Stories jobs

As Philanthropy Officer, you will build strong, lasting relationships with individuals, families and organisations, helping them to achieve their philanthropic goals while increasing charitable income and delivering meaningful impact in communities across Wales.

We’re looking for someone with a strong understanding of social issues and community needs in Wales, who can use that insight to build networks, identify opportunities and develop tailored support for existing and prospective donors. This role will play a key part in securing new funding, growing our donor base and building high-quality, long-term relationships.

To be successful in this role, you will have:

• Proven experience in a philanthropy or fundraising relationship management role.
• Ability to identify and develop new philanthropic opportunities, including prospecting and converting new donors.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and experience of developing, managing and growing relationships.
• Strong communication, evidencing excellent customer relationship with a focus on trust, respect, confidentiality and attention to detail alongside the ability to juggle multiple relationships simultaneously.
• Confidence speaking publicly to a variety of audiences.
• High levels of motivation, be results-driven and able to work independently as well as collaboratively within a team.
• Experience of producing compelling reports, narrative and presentations alongside creating tailored donor experiences to inspire donors.
• A strong commitment to your own learning and development. 

Read more in the full job pack.

About the role

Our exciting three year strategy sets out our ambitious goals to drive impact at scale for victim-survivors. We are now looking for an exceptional candidate to lead some of our financial services relationships and consultancy work and support SEA in its mission to raise awareness of economic abuse and transform responses to it within the financial services sector.

Working closely with colleagues across SEA, you will foster and maintain relationships across the financial services sector, seeking opportunities to generate income for the charity and supporting our Head of Financial Services to deliver lasting change and impact.

Together we can transform frontline financial services, in practice, product and process, and save lives.

About you

At SEA we put the lived experience of victim-survivors at the heart of all that we do, including our work with financial services firms. You will be a subject matter expert on customer vulnerability and financial services firms’ regulatory requirements, as well as having a thorough understanding of industry rules and good practice. You will combine this with experience of working with vulnerable customers, including victim-survivors and bring expertise on economic abuse to ensure this is embedded within financial services’ firms’ responses.

About SEA

We are the only UK charity dedicated to raising awareness of economic abuse and  transforming responses to it. We work to save lives and stop economic abuse forever.

Our vision is a world in which all women and girls achieve economic equality and can live their lives free of abuse and exploitation. Not only surviving but thriving.

Our mission is to raise awareness of economic abuse and transform responses to it.

To achieve this, we must ensure that the policies and practices of financial services firms, domestic abuse support services, public services and government reflect the needs of all victim-survivors of economic abuse.

We are  committed to centring victim-survivors in all that we do and broadening our understanding of the needs of survivors, particularly those who are marginalised within society. We work alongside the Experts by Experience - a group of victim-survivors whose voices and experiences shape our work.

Our primary focus is on influencing the women’s, public and financial services sectors, to create a model for improved support for victim-survivors of economic abuse, calling on government to facilitate these changes and work with them to improve their systems and practice.

What we offer

• 25 days annual leave plus Statutory Bank Holidays
• Home working (UK based)
• Flexible working 
• 5% Employer Pension Contribution 
• 5 Wellbeing Days
• Reflective practice
• Employee Assistance Programme 
• Enhanced sick pay, family leave and carer’s leave 
• The chance to be part of our highly professional, supportive team

To apply

Please apply via our website

Applications open from 9 April and close at 11.59pm on 7 May 2026. Interviews will take place virtually, week beginning 1 June.

Direct applications only – no agencies please.

Surviving Economic Abuse (SEA) is committed to developing an inclusive team which reflects the diversity of the communities we support. Our culture celebrates diverse voices, and we particularly encourage applications from Black and minoritised applicants and disabled applicants who are under-represented at SEA.

SEA is a Disability Confident Committed, and Kinship Friendly Employer.

Crisis is the national charity for people experiencing homelessness. We have embarked on our 10-year strategy for ending homelessness. We know it is not inevitable. We know together we can end it.

Location: Crisis Skylight London. Homeworking can be considered for one day a week in line with Crisis’ Hybrid Working Policy.

It is an exciting and important time to be joining us at Crisis. We work with thousands of people across England, Scotland, and Wales so they can leave homelessness behind for good. We have recently adapted the way our services work to maximise our impact in ending homelessness. We have increased our capacity to work with people one to one and strengthened our ability to support those people facing the most barriers to preventing or ending their homelessness.

