At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Board of Governors to champion dance education and creative development.
- Company: Northern School of Contemporary Dance, a unique conservatoire in Leeds.
- Benefits: Opportunity to influence a nationally significant institution and support artistic excellence.
- Other info: Join a passionate team dedicated to transforming lives through dance.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the future of dance and education.
- Qualifications: Experienced leader with governance and financial oversight skills.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Join the Northern School of Contemporary Dance as Chair of the Board of Governors and help champion our vision to be a world leading centre for dance education and creative development, recognised for innovation, excellence and impact.
About NSCD
The Northern School of Contemporary Dance (NSCD) is a distinctive conservatoire-level institution and a nationally significant cultural organisation, uniquely positioned as the only specialist contemporary dance higher education provider in the North of England. Based in Leeds, it combines internationally recognised education and training with a strong civic and sector stewardship. NSCD supports talent development from pre vocational access through to undergraduate, postgraduate and professional practice, with a clear commitment to widening participation and enabling talented students from all backgrounds to progress into the profession. As an Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation and home to the Riley Theatre, NSCD makes an important contribution to cultural life, audience development and the regional and national dance ecology. Its distinctive strength lies in the way it brings together artistic excellence, student success, community engagement and partnership working, creating public value locally, nationally and internationally.
About the role
As Chair, you will also ensure NSCD remains well governed, financially sustainable and firmly connected to its mission and values. You will work in close partnership with Sharon Watson MBE, Principal and CEO, alongside the wider senior leadership team, building trusted and open relationships where honesty, curiosity and constructive challenge are welcomed. The role will require both support and scrutiny, balancing encouragement with accountability to help the organisation thrive. The Chair will play a central role in stewarding NSCD through its next phase of development and influence, championing its distinctive contribution to higher education, artistic excellence and cultural life. This is an exciting opportunity to support a nationally significant institution that is transforming lives through dance, creativity and inclusive education.
Who we are looking for
We are looking for an inspiring Chair of Governors who shares our passion for education, dance and the arts and cultural sectors - and is excited by the opportunity to support a distinctive and nationally significant institution at an important point in its journey. The successful candidate will be a confident and experienced leader with a strong background at board or senior executive level within a complex organisation. You will bring a clear understanding of governance, financial oversight and risk management, alongside the judgement and perspective needed to support both stability and ambition. We are looking for someone who can help create the right conditions for a high performing Board, encouraging open, thoughtful discussion, drawing on a wide range of perspectives and supporting clear and well balanced decision making. You will be comfortable navigating complexity and able to bring people together around shared purpose. You will be someone who builds trusted and constructive relationships, working closely with the Principal and CEO and the senior leadership team in a spirit of openness, respect and challenge. Equally, you will engage positively with fellow Governors, helping to ensure the Board is well supported, well informed and working effectively together. Above all, we are looking for a Chair who is passionate about education, dance and creativity and who will serve as a committed and visible ambassador for the organisation. We are seeking someone who understands and embodies our values, champions our mission and is inspired by the opportunity to help NSCD continue to thrive at the intersection of higher education, artistic excellence and cultural life.
Applications for this role close at 9 a.m. Monday 6th July 2026.
Chair of the Board of Governors in Leeds employer: Job Search Place Limited
The Northern School of Contemporary Dance (NSCD) is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to lead a nationally significant institution dedicated to dance education and creative development in Leeds. With a strong commitment to artistic excellence, community engagement, and inclusive education, NSCD fosters a collaborative work culture that values open dialogue and diverse perspectives, ensuring that every voice is heard. As Chair of the Board of Governors, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of dance education while enjoying the benefits of working within a vibrant cultural environment that prioritises professional growth and innovation.
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