At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic charity at the intersection of arts, migration, and social change.
- Company: Innovative charity with a focus on creativity, inclusion, and social justice.
- Benefits: Part-time role with competitive salary and pension contribution.
- Other info: Encourages applications from diverse backgrounds and offers support during recruitment.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact through arts while leading a passionate team.
- Qualifications: Experience in senior leadership, financial oversight, and fundraising in the arts or charity sector.
Want to make an application? Make sure your CV is up to date, then read the following job specs carefully before applying. We are looking for an experienced leader from the arts, cultural, or voluntary sector with a strong track record in financial management, fundraising, organisational development, and governance. Join an ambitious and innovative charity working at the intersection of arts, migration, and social change. For almost 50 years, they have collaborated creatively with diverse communities, particularly those with lived experience of migration, to champion inclusion, amplify voices, and create meaningful cultural impact.
Position: Executive Director/Co-CEO
Location: Manchester/Hybrid (3 days per week at the office in Hulme, Manchester)
Hours: Part-time (4 days per week), 30 hours per week
Salary: £42,000 pro rata (actual £33,600) plus a 5% employer pension contribution
Contract: Permanent
Closing Date: 22 June 2026, Midday
Interviews: 1 July 2026, Hulme Manchester
The Role: Working in equal partnership with the Artistic Director, you will provide strategic and operational leadership, ensuring the organisation's financial, organisational, and governance foundations are as strong and forward-thinking as its artistic practice. Together, you will shape the future vision while leading an inclusive, resilient, and values-driven organisation.
Duties and responsibilities include:
- Strategic leadership and representation (Joint responsibility)
- Financial oversight (Lead responsibility)
- Fundraising (Lead responsibility)
- Project reporting (Lead responsibility)
- HR, people management and safeguarding (Joint responsibility)
- Governance (Joint responsibility)
- Marketing and communications (Lead responsibility)
As Co-CEO, you will cultivate a collaborative and transparent organisational culture, lead a dedicated team, and build strong relationships across local, national, and international networks. Above all, you will share a commitment to creativity, inclusion, and social justice, and be excited by the opportunity to use your leadership to support positive change through the arts.
If this opportunity inspires you, we would be delighted to hear from you.
About You: You will bring experience of securing income from a range of sources, alongside a practical understanding of charity regulation and compliance. You will also have experience of:
- Working in a senior leadership role within the arts or charity sector
- Financial oversight, including budget setting, monitoring accounts, and ensuring long-term financial sustainability.
- Managing funding relationships
- Building a healthy, inclusive team culture, with strong people management skills and the ability to lead, develop and motivate staff.
About the Organisation: Join a dynamic and innovative charity focused on arts, migration and socially engaged practice. This creative work is delivered through three strands: Young People, Communities and Artist Development. The charity also strengthens the organisation through sector development and organisational development.
We actively encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, particularly those underrepresented in the arts sector. If you require any adjustments or accommodations during the recruitment process such as alternative formats for application materials, additional support for interviews or if you have specific access requirements, please let us know.
If you do not hear back from us by 25 June, please assume that you have not been shortlisted for the role.
Executive Director/Co-CEO employer: Community Arts North West
Join a pioneering charity in Manchester that champions creativity, inclusion, and social justice through the arts. With a strong commitment to employee growth and a collaborative work culture, this organisation offers a unique opportunity to lead impactful initiatives while working alongside a dedicated team. Enjoy the benefits of a flexible hybrid working model, competitive salary, and a supportive environment that values diverse perspectives and fosters meaningful change.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Executive Director/Co-CEO
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the arts and charity sectors. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about asking for introductions. You never know who might have the inside scoop on opportunities!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research the organisation thoroughly and think about how your experience aligns with their mission. Be ready to discuss your leadership style and how you can contribute to their goals in arts and social change.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your fundraising skills! Be prepared to share specific examples of how you've successfully secured funding in the past. Highlight your financial oversight experience and how it can benefit the organisation’s sustainability.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Executive Director/Co-CEO
Some tips for your application 🫡
Keep Your CV Fresh:Before you dive into the application, make sure your CV is up to date. Highlight your leadership experience in the arts or charity sector, especially any financial management and fundraising achievements that align with what we're looking for.
Read the Job Specs Carefully:Take a good look at the job description and responsibilities. We want to see how your experience matches up with our needs, so tailor your application to show us why you're the perfect fit for this role.
Show Your Passion for Inclusion:We're all about creativity, inclusion, and social justice. Make sure your application reflects your commitment to these values and how you've championed them in your previous roles. We love seeing candidates who share our vision!
Apply Through Our Website:When you're ready to submit your application, do it through our website. It’s the best way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves. We can't wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Community Arts North West
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the charity's mission and values, especially around arts, migration, and social change. Familiarise yourself with their past projects and current initiatives to show your genuine interest and understanding of their work.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your experience in financial management, fundraising, and team leadership. Be ready to discuss how you've built inclusive cultures and motivated teams in previous roles, as this will resonate with their focus on collaboration and transparency.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Come prepared with insightful questions about the organisation’s future vision and challenges they face. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also demonstrates your strategic thinking and commitment to contributing positively to their goals.
✨Be Authentic
Let your passion for the arts and social justice shine through. Share personal stories or experiences that connect you to their mission, as authenticity can make a lasting impression and help you stand out as a candidate who truly aligns with their values.
