At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a passionate team in shaping the future of arts and culture.
- Company: Activate Performing Arts, a vibrant charity dedicated to community engagement through the arts.
- Benefits: Voluntary role with expenses covered and the chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Flexible hybrid working with opportunities for travel and networking.
- Why this job: Be a key player in promoting creativity and inclusivity in the arts.
- Qualifications: Experience as a trustee and a passion for arts and community engagement.
The predicted salary is between 63000 - 77000 £ per year.
Terms: 3-year term, renewable
Remuneration: Voluntary, with expenses reimbursed
Location: Hybrid, with some travel to Dorset for key meetings and events
Activate Performing Arts (Activate) is a 35-year-old arts charity that brings contemporary performance to communities and landscapes across Dorset, the UK and Europe. Activate is known for its free-to-access outdoor arts, festivals and touring work, driven by a belief in creativity as a public good, connecting people, place and artistic expression.
With a strong commitment to access, equity, environmental responsibility and artistic ambition, Activate is entering an important period of evolution. The organisation is looking ahead to its next phase of development, including shaping a new 3–5-year strategy and preparing for its next Arts Council England National Portfolio application.
Activate is now seeking a new Chair of Trustees to provide thoughtful, inclusive leadership to the Board and support the Artistic & Executive Director as the organisation builds on its achievements and strengthens its future direction. Working closely with the Artistic & Executive Director, trustees and wider stakeholders, the Chair will help ensure Activate remains creative, resilient, well-governed and ambitious in its impact.
As Chair, you will play a key role in guiding strategic discussion, supporting good governance, encouraging meaningful contribution from trustees and acting as an ambassador for Activate. You will champion the organisation's work and support Activate to enhance its visibility, partnerships and long-term sustainability.
To succeed in this role, you'll bring:
- Prior experience as a trustee, with a strong understanding of good governance and effective Boards
- Strong alignment with Activate's values around free and low-cost access, equity, diversity and inclusion, landscape and nature, and environmental responsibility
- A strategic outlook and the ability to support values-led organisational development, growth and innovation
- A fundraising mindset and an understanding of the wider funding landscape
- A passion for the arts, ideally the performing arts, festivals, outdoor arts, landscape-based practice or nature-based creativity
We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. We do not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, colour, ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation, age, or any other category protected by law. Charisma is committed to inclusive and accessible recruitment processes. If you have any reasonable adjustments, please confirm in your application.
Chair of Trustees employer: Activate Performing Arts
Pavilion Dance South West is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity for young individuals to gain hands-on experience in the Creative Industry through its Breakthrough Programme. Located in the vibrant heart of Bournemouth, the company fosters a supportive work culture that prioritises professional growth and development, providing trainees with invaluable skills and insights while working alongside a dedicated team in a dynamic environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chair of Trustees
✨Get Involved with Local Causes
Start connecting with local nonprofits or social impact projects in your area. Attend their events, offer to help out with community initiatives, or just drop by to chat about their mission. This way, you’ll not only learn about the work they do but also make meaningful connections that could lead to volunteer opportunities.
✨Leverage Social Media for Social Impact
Platforms like Twitter and Instagram are goldmines for discovering volunteer opportunities in the nonprofit sector. Follow organisations you’re passionate about, engage with their posts, and keep an eye out for their volunteer calls. It’s a great way to show your interest and dedication!
✨Utilise Volunteer Matching Platforms
Sites like VolunteerMatch or local community boards are perfect for finding short-term and long-term volunteer roles. These platforms can connect you with causes that align with your passions and skills, and often allow you to browse opportunities tailored to your interests.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website
When you spot an organisation you like, don't hesitate to visit their website and check out their volunteer section. Many nonprofits have dedicated pages for volunteers where you can apply directly – and we’ve found that this route often leads to quicker responses and more personalised interactions!
We think you need these skills to ace Chair of Trustees
Some tips for your application 🫡
Share Your Passion for Social Impact:When you're applying for a volunteer role at a nonprofit like Activate Performing Arts, don’t just list your skills. Show us why you're passionate about social impact! Use your cover letter to tell a story about what drives you and how you've been involved in similar initiatives. Personal connections to the cause can really make your application stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to showcase any previous volunteer work or projects that demonstrate your commitment to social impact. Whether it’s fundraising, community outreach, or project management, detail your contributions and the results achieved. This kind of experience is invaluable in the nonprofit sector and can help us see your potential!
Get Creative with Your CV:In the world of nonprofits, a standard CV might not cut it. Consider using a more creative format that showcases your personality while maintaining professionalism. Use headings like 'Community Engagement' or 'Social Impact Projects' to highlight your experiences related to the role. Remember, we want to see what makes you unique!
Keep It Community-Focused:Make sure your application emphasises collaboration and community. Volunteer roles are about working well with others and contributing collectively towards a common goal. In your cover letter, mention any teamwork experiences or community projects you've been part of, and how you contributed to their success. This shows that you’re ready to jump into the collaborative spirit here at Activate Performing Arts.
How to prepare for a job interview at Activate Performing Arts
✨Know Your Passion
Dive deep into the mission of Activate Performing Arts and understand the issues they tackle. When they ask about your motivation to volunteer, share specific experiences that link your passion to their cause—whether it’s local community work or a broader social impact.
✨Bring Your Skills to the Table
Highlight any relevant skills that can aid in their projects, such as fundraising, project management, or community organising. Be prepared to share examples of how you’ve used these skills in past volunteer roles or relevant experiences.
✨Get Ready for Scenario Questions
In non-profit interviews, especially for volunteer roles, you might get scenario-based questions. Think about times when you've encountered challenges in team work or community engagement, and how you resolved them—this shows your problem-solving abilities.
✨Show Your Commitment
Since this is a volunteer role, they’ll likely want to see your commitment to the cause over an extended period. Be ready to discuss how much time you can dedicate, any special skills you can bring, and your eagerness to learn and grow with the organisation—this excites them to have you on board!