We offer people who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless housing and benefits advice, 1-2-1 coaching, advocacy, courses and peer group sessions alongside practical services of showers and laundry for street homeless.

About the role

As an Engagement and Assessment Worker, you will be part of Crisis Skylight London’s Engagement and Assessment Team, providing a high quality, non-judgemental and safe service to individuals who approach our Skylight Centre. Engagement and Assessment Workers are the first point of contact for a range of enquiries from people who are experiencing homelessness for the first time, individuals with complex and multiple needs, visitors, volunteers, and supporters. You will be providing information about Crisis’ services, delivering a high-quality triage and assessment service, and offering Information, Advice and Guidance (IAG) on local homelessness and other related services. You will also manage a small caseload.

Crisis uses a case management approach, and the successful candidate will attend case management meetings, reflective practice, and team meetings. You will also work collaboratively with external partners and Crisis Skylight London’s Coaching and Learning Teams.

About you

To be successful in this role you will have:

• Experience of working with homeless or other vulnerable groups and understanding of the importance of respecting confidentiality, showing empathy and sensitivity, and working in a boundary way.
• Experience of assessing presenting needs and working in a Psychologically Informed Environment, and in a way that ensures that members with all levels of need can access the service.
• Excellent customer service skills with a commitment to delivering the highest standard of customer care and high quality IAG.
• Good knowledge of homelessness, housing and welfare legislation and Safeguarding procedures.
• Strong interpersonal skills including effective written and verbal communication skills and ability to deal with challenging situations with a calm approach.
• Ability to manage a caseload, and successful relationships with external service providers and partners.
• Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office Applications (Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams)

Please see the full Job Pack linked below, for a full list of requirements for this role. We realise that long lists of criteria can be daunting, and you may not want to apply for a role unless you feel 100% qualified. However, if you feel you have relevant examples to answer the screening questions, we encourage you to apply.

We believe diversity is a strength, and our aim is to make sure that Crisis truly reflects the communities we serve. We are actively working towards our organisation being a place where everyone can thrive and make their best contribution to our mission of ending homelessness for good. We know that the more perspectives, voices, and experiences we can bring to this work, the better. We particularly welcome applications from people who have lived experience of homelessness, and people from all marginalised groups, communities, and backgrounds. 

Working at Crisis 

Our values, Bold, Impactful, Collaborative and Equitable, are at the heart of everything we do as we continue in our mission to end homelessness.

Our staff, members and volunteers are vital to getting the right government policies in place, providing breakthrough services, and building a supportive community. We’ll lead by example to nurture a positive and ambitious workplace guided by ending homelessness.

As a member of the team, you will have access to a wide range of employee benefits including: 

• A competitive salary. Please note, our salaries are fixed to counter inequity and we do not negotiate at offer stage
• Interest free loans for travel season ticket, cycle to work, and deposit to secure a tenancy
• Pension scheme with an employer contribution of 8.5% 
• 28 days’ annual leave (pro rata) which increases with service to 31 days and the option to purchase up to 10 additional days leave
• Enhanced maternity, paternity, shared parental, and adoption pay
• Wellbeing Leave to be used flexibly and more! (Full list of benefits available on website) 

Alongside our excellent staff benefits, we will support your ongoing development to build your skills, experience, and career. 

When you join us, you will have the opportunity to join our staff diversity networks, which aim to champion issues across the organisation, enable staff to be their authentic and best selves and contribute to making Crisis a truly diverse organisation.

How do I apply?

Please click on the 'Apply for Job' button below. Our shortlisting process is anonymised as part of our commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion. We do not ask for CVs, instead we ask you complete the work history section and answer the screening questions for us to be able to assess you fairly and objectively. At least two members of staff score all applications.

Closing date: Sunday 26th April 2026 at 23:59

Interview date and location: Wednesday 13th May 2026 at Crisis Skylight London, 50 – 52 Commercial Street, E1 6LT

Interview process: Competency-based interview and interview task sent to shortlisted candidates prior to interview

AI in Applications

We understand some candidates use AI tools when applying. Whilst we welcome the use of technology to support clear communication and structure, we want to learn more about you, so please ensure that your application reflects your own skills, knowledge and experiences

Accessibility 

We want our recruitment process to be as accessible as possible. If you need us to make an adjustment or provide additional support as you apply for a role, please contact our Talent Acquisition team to discuss how we can help. 

Registered Charity Numbers: E&W1082947, SC040094 

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.

