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- Tasks: Lead a dynamic arts charity, empowering young people through creativity and community engagement.
- Company: Gorse Hill Studios, a vibrant youth and community arts charity in Trafford.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working options, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Join us in a pivotal role during an exciting phase of growth and development.
- Why this job: Shape the future of youth arts and inspire the next generation of creative leaders.
- Qualifications: Senior leadership experience in charity or arts sectors, strong financial and communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Join to apply for the Chief Executive Officer role at Gorse Hill Studios. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience – talk with your recruiter to learn more.
Location: Gorse Hill Studios, Trafford, Manchester (Some remote working will be considered)
Contract Type: Full time, permanent
About Gorse Hill Studios
Gorse Hill Studios is a dynamic and ambitious youth and community arts charity. At the heart of our organisation is a belief that all young people deserve to feel valued, supported and inspired. We work with young people to build confidence, creativity and community connections, ensuring they have the opportunities and encouragement they need to thrive. We believe that creativity can transform lives, and we are committed to placing young people at the centre of everything we do. Their voices, ideas and experiences help shape our programmes, partnerships and strategic direction.
We are entering an exciting phase of growth and development. Our team currently includes 20 core staff and a wider network of volunteers and creative practitioners, delivering a diverse portfolio of youth arts sessions, community engagement projects, creative wellbeing initiatives and partnership‑led activity with local schools and organisations. The CEO will play a pivotal role in leading this portfolio, strengthening our impact, championing youth voice and ensuring young people continue to shape our future direction as we move into the next chapter of our development.
About the Role
As CEO, you will provide strategic, compassionate and visionary leadership, ensuring Gorse Hill Studios delivers its mission to empower and inspire young people. Reporting to the Board of Trustees, you will hold overall responsibility for the organisation’s performance, culture, operations and long‑term sustainability. This role calls for someone who demonstrates strong strategic insight, the ability to influence and inspire others, and uses emotional intelligence and collaborative leadership to build positive internal and external relationships. A fundamental part of this role is your commitment to embedding young people’s voice in decision making. You will champion their perspectives, ensuring programme development, strategy and organisational culture reflect the needs and aspirations of the young people we serve. You will also be an ambassador for the charity, building trusted relationships with young people, partners, funders and the wider community. This role requires a leader who is values‑led, resilient and passionate about supporting young people through the arts and creative engagement.
Roles and Responsibilities
- Strategic Leadership and Governance
- Lead on the development and delivery of the charity’s long‑term strategy, with young people meaningfully involved
- Ensure compliance with all statutory, regulatory and governance requirements, including Charity Commission expectations and safeguarding duties
- Provide clear, timely reporting to the Board
- Support the Board to operate effectively
- Financial Management and Income Generation
- Oversee budgeting, financial planning and responsible management of all funds
- Lead a diverse income generation strategy
- Identify sustainable opportunities for organisational growth
- Operational Management and Programme Delivery
- Oversee day‑to‑day operations and ensure systems are effective
- Ensure programmes are high quality, inclusive and reflective of young people’s needs and feedback
- Act as Designated Safeguarding Lead, or ensure robust safeguarding practices across the organisation
- People Leadership and Culture
- Inspire, support and lead a dedicated staff and volunteer team
- Champion a positive, inclusive and collaborative working culture
- Oversee recruitment, wellbeing and performance management
- External Relations and Advocacy
- Act as the primary spokesperson and ambassador for Gorse Hill Studios
- Build strong relationships with partners, funders and stakeholders
- Advocate for and with young people locally and nationally
- Represent the charity confidently at events and in the media
Skills and Experience
- Senior leadership experience in the charity, youth, arts or wider non‑profit sector
- Strong financial management skills
- Proven success in fundraising or income generation
- Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement
- Knowledge of safeguarding practices in youth settings
- Experience leading teams and developing positive organisational cultures
- Strategic leadership experience
- Experience in the youth arts or creative community sector
- Understanding of the Trafford community landscape
Values and Commitment
We are committed to promoting equity, diversity and inclusion. We welcome applications from individuals who share these values and are passionate about empowering young people. An enhanced DBS check will be required. To apply, please submit your CV and covering letter. Interview date: 23 January at Gorse Hill Studios. Interviews will include a stakeholder panel and a formal interview.
Chief Executive Officer in Manchester employer: Gorse Hill Studios
Contact Detail:
Gorse Hill Studios Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Executive Officer in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the arts and charity sectors, especially those connected to Gorse Hill Studios. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that might just set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion for youth empowerment! When you get the chance to speak with the team or during interviews, share your experiences and ideas on how to engage young people creatively. Let them see your commitment to their mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the panel interview! Research common questions for CEO roles in charities and think about how you can relate your answers to Gorse Hill Studios' values. Practising with a friend can help you feel more confident.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at Gorse Hill Studios.
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Executive Officer in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the CEO role at Gorse Hill Studios. Highlight your leadership experience in the charity or youth sector, and don’t forget to showcase your financial management skills!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to express your passion for empowering young people through the arts. Share specific examples of how you've championed youth voices in previous roles and how you plan to do the same at Gorse Hill Studios.
Showcase Your Strategic Insight: In both your CV and cover letter, demonstrate your strategic thinking and ability to lead an organisation. Talk about past experiences where you've successfully developed and implemented long-term strategies, especially those involving community engagement.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves, and we can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at Gorse Hill Studios
✨Know Your Mission
Before the interview, dive deep into Gorse Hill Studios' mission and values. Understand how they empower young people through the arts and be ready to discuss how your vision aligns with theirs. This shows genuine interest and commitment.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare to articulate your leadership philosophy and how it fosters collaboration and inclusivity. Think of examples where you've successfully led teams or projects, especially in youth or community settings, and be ready to share these stories.
✨Engage with Stakeholder Perspectives
Since the interview includes a stakeholder panel, consider the various perspectives they might bring. Prepare thoughtful questions that demonstrate your understanding of their roles and how you can work together to enhance the organisation's impact.
✨Highlight Financial Acumen
As financial management is key for this role, be prepared to discuss your experience with budgeting and income generation. Bring specific examples of successful fundraising initiatives or financial strategies you've implemented in previous roles.