At a Glance
- Tasks: Shape and strengthen governance at English National Opera and the London Coliseum.
- Company: Join a mission-driven team at the English National Opera.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible hours, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Other info: Inclusive environment with support for underrepresented groups.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a high-profile role that drives effective governance.
- Qualifications: Significant experience in charity governance and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 55000 £ per year.
Salary: £55,000 per annum (FTE), pro rata
Hours: 21 hours per week (0.6 FTE)
Location: London Coliseum
We’re looking for a mission-driven Head of Governance to help shape and strengthen governance at English National Opera and the London Coliseum. This is a high-impact senior role at the heart of the organisation, combining hands-on delivery with trusted advice. You’ll work closely with the Board and executive team to ensure decision-making is clear, accountable and aligned with Charity Commission guidance and best practice. Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer, you’ll lead on coordinating governance activity, enhancing Board and committee effectiveness, and driving continuous improvement. You’ll oversee the annual governance cycle, support trustee development, and champion inclusive, well-informed decision-making that enables our leadership to thrive.
Requirements
- Significant experience in charity governance, company secretariat or a comparable senior governance role
- Strong understanding of charity law, trustee responsibilities and good governance practice
- Experience supporting Boards and committees, including planning, papers and effectiveness reviews
- Demonstrable experience improving governance frameworks, processes or systems
- Confidence advising senior stakeholders with discretion, diplomacy and authority
- Experience working collaboratively across executive teams to embed effective governance practices
- Clear, credible communicator, both written and verbal
- Highly organised, with the ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines
- Practical and solutions-focused, with a bias for action
- Calm, measured and trusted, with strong professional judgement
- Committed to ENO’s mission, values and public purpose, including equity, diversity and inclusion
English National Opera is an Equal Opportunities employer, and we strive to create an inclusive working environment that reflects the diverse communities we serve. As we work to address underrepresentation in our workforce, we particularly encourage potential candidates from underrepresented groups and communities to apply, including those from global majority backgrounds and/or with protected characteristics, including race, disability, sexual orientation, gender reassignment and religion and belief. We will provide appropriate support for candidates with access requirements if they identify as disabled. This includes during the application process and through candidate assessment stages.
Head of Governance employer: ENGLISH NATIONAL OPERA
At English National Opera, we pride ourselves on being a mission-driven organisation that values governance excellence and inclusivity. Located in the iconic London Coliseum, we offer a collaborative work culture where your expertise will directly influence our leadership and decision-making processes. With a commitment to employee growth and a focus on equity, diversity, and inclusion, we provide a supportive environment for all staff, making us an exceptional employer for those seeking meaningful and impactful roles.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Governance
✨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 ENGLISH NATIONAL OPERA.
✨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 ENGLISH NATIONAL OPERA.
✨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 ENGLISH NATIONAL OPERA.
✨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 ENGLISH NATIONAL OPERA. Apply directly through us to stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Governance
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 ENGLISH NATIONAL OPERA. 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 Head of Governance, 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 ENGLISH NATIONAL OPERA
✨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 ENGLISH NATIONAL OPERA. 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!
