Jobs for the Arts, Culture and Heritage sector

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

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

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

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

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Location: Deal, Kent (hybrid)

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

Closing date for expressions of interest: 30 April 2025

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

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

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

All applicants will need to complete an application form.

DMA is an equal opportunities employer.

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

Deal Music and Arts Limited

Registered Charity no 1100003

Company Limited by Guarantee no 4833202

Management Accountant
Finance
Full-time, 41 hours per week (including one hour paid lunch break)
Permanent
£48,144 - £53,132 per annum
Application deadline: 12pm (midday) on 5 May 2025

About the role:

The British Museum is seeking a Management Accountant to join the Finance department and provide a first-class management accounting service across the Museum. In this role, you will prepare timely and accurate management accounts, analysis and forecasts, whilst delivering projects on time and within budget.

As a Management Accountant you will be responsible for a variety of financial tasks, such as preparing material for our consolidated financial statements and liaising with internal and external auditors, partnering with departments to deliver projects, and contributing to the Museum-wide budgeting process.

Key areas of responsibility:

• Working with the management accountants and accounts processing team to provide best practice accounting, processing and reporting services to all Museum staff.
• Preparation of financial reports and forecasts.
• Preparation of material for the consolidated financial statements and liaise with the auditors.
• Ensuring compliance with public sector and charitable sector regulations and guidelines.
• Analysis of Museum-wide income and expenditure streams to monitor and improve efficiency and profitability.
• Providing and reviewing financial information for business cases and funding applications.

About you:

• Educated to degree level or equivalent experience, with an ACA accountancy qualification.
• Good technical knowledge of relevant Accounting Standards and regulatory framework, income tax, NI and VAT.
• Audit experience, including some post qualification experience.
• Ability to identify, handle and deal with complex problems across a wide range of disciplines.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to resolve problems swiftly and effectively and make appropriate decisions.

About the British Museum:

Founded in 1753, the British Museum's remarkable collection spans over two million years of human history and culture. The Museum is a leading visitor attraction, and its world-famous collection includes the Rosetta Stone, Egyptian mummies, the Sutton-Hoo finds, and the Lewis Chessmen. The Museum also holds an extensive collection of prints and drawings spanning 600 years, including works by the greatest graphic artists such as Dürer, Michelangelo and Rembrandt.

You can view a selection of our impressive collection of prints and drawings in our .

The Museum offers a competitive benefits package including:

• Generous annual leave allowance of 25 days (rising to 30 days after 10 years' service) plus 2.5 privilege days and plus bank holidays.
• Membership of the civil service defined benefit pension scheme (find out what benefits a civil service pension provides).
• Free entry to a wide range of museums and exhibitions
• Participation in private and public Museum activities, including talks by leading curators from around the world and behind-the-scenes opportunities to learn how museums care for and manage their extraordinary collections.
• Interest-free travel, bicycle, and rental deposit loans
• Professional and personal development opportunities
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Discounts on food and gift shop purchases

Additional details:

For more information about this role, please see the job description.

The interviews are expected to take place in May.

If you have any additional needs that we should be aware of to support you with your application, please provide details

We have a legal responsibility to ensure that employees have the right to work in the UK. If you currently do not hold the right to work in the UK, we can only sponsor a limited number of roles that meet eligibility criteria. To offer a sponsorship, the job role you apply needs to be in the list of eligible occupations: . Additionally (with some limited exceptions), the role will need to meet the minimum salary threshold of £38,700 or the going rate for the job, whichever is the highest. You can find more information here:

The British Museum is committed to promoting equality of opportunity for all staff and job applicants. We aim to create a working environment in which all individuals can make best use of their skills, free from unlawful discrimination or harassment. We value the benefits that a diverse workforce brings to a museum which represents world culture. The Museum is committed to ensuring that no job applicant suffers unlawful discrimination or harassment. We value the benefits that a diverse workforce brings to a museum which represents world culture. The Museum is committed to ensuring that no job applicant suffers unlawful discrimination because of any protected characteristics. Our recruitment procedures aim to ensure that individuals are treated because of relevant knowledge, skills, and experience.

