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- Tasks: Lead transformative change and develop a new business model for Accessible Arts & Media.
- Company: Join a cornerstone of York’s inclusive creative community with over 40 years of impact.
- Benefits: Flexible working hours, 25 days annual leave pro-rata, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a tangible difference in the lives of others through inclusive arts leadership.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in organisational transformation and strong financial management skills required.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with a focus on employee wellbeing and career progression.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
This is a pivotal moment for Accessible Arts & Media (AAM). The retirement of our inspirational co-founder Rose Kent in 2025 has created an opportunity to reflect and review our operating model. We’re looking for a strategic and ambitious change leader to support AAM through a critical transformation phase. We’re offering the role initially on a fixed term 18-month period, with potential to extend. AAM’s been a cornerstone of York’s inclusive creative community for over 40 years. Our new Executive Director will play a key role in shaping our direction for the years ahead and ensuring a bright, sustainable future for AAM and the people we support.
We’re looking for a leader with drive and determination. You’ll be a natural collaborator and advocate, with the ability to inspire, mentor and develop a small but mighty team. Our new Executive Director will work closely with our Board of Trustees, staff, participants and partners to co-create a new model and business plan for AAM. Strong leadership, financial management skills and the ability to create a vision and inspire and motivate a team to deliver it are essential. And you’ll have a passion for inclusive arts practice and share our belief in the power of creativity to transform lives. This is an opportunity for someone looking to make a tangible difference to the lives of others and lead an organisation with a rich history and an exciting future.
Hours: 0.6 FTE (21 hours per week). We can be somewhat flexible about how this is achieved. The role will require occasional evening and weekend work. Annual leave: 25 days pro-rata, some of which must be taken between Christmas and New Year. Bank Holidays are in addition to this. Place of work: A minimum of 1.5 days a week must be in the AAM office at Clifton Explore, with remote working options available by discussion for the remaining 1.5 days. Some travel will be required.
Job Requirements
- The Executive Director will have proven experience of leading successful organisational transformation in a small arts/cultural charity, balancing strategic change with operational stability and hands-on leadership.
- Key requirements include:
- Ability to successfully develop and deliver strategic/business plan
- Experience of developing and motivating staff and volunteers, creating inclusive, collaborative working environments where people feel valued and supported
- Experience in financial management, including preparing annual budgets, achieving income targets and cost control
- Understanding of the current fundraising and economic climate
- Sound knowledge of current trends and key issues in the arts and/or health and wellbeing sectors
- Sound knowledge of charity governance and legal obligations
Job Responsibilities
- The Executive Director will have responsibility for:
- Organisational change and strategic development – leading a review of our operating model and developing a new business plan
- Leadership and advocacy – providing leadership during a period of change, raising AAM’s profile and fostering a culture of learning and innovation
- People and culture – creating sustainable career progression pathways for staff and an inclusive, collaborative, safe and supportive working environment, where employee wellbeing is central
- Finance and fundraising – ensuring the charity’s financial health by supporting and monitoring an effective programme of income generation, fundraising and expenditure control
- Operations – overseeing our technical, digital and administrative requirements, ensuring the right systems and processes are in place
- Governance, legal and compliance – ensuring AAM fulfils all its legal, statutory, and regulatory responsibilities and servicing the Board
Executive Director employer: Get Grants Ltd
Contact Detail:
Get Grants Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Executive Director
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the arts and charity sectors, especially those connected to AAM. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about asking for informational interviews. You never know who might have the inside scoop on opportunities!
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion for inclusive arts practice! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers or at networking events, share your experiences and ideas about how creativity can transform lives. This will help you stand out as someone who truly aligns with AAM's mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching AAM’s history and current projects. Think about how your skills in leadership and financial management can contribute to their transformation phase. Tailor your responses to show you’re the change leader they need!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the AAM team. Keep an eye on deadlines and follow up if you haven’t heard back after a while!
We think you need these skills to ace Executive Director
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your passion for inclusive arts shine through. We want to see how your values align with AAM's mission and how you can make a difference in the community.
Be Strategic: This role is all about strategic leadership, so make sure to highlight your experience in developing and delivering business plans. We’re looking for someone who can think big and inspire others to follow suit.
Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send a generic application! Tailor your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific requirements of the Executive Director role. Show us how your skills and experiences directly relate to what we’re looking for.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss any important details about the role!
How to prepare for a job interview at Get Grants Ltd
✨Know Your AAM Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into Accessible Arts & Media's mission, values, and recent projects. Understanding their history and current challenges will help you articulate how your vision aligns with their goals, especially during this transformative phase.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Be ready to discuss your leadership approach and how you've successfully led teams through change in the past. Use specific examples that highlight your ability to inspire and motivate others, as well as how you foster an inclusive and collaborative environment.
✨Financial Savvy is Key
Since financial management is crucial for this role, prepare to discuss your experience with budgeting, income generation, and cost control. Bring examples of how you've navigated financial challenges in previous roles, particularly in the arts or charity sectors.
✨Engage with Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions that demonstrate your interest in AAM's future and your strategic thinking. Ask about their vision for the organisation post-transformation and how they see the Executive Director contributing to that vision. This shows you're not just looking for a job, but are genuinely invested in their mission.