts, foundations and senior volunteers, inspiring 7 and 8-figure gifts that change lives on a national scale. You’ll bring creative energy, ambition and polished storytelling to every proposal and boardroom pitch, while working closely with colleagues across fundraising to identify, shape and secure the biggest opportunities. With a personal annual income target of £2m+, you’ll love the thrill of big conversations, bold ideas and raising sights as well as funds.
Joining us now means joining a milestone moment. You’ll help write the next chapter of The King’s Trust, building on 50 years of empowering young people and setting the foundation for the next 50. If you’re a confident relationship-builder, with experience in global fundraising, especially in the US, who thrives on vision, strategy and high-value philanthropy - this is your opportunity to make history with us.
What happens next?
Please submit a CV and Cover Letter that includes your experience, transferable skills and motivation to work for The King's Trust! The Team will be in touch about the next steps shortly after the closing date.
Why do we need Heads of Principal Giving?
Last year, we helped more than 40,000 Young People, with three in four young people on our programmes moving into a positive outcome in work, education or training. The young people we help face a range of challenges, such as unemployment, mental health issues or some who have been in trouble with the law. We believe all young people should have the chance to succeed, and that young people are the key to a positive and prosperous future for all of us. We want to continue having a positive impact on young people’s lives, and we couldn’t do this without the important work of our Heads of Principal Giving!
Perks for working at The Trust!
We believe that every young person should have the chance to succeed, no matter their background or the challenges they are facing.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
This is an exciting opportunity to join Mercy Ships UK at a time of growth and ambition. As Project Officer, you will play a pivotal role in delivering high-quality creative projects that support our mission to bring life-changing healthcare to some of the world’s poorest communities.
Working closely with the Creative Lead and wider Communications team, you will manage end-to-end creative workflows from briefing and planning through to delivery, ensuring projects are delivered on time, on brand, and to a high standard.
You’ll coordinate designers, copywriters and external suppliers, manage project timelines and resources, and act as a key link between internal stakeholders and the creative team. This is a fast-paced, collaborative role that requires strong organisation, attention to detail, and the ability to balance multiple priorities effectively.
Beyond project delivery, you’ll also support internal communications, help maintain key planning tools and systems, and contribute to improving processes across the team.
If you’re experienced in managing creative or marketing workflows, thrive in a collaborative environment, and are motivated by using your skills to make a meaningful difference, we’d love to hear from you.
Mercy Ships is a faith-based international development organisation that deploys hospital ships to some of the poorest countries in the world
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Age UK Westminster (AUKW) is the leading charity for older people in the City of Westminster supporting the over 50s in aspects of later life including, loneliness, isolation or poverty, by delivering vital advice, befriending, group activities, digital inclusion and practical services to thousands of older people.
Join our senior management team at Age UK Westminster as the Head of Services. We seek a dynamic and innovative leader to further our progress in supporting older people.
The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in strategic planning and service development, as well as fostering partnerships with local stakeholders, including statutory bodies.
Essential qualifications include strong staff management and project development experience, knowledge of older people’s services, adeptness in external liaison and quality assurance, and excellent communication skills.
If you are passionate about making a difference and have the experience we need, we would love to hear from you.
Due to the large number of applicants, we regret we shall not be able to write personally to applicants who are not shortlisted. Therefore, if you have not heard from us, please presume that on this occasion your application has been unsuccessful.
Age UK Westminster is an equal opportunities employer. We encourage applications from all sections of the community.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Job Role: Head of People
Salary: £55,080 per year
Hours: 37.5 hours per week
Contract type: Permanent
Location: Bath
Additional information:
This vacancy will close on 18th May 2026, and shortlisted candidates will be invited to first‑stage interviews on 26th May 2026.
About Julian House:
Julian House is a charity dedicated to making a difference to the lives of the most vulnerable and disadvantaged people in society. We run several projects and every year we help thousands of people out of homelessness, into employment, away from domestic abuse, and more.
If you’d like a real sense of job satisfaction, great career prospects and a competitive benefits package, you could be who we’re looking for!
About the Role:
The Head of People is a pivotal role at the heart of Julian House, shaping the organisation through its most important asset, its people. As a key member of the Senior Leadership Team, reporting to the Chief Executive, you’ll lead our people strategy, culture, and workforce development, ensuring we have the capability, capacity, and values‑led culture needed to deliver our mission.
This is an exciting opportunity for a strategic and compassionate leader who understands how great people practices drive social impact. You’ll provide senior leadership across HR, recruitment, volunteering, organisational development, and culture, helping to build a high‑performing, inclusive organisation where people feel supported, empowered, and able to thrive in a demanding environment.