Digital Marketing Specialist (Paid Media)

Bowel Cancer UK is the UK’s leading bowel cancer charity. We’re determined to save lives and improve the quality of life of everyone affected by bowel cancer. We support and fund targeted research, provide expert information and support to patients and their families, educate the public and professionals about the disease and campaign for early diagnosis and access to best treatment and care.

We currently have employees working across four nations in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Thanks to the generosity of our community, we’re in a privileged position to be able to deliver our ambitious new strategy, On a Mission. There are huge challenges facing bowel cancer patients across the UK and our community needs us now more than ever. We’re building a strong and united team to bring us closer to a world where nobody dies of bowel cancer.

Job Summary for Digital Marketing Specialist (Paid Media)

• Lead and oversee Bowel Cancer UK’s paid advertising programme, ensuring activity is strategic, insight‑driven and aligned with organisational goals.
• Work collaboratively with teams across the charity to raise awareness of our cause, drive supporter acquisition and increase income.
• Manage paid media campaigns end‑to‑end, from scoping and briefing through to execution, reporting and continuous improvement.
• Take a hands‑on approach to campaign delivery while also providing strong project management and stakeholder engagement.
• Oversee paid media platforms and work closely with external agencies to optimise performance and maximise value from suppliers.
• Play a pivotal role within the Digital Marketing and Engagement team, using strong analytical skills and deep channel knowledge to broaden our reach and ambitions.
• Contribute to meaningful, mission‑driven digital marketing that makes a real impact.

We welcome applications from candidates seeking flexible working patterns and are happy to discuss this at interview.

Safeguarding

Safeguarding is everyone's responsibility and at Bowel Cancer UK we are committed to safeguarding children, young people and vulnerable adults and we expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Successful candidates may be subject to either a satisfactory basic, standard or enhanced DBS check from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) dependent upon the role.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and interviews may be held before the closing date.

Little Village makes a big difference to families with babies and young children living in poverty across London. Via its network of baby banks and partners such as Family Hubs, community organisations and all of London’s maternity units, the charity passes on pre-loved goods from one family to another – clothes, toys and equipment – so that many more children have the essential things they need to thrive.

Families are supported through welcoming hubs or home deliveries, and connected into a wider network of support in community settings, while Little Village also raises its voice to highlight the realities of child poverty.

Little Village is entering an exciting new phase as it approaches its 10-year milestone and prepares to launch its next strategy. QuarterFive are partneruing with Little Villag to find a Director of Fundraising, Marketing & Communications to play a central role in shaping its future – leading how the organisation grows income, strengthens its brand and amplifies its voice. Sitting on the Senior Leadership Team, you will lead a newly integrated fundraising, marketing and communications department, driving a cohesive, high-performing function and building on strong foundations to deliver a more strategic, scalable and insight-led approach.

With an income base with high potential for growth and particular strength in high-value fundraising, there is significant opportunity to grow and diversify income further, while also increasing visibility and influence at a time when public awareness of child poverty is rising.

We are looking for a strategic and hands-on leader with a track record in delivering income growth. You will be motivated by impact and excited to help drive Little Village’s next phase, strengthening long-term income and increasing its influence.

This role is home-based with regular travel to Little Village hubs across London. Core hours: 09:30-15:00. Weekly or fortnightly team and SLT meetings in London plus other meetings as needed.

As Director of Fundraising, Marketing & Communications, you will:

• Lead and deliver an integrated fundraising, marketing and communications strategy aligned to organisational priorities
• Set and achieve ambitious income targets across multiple streams, including high-value philanthropy and partnerships
• Develop a more structured, data-informed approach to fundraising, including pipelines, forecasting and performance management
• Oversee brand and communications, ensuring a clear, compelling and consistent narrative
• Build and steward relationships with major donors, partners and senior stakeholders
• Act as a senior ambassador, raising Little Village’s profile and influence
• Lead and develop a high-performing, collaborative team

Essential skills and experience:

• A strong track record of developing and delivering successful multi-stream fundraising strategies, weighted towards high value income streams including major donors, corporates, and trusts and foundations
• Proven success in securing significant and multi-year funding
• Experience leading and developing high-performing teams
• Exposure to or interest in mass fundraising
• Strong financial, forecasting and pipeline management skills
• Expertise in working with senior stakeholders/volunteers, ideally including reporting to Committees and Trustee boards
• A successful track record of involvement in launching, managing, and evaluating campaigns
• Strong understanding of brand management, digital engagement, and integrated campaigns across multiple channels
• Understanding of digital transformation, including CRM/data integration, marketing automation, and analytics
• A data-informed approach, with experience using insight and systems to drive performance
• Excellent influencing, relationship-building and storytelling skills

