At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead our 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 while developing your leadership skills.
- Other info: Opportunity for personal growth and to influence the future of the arts.
- Why this job: Join us to champion creativity and inclusivity in the cultural sector.
- Qualifications: Experience in governance, fundraising, and strategic leadership required.
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.
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.
- 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
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.
As an ambassador for East Street Arts, the Chair develops relationships with funders and partners and supports fundraising.
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. Please apply by midnight (23:59) on Monday 30 November 2026.
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.
Trustee (Charity and Fundraising) 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.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Trustee (Charity and Fundraising) in York
✨Get Involved Locally
Dive into local volunteer opportunities or social initiatives. This not only beefs up your CV but also connects you with like-minded folks in nonprofits. Plus, it shows your passion for social impact, which is key for getting noticed by Arts Council England.
✨Tap into Professional Networks
Join networks like the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) or local charities to meet professionals in the sector. Attend events and workshops to build relationships and learn about potential openings at organisations like Arts Council England.
✨Showcase Your Commitment
When prepping for interviews, be ready to speak about your personal connection to social issues. Dive into specific examples of how you’ve contributed to community projects – this will resonate with the mission-driven vibe at Arts Council England.
✨Utilise Online Platforms
We’re all about making connections, so use platforms like Idealist and CharityJob to hunt for full-time roles. And of course, you should keep an eye on our website for exciting opportunities at Arts Council England. Apply directly through us to stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Trustee (Charity and Fundraising) in York
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for the Cause:In the nonprofit sector, it's super important to demonstrate genuine passion for the mission of Arts Council England. Use your cover letter to showcase any personal experiences or volunteer work that connects you to their social impact initiatives. This emotional connection can really help your application stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:When crafting your CV, be sure to include any relevant projects or roles that showcase your skills in social impact. Whether it's community organising, fundraising, or advocacy, highlight what you've done and the difference it's made. Don’t just list tasks; quantify your achievements and the outcomes of your efforts.
Tailor Your Documents to the Role:For a full-time role like Trustee (Charity and Fundraising), ensure your CV and cover letter specifically address the responsibilities outlined in the job description. Use their language to describe your skills and experience, making it easy for the hiring team to see how you fit into their vision.
Emphasise Teamwork and Collaboration:Nonprofits thrive on teamwork, so make sure to emphasise your collaborative experiences. Whether you've worked in a team setting, partnered with community organisations, or facilitated group projects, highlight these experiences in your application. Show them you understand the importance of working alongside diverse individuals to achieve shared goals.
How to prepare for a job interview at Arts Council England
✨Show Your Passion for Social Change
When we’re prepping for interviews in the nonprofit space, it's vital to demonstrate our genuine passion for social impact. Be ready to discuss not just your skills and experiences but also why you care about the mission of Arts Council England. Sharing personal stories or insights can really make us stand out.
✨Highlight Project Experience
We should focus on specific projects we've worked on that align with the goals of social impact. Whether that’s a community initiative, volunteering, or a class project, having solid examples that showcase our role and the outcomes will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Familiarity with Relevant Tools and Practices
Let’s brush up on tools and methodologies commonly used in the nonprofit sector, like project management software or outcome measurement frameworks. Being able to speak fluently about these will show that we’re not just passionate but also knowledgeable and ready to hit the ground running.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that evaluate our problem-solving skills in real-world social issues. Think about how we’d handle challenges in the nonprofit environment and prepare stories that demonstrate our critical thinking and adaptability. Role-playing with a friend could help us feel more confident!