You’ll play a critical role in embedding Julian House’s values, strengthening leadership capability, and creating a positive workplace where staff and volunteers feel engaged, valued, and proud of the difference they make. This is a rare opportunity to lead meaningful change and help a mission‑driven charity continue to grow and succeed through its people.
Please refer to our application pack and job description for full details around the role.
What you’ll be doing:
Please note: Job descriptions are not exhaustive, and the successful candidate may occasionally be asked to take on other duties that align with the key responsibilities outlined.
What we’re looking for:
There are many great reasons to join our team!
Our Ethos
As an Equal Opportunities employer, we have an Equality and Diversity Action plan in place showing our commitment in ensuring continuous improvement in creating an inclusive culture. We also have a committed group of Inclusion & Diversity champions who meet monthly to ensure progress is being made. We invite applications from people from all backgrounds and cultures, especially minority groups that are underrepresented in the workplace. We also welcome applications from those with lived experience. We embrace flexibility and are proud to be a Disability Confident and Mindful employer, as well as an Armed Forces Covenant Supporter.
If you have any special access requirements or other support needs throughout the application process (including interview), please contact us so that we can let you know how we can support you. We accept CVs and applications in all formats.
DBS Checks
We welcome applications from people with lived experience. All applicants working with our clients will be expected to undertake an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check. A criminal conviction will not necessarily prevent you from becoming an employee, the decision will depend on the type of offence and its relevance to the role. If you would like to discuss any convictions you may have, please contact the person named in the advert. All information will be dealt with according to our Data Protection Policy.
Please note: We reserve the right to close our vacancies once the perfect candidate has been found. We recommend submitting your application as soon as possible so that you don’t miss out!
Background
We are Humane World for Animals, formerly called the Humane Society of the United States and Humane Society International. Since 1954, we have worked to create a more humane society for animals. Working side by side as the Humane Society of the United States and Humane Society International, we have helped to pass thousands of landmark laws, rescue hundreds of thousands of animals, and cared for and protected millions more.
In 2025, to convey our mission and make sure that everyone understands who we are and the bold work that we do, our organisations are standing together under a new shared name: Humane World for Animals.
We are dedicated to changing the world for animals. We drive change with human action. We help people, communities, governments, and corporations shift behaviour, providing the right support and advocating for policy change to stem the root causes of suffering and cruelty.
Purpose of role
As the Program Manager, Media and Communications, you will support the Program Director on the design, development and implementation of communication strategies and plans to advance Humane World for Animals UK’s strategic priorities with regard to campaigns, brand-building and fundraising. You will lead on producing and delivering a content strategy for a broad range of channels to increase audience engagement. The position will support campaigns and fundraising stewardship and give strategic advice regarding social media market insights and trends in the UK digital sphere and emerging channels. This will be vital to achieve successful brand building in the UK market through impactful storytelling, campaign activations, fundraising recruitment and stewardship through compelling content on the earned channels and holistic management of thematic work.
If you are results-oriented, organised and creative and have 5+ years of experience as a media and communications professional then we would like to hear from you.
Key areas of responsibility
About you
Our successful candidate will be confident, creative and positive with a proven track in media and communications roles. A proactive self-starter, you will have demonstrable experience of achieving significant growth and development in regard to audience reach and will take a solution-focused approach to overcoming obstacles. You will have experience of delivering media and communication strategies and plans in a fast-paced environment. You will have ambition and drive for creating positive change for animal welfare; a willingness to constantly learn and develop the most impactful, cost-effective communications for our target audiences; and your work will be solidly underpinned by regular evaluation of progress and impact with a view to further improving strategies.
We are searching for an experienced media and communications professional to make a difference and be part of our ambitious team. If that’s you, please get in touch!
Application Instructions
To apply for this role, please submit a copy of your CV and a cover letter outlining your interest in the role and how you fulfil the requirements set out in the job ad.
The deadline for applications is Thursday, 30 April 2026, 11pm GMT. Applications without covering letters will not be considered.
You must have an existing right to work in the UK, and you must reside in the UK, to be considered for this role.
We make bold progress for all animals by working together on the biggest problems—no matter where they are or how deeply entrenched.

The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Position
MSF UK is seeking an experienced, strategic and collaborative Ambassador Relations Manager to lead our approach to high-profile partnerships. We are looking for an entrepreneurial and commercially minded leader who can identify fundraising and awareness-raising potential in every interaction and translate high-profile partnerships into life-saving humanitarian impact. MSF UK is a fast paced and dynamic working environment, where you'll work alongside passionate colleagues dedicated to medical humanitarian action and global advocacy.