Desirable:

• Experience leading an integrated fundraising and communications function within a frontline charity
• Experience of using Beacon CRM
• Lived or personal experience of the issues faced by the families Little Village supports

Diversity and Inclusion:

Little Village operates in London, one of the most diverse cities in the world. The charity are working towards a goal where their team fully reflects that diversity and difference in lived experiences and strongly encourage applications from under-represented groups including: people from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic backgrounds, LGBTQ+ people, people with disabilities, people with lived experience of poverty either personally or through family, experience of the care system, non-graduates and first-in-family graduates. As part of their commitment to fairer recruitment, all applications will be assessed without names and any protected characteristics.

As part of our commitment to increasing representation of people from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic backgrounds, we are piloting a Guaranteed Interview Scheme (GIS) for this role, as a new approach to make our recruitment more equitable. If you identify as Black, Asian or other Minority Ethnic backgrounds and meet the essential criteria for the role, you can choose to opt in to the GIS. We will be aiming to offer everyone who opts into the scheme and meets the essential criteria a first stage interview/ assessment. See the applicant pack for further details.

Employee benefits include:

• 25 days per year annual leave plus bank holidays (pro rata for those working fewer than 35 hours per week)
• Team members are usually given time off between Christmas and New Year, which doesn’t come off your allowance
• Pension contributions matched by 3%
• A period of sick leave at full pay regardless of length of service
• Enhanced family friendly policies including Maternity, Paternity, Shared Parental Leave and Adoption pay, with a Fertility Policy designed to support employees during fertility investigations and treatment
• Death in Service benefit (x3 annual salary)
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Rewards Gateway and Tickets for Good

Lloyds Bank Foundation 

Strategic Communications Lead 

Starting Salary: £60,139 
Contract: Full-time, 18-month Fixed Term Contract (we are open to conversations about flexibility - so please ask) 
Location: London-based role with expectation of hybrid working from our London office 
 

About Lloyds Bank Foundation 

Lloyds Bank Foundation for England and Wales is an independent charitable foundation, backed by Lloyds Banking Group and the people within it. We want everyone to be in a good place - personally, in a home that’s a good place to live, and in a community that’s a good place to belong. 

We play our role by connecting and catalysing community-led change, providing the money, time, tools and connections that build organisations’ capacity and capability, to make people’s lives better and their communities stronger. 

We back people and communities across England and Wales, to make that happen, because when you back brilliant people, brilliant things happen. Our communities are full of ambitious, energetic and determined people stepping up to make their neighbours’ lives better and their communities grow stronger. Day in, day out. 

About the Role 

This is a key role supporting the transformation of communications across the Foundation. You will help shape how we engage, inspire and connect with priority audiences, ensuring our messaging is clear, consistent and impactful. 

As Strategic Communications Lead, you will play a central role in evolving how we communicate - strengthening our organisational narrative and supporting a shift towards more proactive engagement with new audiences, including colleagues across Lloyds Banking Group and wider stakeholders. 

This is a hands-on role with strategic influence. You will support the development of communications campaigns, processes and ways of working, while leading the delivery of the Foundation’s new website as a core part of our digital transformation. 

About You 

We are looking for someone with strong experience in strategic communications, campaigns or content-led roles, ideally within a complex organisation. You will bring experience of supporting organisational change through communications, alongside strong digital and project delivery skills. 

You will be confident working across teams, managing external suppliers, and developing clear, engaging messaging for different audiences. 

A commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging is essential. 

How to Apply 

Please click ‘Apply’ to be redirected to our website, where you can download the Candidate Information Pack and find details of how to apply. 

For an informal conversation about the role and application process, please contact our recruitment partner, Atkinson HR via the information in the Candidate pack.

Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion 

We hold Disability Confident Employer status (Level 2) and are working towards full status by 2027. If you are a disabled applicant and your CV and application answers clearly demonstrate that you meet the essential criteria, we will invite you to interview. 

We are committed to building a diverse team that reflects the communities we work with. We actively welcome applications from people under-represented in the charity sector, including Black, Asian and minoritised ethnic communities, disabled people, and those with lived experience of the issues our funded charities address. 