We specifically encourage applications from candidates from ethnic minority groups who are underrepresented within our senior roles.

We offer a flexible way of working scheme that allows our employees to work remotely in a way that suits them and the organisation. We welcome questions and conversations at interview stage about how flexible working could work for you. We would typically see this role as working on site about 1-2 days a week.

The Museum also adheres to the HMG Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) for pre-employment screening of Civil Servants.

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

The role:

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

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

The skills:

· Chartered Accountant.

· Extensive Director level business experience in a complex organisation.

· A strategic thinker with entrepreneurial instincts

· Demonstrable experience in managing contracts.

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

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

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

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

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

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

· Experience in financial and risk compliance and governance issues.

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

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

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

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

· Experience of managing IT contracts or IT staff.

The team:

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

Shakespeare’s Globe:

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

Database Manager
Advancement
Full-time, 41 hours per week (including one hour paid lunch break)
6-month Fixed Term Contract
£34,713 per annum
Application deadline: 12pm (midday) on Wednesday 7 May 2025

About the role:

This is an exciting opportunity for a motivated individual with experience in data management and Raiser's Edge to support the Advancement department.

In this role, you will manage and improve the Raiser's Edge database, ensuring data accuracy, supporting fundraising and membership initiatives, and overseeing the Database team. You will be essential in managing donation tracking, membership processes, gift aid claims, and financial reporting while also contributing to the ongoing development of data systems to support future growth and potential changes in platform or infrastructure.

The Planning and Operations team within the Advancement department is looking for a motivated individual with experience in data management and Raiser's Edge. In this role, you will manage and improve the Raiser's Edge database, ensuring data accuracy, supporting fundraising and membership initiatives, and overseeing the Database team. You will be essential in managing donation tracking, membership processes, gift aid claims, and financial reporting.

Key areas of responsibility:

• Leading and developing the Database team, consisting of the Data Manager (Membership) and Database Assistant.
• Ensuring the accuracy and security of donor and membership data, collaborating closely with the IS team.
• Supporting the Senior Gifts and Planning Manager, Membership Services, and the Head of Planning and Operations to implement effective systems and procedures for ensuring data quality.
• Overseeing key data processes, including managing mailing lists, assisting with Gift Aid claims, and generating accurate financial reports.
• Providing training and support to staff across the Museum, ensuring proficiency in using Raiser's Edge for both fundraising and membership tasks.
• Analysing data and identifying areas of improvement, innovation, and cleaning priorities.
• Supporting data and systems development work to ensure readiness for potential future changes in platform or infrastructure.

About you:

• Educated to degree level, or equivalent experience
• Previous experience in data management
• Proficiency in Raiser's Edge
• Excellent organisational skills
• Ability to manage both membership and fundraising data processes
• Strong attention to detail

About the British Museum:

Founded in 1753, the British Museum's remarkable collection spans over two million years of human history and culture. The Museum is a leading visitor attraction, and its world-famous collection includes the Rosetta Stone, Egyptian mummies, the Sutton-Hoo finds, and the Lewis Chessmen. The Museum also holds an extensive collection of prints and drawings spanning 600 years, including works by the greatest graphic artists such as Dürer, Michelangelo and Rembrandt.

You can view a selection of our impressive collection of prints and drawings in our .

The Museum offers a competitive benefits package including:

• Generous annual leave allowance of 25 days (rising to 30 days after 10 years' service) plus 2.5 privilege days and plus bank holidays
• Membership of the civil service defined benefit pension scheme (find out here what benefits a civil service pension provides).
• Free entry to a wide range of museums and exhibitions
• Participation in private and public Museum activities, including talks by leading curators from around the world and behind-the-scenes opportunities to learn how museums care for and manage their extraordinary collections
• Interest-free travel, bicycle and rental deposit loans
• Professional and personal development opportunities
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Discounts on food and gift shop purchases

Additional details:

For more information about this role, please see the job description.

