At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Board of Trustees and support exciting new projects in the arts.
- Company: East Street Arts, a leading visual arts charity based in Leeds.
- Benefits: Make a lasting impact on artists and communities; reasonable expenses reimbursed.
- Other info: Voluntary role with flexible commitment; great opportunity for networking.
- Why this job: Join us in shaping the future of the arts and championing creativity.
- Qualifications: Experience in governance, strategic leadership, and a passion for the arts.
We're looking for an experienced Chair to lead our Board of Trustees through an exciting new phase of growth for East Street Arts, including a new capital project in Keighley.
East Street Arts is a visual arts organisation and registered charity based in Leeds, working nationally to support artists to develop resilient and sustainable practices. Founded in 1993, we're one of the UK's leading artist-led organisations, providing affordable workspaces, artist development, research, public programmes and creative partnerships. Our vision: artists will create positive change.
We're entering an exciting period of growth, including a capital development in Keighley and an established Meanwhile Spaces programme across England and Wales. We're looking for an experienced Chair who can provide strategic leadership to the Board, support our Executive Team, champion our values, and help ensure East Street Arts continues to thrive.
Working closely with our Executive Director, Artistic Director and Board of Trustees, the Chair fosters an inclusive, effective Board culture while supporting and constructively challenging the Executive Team. The role carries responsibility for good governance and legal compliance, championing equality, diversity and inclusion, and supporting fundraising and partnership development. This is an opportunity to make a lasting contribution to artists, communities and the wider cultural sector.
Job Requirements
- Previous Board or senior governance experience, including chairing boards, committees or equivalent senior groups
- Strategic leadership experience; a track record of supporting and constructively challenging senior executives
- Financial oversight and organisational sustainability experience
- Experience leading organisational change, developing partnerships and engaging stakeholders
- Experience acting as an ambassador for an organisation
- Sound understanding of charity governance, company law, Trustee responsibilities, strategic planning and risk management
Desirable:
- Charity leadership, capital/property projects, or publicly funded arts or cultural organisations
- Fundraising experience
- Local government or public sector partnership experience
- A background in the creative industries
Job Responsibilities
The Chair provides strategic leadership to the Board, chairs Board meetings and the annual strategy day, and agrees agendas with the Executive Director. They ensure Board decisions are implemented, promote excellent governance, support the recruitment and induction of Trustees, and lead succession planning.
The Chair builds a constructive relationship with the Executive Director and Artistic Director, and leads the annual appraisal of the Executive Director. As an ambassador for East Street Arts, the Chair develops relationships with funders and partners and supports fundraising.
The Board meets four times a year plus an annual strategy day. Beyond this, the Chair commits approximately 10-12 days a year. This is a voluntary position; reasonable expenses are reimbursed.
How to Apply
To apply, send us a copy of your CV and a cover letter (max 2 A4 pages), or a voice recording/video (max 5 minutes), in an easily downloadable format. Please include your name, contact details, confirmation you can commit to becoming a Trustee, why you want to become Chair of East Street Arts, and what experience you'd bring to the Board. Send applications to [email protected]. If you require an adjustment to these application methods for any reason, contact [email protected] or call 0113 248 0040. Please apply by midnight (23:59pm) on Sunday 4 October.
About East Street Arts
East Street Arts is a visual arts organisation and registered charity based in Leeds, working nationally to support artists to develop resilient and sustainable practices. Founded in 1993, we're one of the UK's leading artist-led organisations, providing affordable workspaces, artist development, research, public programmes and creative partnerships that create positive social and cultural impact.
Chair of the Board of Trustees in York employer: Arts Council England
Arts Council England is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that values flexibility and employee well-being. With a focus on professional growth, employees benefit from generous annual leave, a final salary pension scheme, and opportunities to lead innovative digital projects in a collaborative environment. Located in Manchester, the role allows for hybrid working, ensuring a balanced approach to work and life while contributing to meaningful organisational change.
