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 shaping an inclusive organisational culture.
- Qualifications: Experience in senior leadership within the arts or charity sector required.
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.
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 in Manchester 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 in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the arts and charity sectors. Attend events, workshops, or even casual meet-ups. You never know who might have a lead on that perfect Executive Director/Co-CEO role!
✨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 financial management and fundraising successes in detail.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership style! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, highlight how you build inclusive team cultures and motivate staff. They’ll want to see how you can lead their organisation forward.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we’re all about supporting candidates from diverse backgrounds, so make sure you put your best foot forward!
We think you need these skills to ace Executive Director/Co-CEO in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in financial management, fundraising, and governance. We want to see how your background aligns with our mission and values!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:As we're looking for an Executive Director/Co-CEO, it's crucial to demonstrate your leadership style and successes. Share specific examples of how you've built inclusive teams and led strategic initiatives in the arts or charity sector.
Be Authentic:We value creativity and social justice, so let your passion shine through! Share your personal connection to the arts and migration, and how you envision making a positive impact in this role.
Apply Through Our Website:To ensure your application gets the attention it deserves, please apply directly through our website. This helps us keep everything organised and makes it easier for us to review your application!
How to prepare for a job interview at Community Arts North West
✨Know Your Numbers
As a candidate for the Executive Director/Co-CEO role, it's crucial to have a solid grasp of financial management. Be prepared to discuss your experience with budget setting and monitoring accounts. Bring specific examples of how you've ensured long-term financial sustainability in previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Fundraising Success
Fundraising is a lead responsibility in this position, so come armed with stories of successful campaigns you've led. Highlight your strategies for securing income from diverse sources and how you built and maintained funding relationships. This will demonstrate your capability to drive financial growth for the organisation.
✨Emphasise Collaborative Leadership
This role requires working closely with the Artistic Director and leading a dedicated team. Share examples of how you've cultivated a collaborative and inclusive culture in past positions. Discuss your people management skills and how you've motivated staff to achieve shared goals.
✨Align with Their Values
The organisation is passionate about creativity, inclusion, and social justice. Make sure to express your commitment to these values during the interview. Prepare to discuss how your vision aligns with theirs and how you can contribute to positive change through the arts.