If you have any additional needs that we should be aware of in order to support you with your application, please provide details

The British Museum is committed to promoting equality of opportunity for all staff and job applicants. We aim to create a working environment in which all individuals can make best use of their skills, free from unlawful discrimination or harassment. We value the benefits that a diverse workforce brings to a museum which represents world culture. The Museum is committed to ensuring that no job applicant suffers unlawful discrimination because of any protected characteristics. Our recruitment procedures aim to ensure that individuals are treated because of their relevant knowledge, skills and experience.

We offer a flexible way of working that allows our employees to work remotely in a way that suits them and the organisation. We welcome questions and conversations at interview stage about how flexible working could work for you.

The Museum adheres to the HMG Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) for pre-employment screening of Civil Servants.

A dynamic and forward-thinking performing arts organisation in Central London is seeking a General Manager to support its growth and operational excellence. This is an exciting opportunity to join a passionate team at a pivotal time, playing a key role in driving the organisation’s mission and ensuring its smooth day-to-day running.

Full-time | Permanent | Hybrid working available | Salary: £40,000

As General Manager, you will:

• Lead on organisational finance processes, including budgeting, cashflow, payroll, and reporting.
• Oversee and streamline operational systems, HR, and governance frameworks.
• Line manage a small operational team and support the broader staff’s wellbeing and professional development.
• Ensure legal, insurance, and policy compliance across all activities.
• Support reporting to Boards and statutory bodies, coordinating calendars and documentation.
• Be a key player in planning, internal communication, and external stakeholder liaison.

The successful candidate will have:

• Demonstrable experience in administration and operational leadership.
• Strong finance and budget management skills.
• A background in HR or line management.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to balance multiple priorities with clarity and empathy.
• A genuine passion for the arts and inclusive, values-led leadership.

 Experience within the arts, charity or non-profit sector is advantageous, as is familiarity with platforms such as Ticketsolve and Sage 50 Payroll, but not essential.

 For more information please submit your CV to .

Please note, CVs are being reviewed on a rolling basis and only successful applicants will be contacted with more information.

 As leading charity recruitment specialists and a certified B Corp™, Harris Hill is committed to high and ever-improving standards of equitable and inclusive recruitment. We actively welcome applications from all sections of the community regardless of age, disability, gender, race, religion, sexuality and other protected characteristics.

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

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

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

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

How to apply

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

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

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

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

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

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

No agencies / consultancies.

Eden Brown is delighted to be partnering with an incredible Arts organisation who bring World Class ballet to a wide audience throughout the UK to recruit them a Head of Trusts and Corporates on a 12 month Fixed term contract. This organisation brings dance to different communities and people of all ages.

About the Role

The Senior Corporate Development Lead will focus on:

*Executing the fundraising strategy developed by the Head of Corporates and Trusts in relation to corporate partners, during the maternity period.

*Oversight and leadership of the income and expenditure budgets for the Corporate Business Unit.
*Identifying major prospects and the pursuit of these, with a view to raise considerable financial support, working to agreed targets.

*Working closely with senior colleagues and high-level volunteers to implement the strategy

As Head of Trusts and Corporates you will;

- Gain an in-depth understanding of current corporate partnerships and patronages at ENB and identify areas for growth, leading on the income and expenditure budgets for the Corporate Business Unit. You will also Support the Senior Corporate Partnerships Manager to review and deliver the existing strategy for the Corporate Business Unit and be accountable for the programme's pipeline development, for the future

About You

You must have had;

*Experience of working with commercial organisations in a fundraising environment, with a track record of securing six figure support.

*Proven experience of line management in a fundraising department, supporting their professional development and providing inspiring and supportive leadership.

