At a Glance
- 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
Gorse Hill Studios is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where creativity and community impact are at the forefront. Located in Trafford, Manchester, we provide our employees with opportunities for professional development, a supportive team culture, and the chance to make a meaningful difference in the lives of young people through arts and culture. Join us in creating safe, inspiring spaces while enjoying the benefits of flexible working arrangements and a commitment to safeguarding and welfare.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Executive Officer in Manchester
✨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 Gorse Hill Studios.
✨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 Gorse Hill Studios.
✨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 Gorse Hill Studios.
✨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 Gorse Hill Studios. Apply directly through us to stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Executive Officer in Manchester
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 Gorse Hill Studios. 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 Chief Executive Officer, 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 Gorse Hill Studios
✨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 Gorse Hill Studios. 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!
