At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Board of Governors to champion dance education and creative development.
- Company: Northern School of Contemporary Dance, a unique conservatoire in Leeds.
- Benefits: Opportunity to influence a nationally significant institution and support artistic excellence.
- Other info: Join a passionate team dedicated to transforming lives through dance.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the future of dance education and creativity.
- Qualifications: Experienced leader with governance and financial oversight skills.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 70000 £ per year.
Join the Northern School of Contemporary Dance as Chair of the Board of Governors and help champion our vision to be a world‑leading centre for dance education and creative development, recognised for innovation, excellence and impact.
Location: Leeds
About NSCD
The Northern School of Contemporary Dance (NSCD) is a distinctive conservatoire-level institution and a nationally significant cultural organisation, uniquely positioned as the only specialist contemporary dance higher education provider in the North of England. Based in Leeds, it combines internationally recognised education and training with a strong civic and sector stewardship. NSCD supports talent development from pre‑vocational access through to undergraduate, postgraduate and professional practice, with a clear commitment to widening participation and enabling talented students from all backgrounds to progress into the profession. As an Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation and home to the Riley Theatre, NSCD makes an important contribution to cultural life, audience development and the regional and national dance ecology. Its distinctive strength lies in the way it brings together artistic excellence, student success, community engagement and partnership working, creating public value locally, nationally and internationally.
About the role
As Chair, you will also ensure NSCD remains well governed, financially sustainable and firmly connected to its mission and values. You will work in close partnership with Sharon Watson MBE, Principal and CEO, alongside the wider senior leadership team, building trusted and open relationships where honesty, curiosity and constructive challenge are welcomed. The role will require both support and scrutiny, balancing encouragement with accountability to help the organisation thrive. The Chair will play a central role in stewarding NSCD through its next phase of development and influence, championing its distinctive contribution to higher education, artistic excellence and cultural life. This is an exciting opportunity to support a nationally significant institution that is transforming lives through dance, creativity and inclusive education.
Who we are looking for
We are looking for an inspiring Chair of Governors who shares our passion for education, dance and the arts and cultural sectors — and is excited by the opportunity to support a distinctive and nationally significant institution at an important point in its journey. The successful candidate will be a confident and experienced leader with a strong background at board or senior executive level within a complex organisation. You will bring a clear understanding of governance, financial oversight and risk management, alongside the judgement and perspective needed to support both stability and ambition. We are looking for someone who can help create the right conditions for a high‑performing Board, encouraging open, thoughtful discussion, drawing on a wide range of perspectives and supporting clear and well‑balanced decision‑making. You will be comfortable navigating complexity and able to bring people together around shared purpose. You will be someone who builds trusted and constructive relationships, working closely with the Principal and CEO and the senior leadership team in a spirit of openness, respect and challenge. Equally, you will engage positively with fellow Governors, helping to ensure the Board is well supported, well informed and working effectively together. Above all, we are looking for a Chair who is passionate about education, dance and creativity and who will serve as a committed and visible ambassador for the organisation. We are seeking someone who understands and embodies our values, champions our mission and is inspired by the opportunity to help NSCD continue to thrive at the intersection of higher education, artistic excellence and cultural life.
Applications for this role close at 9 a.m. Monday 6th July 2026.
Chair of the Board of Governors in Leeds employer: Business & Human Rights Resource Centre
The Northern School of Contemporary Dance (NSCD) is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to lead a nationally significant institution dedicated to dance education and creative development. Located in the vibrant city of Leeds, NSCD fosters a collaborative work culture that values artistic excellence, community engagement, and inclusivity, providing ample opportunities for professional growth and meaningful contributions to the cultural landscape. As Chair of the Board of Governors, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of dance education while being part of a passionate team committed to transforming lives through creativity.
Contact Details:
Business & Human Rights Resource Centre Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chair of the Board of Governors in Leeds
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the dance and education sectors, attend events, and engage with communities. Building relationships can open doors that applications alone can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion! When you get the chance to meet potential collaborators or board members, let your enthusiasm for dance and education shine through. People love working with those who are genuinely excited about their mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Be prepared for discussions! Brush up on current trends in dance education and governance. Being knowledgeable will help you contribute meaningfully and demonstrate your commitment to NSCD's vision.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our mission at NSCD.
We think you need these skills to ace Chair of the Board of Governors in Leeds
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for education, dance, and the arts shine through. We want to see how your values align with NSCD's mission and how you can contribute to our vision of being a world-leading centre for dance education.
Highlight Your Experience:Make sure to showcase your leadership experience at board or senior executive levels. We’re looking for someone who understands governance and financial oversight, so don’t hold back on sharing relevant examples that demonstrate your expertise.
Be Authentic:We value honesty and openness, so be yourself in your application. Share your thoughts on how you can foster a high-performing Board and encourage constructive discussions. Authenticity goes a long way in building trust with us!
Apply Through Our Website:To make sure your application gets to us without a hitch, apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your details and can consider you for this exciting opportunity at NSCD.
How to prepare for a job interview at Business & Human Rights Resource Centre
✨Know Your NSCD Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the Northern School of Contemporary Dance's mission, values, and recent initiatives. Familiarise yourself with their contributions to the dance community and how they support talent development. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your genuine passion for the role and the organisation.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous leadership roles, especially those at board or senior executive levels. Highlight specific examples where you've successfully navigated complex governance issues or financial oversight. This will illustrate your capability to balance support and scrutiny, which is crucial for the Chair position.
✨Emphasise Collaborative Spirit
The role requires building trusted relationships with the Principal, CEO, and fellow Governors. Be ready to share examples of how you've fostered open discussions and encouraged diverse perspectives in past roles. This will show that you can create a high-performing Board environment.
✨Passion for Dance and Education
Express your enthusiasm for education, dance, and the arts throughout the interview. Share personal stories or experiences that connect you to these fields. This will resonate with the interviewers and reinforce your commitment to championing NSCD's mission and values.