*Track record of growing income and pipeline development in the performing arts, cultural, higher education or third sector, in the UK.

This role is Hybrid in the London office with some home working available. To hear more about this incredible opportunity please call Laura Iliff on 07442607841. Please note that applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.

Eden Brown Synergy is an equal opportunities employer.

Eden Brown Limited is a limited company registered in England and Wales with registered number 3643845. Our registered address is 5th floor 4 Coleman Street, London, EC2R 5AR, part of nGAGE Specialist Recruitment Limited T/A nGAGE Talent. Please consider the environment before printing this e-mail. This message is intended solely for the addressee and may contain confidential information. If you have received this message in error, please send it back to us, and immediately and permanently delete it. Do not use, copy or disclose the information contained in this message or in any attachment. We take reasonable precautions to ensure no viruses are present in this email but cannot accept responsibility for any loss or damage sustained as a result of computer viruses and the recipient must ensure that the email (and attachments) are virus free.

Department/Team: Development

Responsible to: Associate Director, Trusts and Foundations

Contract: Permanent

Location: Mix of home working and from The Old Vic, 103 The Cut, London, SE1 8NB (min 3 office days)

Hours: Full-Time - 40 hours per week, Monday-Friday

The Old Vic offers the ability to work these flexibly under the guidelines in our Hybrid Working policy. Additional hours may be necessary in order to fulfil the requirements of the post

Salary: £35,000 - £36,750

Role Summary

The Trusts and Foundations Manager is responsible for securing income from trusts, foundations and grant-making organisations across both revenue and capital targets, managing a portfolio as well as developing new relationships, and supporting the Associate Director, Trusts and Foundations by taking a lead role in the stewardship and cultivation of trusts and foundations in line with The Old Vic's fundraising strategy.

Your Team

The Trusts and Foundations Manager works alongside the Associate Director, Trusts and Foundations and Senior Proposal Writer, within the Development team, which fundraises for The Old Vic Theatre Trust 2000 (a registered charity). Its remit is to raise voluntary funds for the theatre from individuals, companies and charitable trusts and foundations.

The Old Vic Trust receives no government subsidy and is reliant on fundraising and ticket sales for its annual income.

Person Specification

Essential

• Substantial and proven track record in managing a portfolio of funders, meeting income targets and an awareness of fundraising best practice

• Ability to write a compelling case for support and communicate this effectively through both face-to-face presentations and written copy

• Knowledge of the T&F landscape and of the wider arts or fundraising sectors

• Experience of using venue software Tessitura or other fundraising software

• Excellent track record of stewardship and building relationships with donors

• Experience working to – and achieving – financial targets and KPIs

• Natural organisational skills, demonstrable from previous experience

• Ability to prioritise, meet deadlines with competing demands.

• Able to liaise confidently and diplomatically both externally and internally at all levels

Group FP&A Manager | £450 - £500 per day (Umbrella) | Hybrid | London | 6-months +

For a large international organisation, we are recruiting an Interim Group FP&A Manager who will coordinate and produce consolidated financial plans, budgets, and forecasts. The Group FP&A Manager will contribute to planning activity and data across Finance, working closely with Regional Finance Directors to ensure consistency of all planning and forecasting. This role will report to the Director of Group Planning and Reporting and will lead, manage, and motivate a Financial Planning Analyst. This role is for a minimum of 6-months and could be extended.

