Co-Chairs - Diverse City

Diverse City are looking for two Co-chairs of Trustees to share the responsibility of leading an effective board, managing the Executive and representing the organisation as an ambassador and advocate.

Who we are

Diversity is central to our name, our art, and our values.

We believe that theatre with its roots in diversity helps us imagine a fairer world, so that we can make one.

The company collaborates on the development and touring of nationally significant work to create equal representation in the performing arts. Our flagship collaboration is with Cirque Bijou. Together we lead Extraordinary Bodiesa a company that creates bold, provocative new circus performance.

The role

We are entering an exciting period, and the Co-Chairs will be key in turning the page to the next chapter for the Company. The last 2 years have been focused on producing and touring shows – Human, Delicate and Waldo’s Circus of Magic and Terror – alongside our Young Peoples and Connecting Communities programmes of work. Whilst continuing to develop and make shows, we are entering a period of reflection, learning and planning. The Company needs care and attention in consolidating our successes and building a future we can all be proud of. The Board has recently been revitalised, and the Co-Chairs will be critical in driving the governance and Company forward.

As a Company, we have always believed in and benefited from shared and distributed leadership, and the recruitment of Co-Chairs embeds these principles. So, if you have experience and commitment to collaborative working, nurturing the voices and perspectives of all, social justice and the value of the arts, we could well be looking for you. The future for Diverse City is exciting, and we would be delighted if you would consider playing an integral role in ensuring our aspirations and potentials are realised.

These voluntary roles will require the successful candidates to be able to commit to four board meetings a year (hosted on Zoom or hybrid. Currently we meet on a Wednesday evening (6-8pm) in February, June, September and November but that is likely to change to accommodate new Trustees schedules.

A Board Development Day (in person, usually in April) and any occasional extraordinary meetings.

There will also be additional meetings with Senior Management Team (SMT) as needed. Most meetings are held online using Zoom we do not have a central office.

Job Requirements

• Record of engagement in arts & culture
• Commitment & understanding of equality, diversity & inclusion.
• Experience of governance, or other organisational leadership, particularly in arts & culture, a non-profit, charity or public sector setting.
• Familiarity with reviewing or managing budgets.
• Effective, confident & enabling approach to convening & facilitating meetings Experience of chairing or facilitation in both in-person & remote settings.
• Skilled at building & balancing relationships with stakeholders including Arts Council England.
• Enthusiasm & empathy for vision, mission, values & work of the charity.
• Commitment to trustee duties & openness with the charity’s team & Trustees.
• Ability to work in a team, accept decisions & be tolerant of other views.
• Commitment to being informed about – and act as a champion for – the charity.
• Ability to treat sensitive information confidentially.

Job Responsibilities

Responsibilities will be balanced between the two Co-Chair positions based on the skills and experience they bring to the roles.

Please see the candidate pack listed on the link above for the full details of responsibilities and the essential & desirable skills required.

The key areas the Co-Chairs are responsible for are:

• Leading the Board, stakeholder management and organisational governance. Including:
• Setting the Board agenda, ensuring legal and financial governance duties are met effectively.
• Effective operation of the Board in all its areas and responsibilities.
• Build and maintain positive relationships including existing and potential funders.
• Represent the organisation at outside events
• Develop the Charity’s vision and strategy
• Line manage the Executive
• Support the Executive in fundraising and encourage Trustees to do so.

How to Apply

Write a 1 page supporting statement, or record 5 minutes of audio or video, telling us why you fit this role.

Click this LINK to

Upload your recording/cover letter and a short CV

Fill in our monitoring form HERE and access audit form HERE

The supporting statement should set out:-

· Why you want to volunteer with Diverse City

· What experiences and skills do you have that you feel will illustrate your suitability for the role of Co-Chair of The Board.

Please include contact details in your CV or supporting statement.

You should explicitly address the criteria set out in the job description and person specification when preparing your statement.

Application Timeline

Please apply by: 10am 27th November 2023

We’ll be in touch by: 29th November 2023

We’d like to meet you on 13th December 2023 if selected for interview. Interviews will be held in London

Got a question or need another format, please e-mail.