Hours: 37.5 hours per week, Mon-Fri
Duration: Fixed Term - 18 months
Location: London - hybrid, 2 days per week in office (including Wednesdays)
Salary: £54,452.47- £66,553.01 per annum | Salary is offered in line with our pay framework and typically starts at the entry point of the band. Salary increases are considered annually and are subject to our appraisal and performance review process.
Job Purpose:
MSF UK is seeking an experienced, strategic and collaborative Ambassador Relations Manager to lead our approach to high-profile partnerships. We are looking for an entrepreneurial and commercially minded leader who can identify fundraising and awareness-raising potential in every interaction and translate high-profile partnerships into life-saving humanitarian impact.
As a central strategic resource, you will develop and lead on a cross-organisational approach that bridges the gap between public profile and our mission, whether through fundraising, advocacy, or brand awareness. You will build and curate a diverse portfolio of high-profile supporters - from the arts and entertainment sectors to thought leaders and commentators - ensuring that every partnership is rooted in MSF’s core values and authentically champions our medical humanitarian work.
Knowledge, Skills and Experience
Relevant experience: Proven track record of managing high-profile partnerships with public figures and influential supporters. You will demonstrate experience in long-term stewardship and the ability to align an individual’s public platform with complex organisational goals
Established networks: A robust, pre-existing network of contacts across some of the music, entertainment, arts, and influencer sectors. The ability to leverage these relationships to immediately identify and secure new opportunities for MSF UK is essential.
Active networking: An exceptional ability to network and build rapport; the successful candidate will be a natural "connector" who actively seeks out new high-profile partners to expand MSF’s reach.
Commercial acumen: A proven track record of being commercially opportunistic; the ability to identify a trend or a moment in culture and swiftly turn it into a partnership or campaign that drives financial results.
Strategic communication: Experience delivering targeted communications strategies to elevate organisational priorities through high-profile engagement.
Risk & due diligence: A sound understanding of risk management, particularly regarding brand alignment and reputational shielding.
Sector knowledge: Understanding of the UK fundraising and campaigning landscape, including managing requests from multiple internal teams.
Discretion: Professional, discreet, and confident when working with high-profile individuals and their representatives.
Information & technology: Experience in the practical use of personal IT equipment and Microsoft Office 365 suite.The ability to effectively collaborate and communicate within a hybrid working environment utilising Teams, SharePoint, One Drive and Yammer.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
The Chief Executive & Creative Director holds the most senior post at Dance City, unites the creative and strategic functions of the organisation, and is accountable to the board of trustees for the good management and impact of the charity. The Chief Executive & Creative Director leads and works collaboratively with the board, senior management team (SMT) and stakeholders and partners to ensure that Dance City creates opportunities for people to create, produce and experience dance at its very best. The Chief Executive & Creative Director drives the business, identifying commercial opportunities, securing financial resilience, and ensuring that Dance City’s programme is at the vanguard of sustainable dance development in the region. The Chief Executive & Creative Director is based in the northeast and plays an active role in the social life and cultural communities of the region.
Role Profile and Person Specification
Key deliverables
Lead on Dance City’s vision, values and organisational objectives and ensure the relevance and sustainability of its creative programme.
Ensure there is alignment between Dance City’s creative ambitions and its business needs and that all activity is delivered to the highest possible standards to plan and within budget.
Grow the organisation’s earned income and shape and set targets for initiatives embracing commercial ventures, corporate partnerships, public funding, trusts and foundations and individual philanthropy.
Be accountable to the board and to funding bodies, and for the responsible stewardship of Dance City.
Ensure a strong profile and reputation for the organisation and for dance practice locally, regionally, nationally and internationally.
Initiate, develop and sustain partnerships with existing and potential funders and key stakeholders.
Lead and enable the senior team; motivate, inspire, and support the development of the wider staff team.
Role profile
Leadership and governance
Work closely with the Chair and Trustees to ensure the good governance of the charity and that organisational performance is structured and monitored using well articulated, achievable KPIs.
Support Trustees in being an effective Board, ensuring it comprises the appropriate range of skills and has access to training and development opportunities.
Deploy Trustees’ skills and networks to identify and activate opportunities for commercial development and business growth.
Be an inclusive leader, collaborate with and empower the SMT, and motivate, support and develop the wider staff team.