Key Dates 

Closing Date: Midday, Monday 25th May 2026 

Optional Q&A Session: Wednesday 6th May 2026 at 09:00-10:00 

First Interview: Thursday 4th June 2026 

Second Interview: Tuesday 16th June 2026 

Anawim are looking to recruit a qualified IDVA (Independent Domestic Violence Advocate) to join their Central Services team. 

Central Services is dedicated to providing comprehensive support to women through our Casework and Drop-in projects. These projects aim to address various challenges faced by women in Birmingham. 

Casework Project offers specialised support in key areas including, Domestic Violence – IDVA, Children and Families, Accommodation, Substance Misuse, Multiple Complex Needs, Trauma.

Caseworkers will be required to provide individualise support, practical advice and signposting on a range of matters such as money management, benefits, homelessness, drug treatments, parenting, children’s education, healthcare, legal and immigration issues, mental health, training education and employment opportunities.Women may also present with issues such as self-harm, suicidal ideation and safety planning. 

From our Birmingham centre, Anawim provides trauma informed services including holistic support and advocacy to enable women to reach their potential 

Our Vision statement:  

A world where women are safe, free, valued and equal members of society. 

Our Values: 

Anawim believes in the intrinsic value of every person and welcomes each women without judgement 

We are deeply committed to listening to our women and building services around their needs 

We help women to navigate the complex challenges they are facing and we do all that we can to support them for as long as they needs us 

Anawim empowers women to make positive changes to turn their lives around, helping them, one step at a time – to become independent 

We want the best for our women and to make sure their basic needs are met.We won’t rest until we’ve done all we can to keep them safe. 

St Pauls Advice Centre is a trusted, community-based charity providing free, specialist legal advice to people facing poverty, insecurity and injustice. We work across welfare benefits, debt, and immigration, supporting people to understand and exercise their rights.

We are looking for a skilled and thoughtful Marketing & Communications Officer to help us strengthen how we communicate our work, reach underserved communities, and influence the systems that shape people’s lives.

This is a role for someone who combines creativity with purpose. You will help ensure our communications are clear, accessible and rooted in the realities of the communities we serve.

About the role

Working closely with the Executive Director and Deputy Executive Director, you will lead the coordination of our internal and external communications. You will shape and deliver a strategic communications approach that reflects our values, strengthens our voice, and supports our impact.

Your work will include:

• Acting as a brand guardian, supporting consistent tone of voice and visual identity
• Managing and developing our website and digital platforms, improving accessibility and user experience
• Creating engaging and accessible content for social media, reports and publications
• Producing Annual Reports, Impact Reports and other key outputs
• Designing clear, inclusive information and publicity materials
• Supporting media engagement, including drafting press releases and articles
• Contributing to events, partnerships and fundraising activity

You will also contribute to organisational learning by helping us communicate insight, evidence and impact in ways that are meaningful to communities, partners and funders.

About you

We are looking for someone who:

• Has experience in a communications, marketing or digital role
• Writes clearly and effectively for a range of audiences
• Can translate complex information into accessible, engaging content
• Is confident managing digital platforms and content systems
• Understands the importance of inclusive, community-centred communication
• Brings strong organisational skills and the ability to work independently
• Shares our commitment to equity, dignity and social justice

Experience in the advice, charity or public sector is helpful but not essential.

Why join us

This is an opportunity to play a meaningful role in an organisation working at the intersection of advice, health and justice. You will help ensure people can access the support they need, and that their experiences inform wider change.

We offer:

• Salary: £31,537 pro rata (Actual £12,614.80)
• 14 hours per week (flexible, with some preference for Wednesdays)
• 30 days annual leave plus bank holidays (pro rata)
• Additional 3 days leave between Christmas and New Year
• 5% employer pension contribution
• Flexible and hybrid working options
• A supportive, reflective team culture

Apply

We welcome applications from people with lived experience of the issues our clients face, and from communities underrepresented in the advice sector.

To apply, please complete the personal application form, the competency application form and the equal opportunities monitoring form and email them to us.

Closing date: Monday 27th April, 10:00 am
Interview date: Thursday 7th May

Please note: we do not accept CVs. No agencies.

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  

• Develop and monitor the strategic plan with the SMT and Board. 

• 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. 

We are looking for a dynamic, values-led, strategic leader to drive our mission for migration justice and social work solidarity. The role entails oversight of the operations and strategy of the organisation, responsibility for financial management and fundraising, maintaining the health of the organisation and embedding anti-racist and anti-opressive values into every aspect of the organisation.