Main Duties:

• Provide a financial planning, forecasting and management reporting service in the UK, Regions, and international business units across Group level.
• Deliver monthly MI reports
• Coordination and delivery of annual budget, quarterly forecasts and monthly re-forecasts
• Support multi-year planning
• Tracking and forecasting of financial KPIs
• Support the Director of Group Planning and Reporting in preparing reports for Exec on reporting and planning deliverables
• Lead continuous improvement of processes across monthly close, financial commentary and analysis and cash-flow forecasting
• Ensure the MI and forecasts are fit-for-purpose during a period of transformation and change
• Play a key role in the implementation of a new planning and reporting tool as part of a global finance transformation programme
• Set planning and forecasting timetables for the organisation
• Work closely with the Head of Strategic Planning and coordinate with the UK and Regional finance teams to ensure alignment of all financial planning activity
• Support strategy in the collation and consolidation of 5-year planning
• Development and rollout of multi-year planning workbooks and processes
• Work closely with Shared Service Centre in India, supporting the FP&A team in-country
• Lead, manage and motivate one Financial Planning Analyst

Person Specification:

• Qualified Accountant with proven Group-level FP&A experience including MI reporting
• Experience managing the annual planning and reporting calendar
• Ability to build budgets, forecasts, and annual plans at Group level
• Annual planning and reporting at Group-level
• International and multi-cultural company experience
• SAP experience, financial modelling, and advanced Excel
• Shared Services experience

________

As an employer, we are committed to ensuring the representation of people from all backgrounds regardless of their gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, race, religion, ethnicity, age, neurodiversity, disability status, or any other aspect which makes them unique. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds to apply and would encourage you to let us know if there are steps, we can take to ensure that your recruitment process enables you to present yourself in a way that makes you comfortable.

Director of Finance and Operations

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

Contract start date: asap

Location: Remote (some travel for meetings in London)

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

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

‍

THE COMPANY

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

THE ROLE

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

Key responsibilities:

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

Minimum role criteria:

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

Additional desired skills

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

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

Key skills:

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

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

NEXT STEPS

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

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

Deadline for applications: 6th May 2025

Interviews: 26th May 2025

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

Our Organisation and Next Chapter

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

•Built substantial financial reserves

•Strengthened our advocacy for illustrators' rights

•Established new revenue streams

•Enhanced our industry profile and influence

•Developed comprehensive career support initiatives 

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

Position Overview

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

Key Details:

•Reports to: Board of Directors

•Direct report: Chief Executive Officer

•Location: Somerset House, Central London 

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

Remuneration:

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

•£1,000 PAYE stipend for governance duties

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

Role Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership and Vision

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

-Ensure alignment between commercial growth and social impact

-Foster innovation while maintaining financial sustainability

-Lead the Board in setting and reviewing strategic objectives

-Build consensus around key strategic decisions

Governance and Compliance

-Chair quarterly Board meetings with effectiveness and professionalism

-Ensure the Board fulfils its duties and responsibilities

-Oversee risk management and mitigation strategies

-Monitor organisational performance against strategic objectives

-Ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements

Financial Oversight

-Guide financial strategy and sustainability

-Review and approve annual budgets and financial reports

-Ensure appropriate financial controls are in place

-Support the development of new revenue streams

Stakeholder Engagement and External Relations

-Build and maintain strategic partnerships

-Act as an ambassador for the organisation

-Advocate for illustrators' rights and interests

People Leadership

-Provide support to the CEO 

-Lead Board recruitment and succession planning

-Foster a collaborative and inclusive Board culture

-Support professional development of Board members

Person Specification

Essential Experience

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

-Track record of successful strategic planning and implementation

-Understanding of governance and financial management

-History of delivering both social and commercial value

Knowledge and Understanding

-Appreciation for the illustration industry and its challenges

-Strong grasp of the creative sector's commercial landscape

-Understanding of not-for-profit governance

-Awareness of emerging technologies and their impact

-Understanding of diversity and inclusion best practices

Leadership Qualities

-Strategic thinker with proven problem-solving abilities

-Excellent chair and facilitation skills

-Strong diplomatic and negotiation abilities

-Ability to build consensus and manage diverse viewpoints

-Commitment to collaborative leadership

How to Apply

To express your interest in this position, please submit:

•A comprehensive CV

•A covering letter explaining your suitability for the role

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

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

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

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