Advocacy, profile and civic engagement
Promote the profile and reputation of Dance City locally, regionally, nationally and internationally.
Initiate and enable constructive debate about dance and its development by artists, policy-makers and the public, and to promote Dance City’s role in dance leadership.
Articulate the transformative potential of dance in enabling social cohesion, the centrality of its place in the wider creative industries sector, and its potential, through civic partnerships and collaboration, to make a major contribution to the economy and well being of the city and region.
Ensure Dance City is part of local, regional, national and international arts discussions and networks, is represented at key events and viewed as crucial to decision-making processes in the dance and wider cultural and social sectors.
Be the face of Dance City in professional and community networks and at events in the northeast; communicate and advocate for its plans and ambitions to the widest range of people including politicians, the media, funders, artists, audiences and the public.
Creative
Shape, co-create and communicate the creative vision for Dance City.
Oversee the development and delivery of a creative programme which appeals to a wide range of audiences, demonstrates excellence, and sets out to grow appetite and demand for diverse dance experiences.
Build and manage sustainable commercial and funding partnerships which will enhance the profile of the programme and enable the commissioning, programming and presentation of dance within and beyond Dance City.
Oversee the evaluation of the programme, to ensure quality, to engage in reflection and implement learning with colleagues.
Maintain an overview of the local and national dance ecology in order to inform advocacy and planning.
Brand, commercial performance and income
Oversee the design and delivery of effective marketing and communications strategies that are developed and effectively delivered, to retain existing and grow new audiences for dance in the northeast and to promote the Dance City brand.
Be proactive in the development and delivery of effective fundraising and income generation strategies for Dance City, to ensure that contributed income grows and is diversified, and to develop commercial opportunities enabled by the building and programme.
Play an active role in identifying and approaching prospective donors, sponsors and funding partners.
Develop, maintain, and strengthen relationships with existing and potential supporters and to lead on key public funding and donor relationships.
Finance and operations
Be accountable for the financial operation of the organisation, ensuring budgets are set and monitored, appropriate financial policies and procedures are in place, compliance with appropriate legal and fiscal frameworks is followed, and that there is timely reporting to the relevant funders and authorities.
Oversee and ensure the smooth and efficient management of Dance City’s facilities and infrastructure.
Ensure Dance City remains a visible champion of environmental responsibility.
Ensure the organisation is fully compliant with all legal requirements, including health and safety, and that all staff are trained appropriately.
People and culture
Set the tone for and model the organisational culture, be an inclusive and consultative leader, championing employee wellbeing and engagement.
Ensure that appropriate policies and procedures are in place for recruitment, induction, appraisals and the professional development of staff.
Ensure the organisation upholds its principles of equity, diversity and inclusion, valuing the wellbeing of all colleagues.
Person specification
Essential
Has held a senior role in a cultural venue or within an organisation with a substantial arts programme or partnerships; is well networked in and beyond the cultural and creative industries.
Understanding of the current landscape and eco-system in the cultural sector and awareness of local/national political initiatives that will impact on - and create opportunities for - Dance City and its partner organisations.
Understanding of the legal, fiscal, social and political context within which the arts operate, and the contribution they make to health, education, social cohesion and civic pride.
Understanding of the needs of dance as an art form and a commitment to best practice and to promoting inclusion and equality of opportunity.
An inclusive leader with experience of overseeing organisational transformation and managing change.
A track record in relationship building, working in partnership with a range of funders, agencies and organisations, and of successful fundraising and income generation from a range of sources.
A strong advocate and compelling storyteller, able to network, represent the organisation, communicate its vision and inspire confidence among existing and potential peers and stakeholders.
Strong financial literacy and skills, knowledge of charity governance and relevant financial policies and procedures; experience of senior financial accountability.
Experience of working effectively with a Board of Directors, understanding of best practice in governance and organisational development.
A commitment to living in the region, able to travel nationally and internationally, and to work some evenings and weekends where there is reasonable expectation to attend events.
Desirable
Experience of running a building with a diverse and impactful arts programme.
An extensive network in the cultural sector.
Experience of significant national/international cultural partnership projects.
Experience of managing significant public investment programmes such as ACE NPO, Creative Scotland RFO or equivalent.
Equity, diversity and inclusion
At Dance City we believe that voices and perspectives from a range of backgrounds and lived experiences make our understanding of the world and the arts more relevant.
We believe that difference is our strength.
Therefore we actively encourage applications from people from all backgrounds and those that are under-represented in our city and region and in dance leadership.
Our mission is to ensure the northeast of England is the best place to dance and to experience dance.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.