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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the organisation, oversee strategic direction, and ensure effective governance.
- Company: Be United is a charity focused on arts, culture, and community development.
- Benefits: Enjoy a 4-day work week, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the cultural sector while championing diversity and collaboration.
- Qualifications: Experience in leadership, knowledge of the arts sector, and strong communication skills required.
- Other info: This is a maternity cover role with potential for extension; applications close on 30th June 2025.
The predicted salary is between 40500 - 56700 £ per year.
Are you an experienced leader passionate about the arts, culture, and community development? Be United is seeking a Chief Executive Officer (Maternity Cover) to guide the organisation through an exciting year.
Brief Role Overview
- Salary: £40,500 pro rata (Contract: 4 days/ 32 hours pw)
- As part of our commitment to Fair Work, Be United works a 4-day work week, paid at 5.
- Reporting directly to: Board of Trustees
- Contract Date: To be agreed on. (Estimated 1st August 2025 – July 2026.) This is a fixed-term contract that may be open to extension.
- Charity Registration: SC044615
- Application Closing Date: 10am on Monday 30th June 2025.
About the Role
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) is responsible to the Board of Trustees for the overall leadership of the organisation. They will lead the strategic direction of the organisation in line with the 2025 – 28 Business Plan, which they will monitor in collaboration with the Creative Director supported by the Board of Trustees. The CEO will work with the Board of Trustees to ensure accountability and informed decision making for the governance of the organisation. They will exercise oversight of all management and financial decisions and will ensure legal compliance.
The CEO will be an outstanding leader ensuring all strands of activity contribute to shared objectives and will promote collaboration and the values of the organisation. They will be a bold and strategic thinker that takes a proactive approach to the role and will operate with high standards and be committed to the organisational values of excellence, equity and empowerment.
The CEO, alongside members of the team, will be an advocate and ambassador of Be United and will work to raise the profile of the organisation and champion the organisation in the wider cultural sector. They will manage relationships with key stakeholders, potential and existing funders and will be comfortable working at the most senior levels as well as with grassroots organisations and individuals.
Key Responsibilities
- To lead on the strategic delivery of Be United 2025-28 Business Plan and strategy to ensure implementation and delivery of objectives.
- Ensure all programmes of activity are delivered to the required standards and are regularly reviewed.
- To lead and develop the overall organisational culture, supporting and mentoring all direct reports encouraging a collaborative approach to working that contributes to clear and effective communication throughout the organisation.
- Ensure that effective partnerships are built with other organisations to expand the reach of Be United’s work, visibility and impact across the sector and within the community.
- To keep abreast of sector developments, best practice, and policy changes in order to identify and introduce appropriate innovation.
- To proactively push innovation and help the organisation evolve digitally.
What We’re Looking For
ESSENTIAL COMPETENCIES
- Knowledge and understanding of the arts, cultural and creative industry in Scotland and the UK; approaches to creative and cultural enterprises; as well as the funding, statutory, social, economic and political contexts encompassing the creative sector.
- Knowledge and understanding of African and Caribbean cultures in Scotland as well as the broader Scottish society.
- Ability to develop a vision in collaboration with partners, stakeholders and colleagues and to bring bold and ambitious ideas to fruition.
- Ability to balance strategic and developmental responsibilities with the day to day management of the organisation, staff and resources (digital and physical).
- Ability to work to deadlines and to prioritise tasks and conflicting targets.
- An entrepreneurial approach to income generation.
- Proficiency in writing funding applications and reports.
- Budgeting and financial management abilities.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Analytical and decision-making skills.
- Excellent team working skills.
DESIRABLE SKILLS:
- Knowledge of charity governance and understanding the role of a board.
- Experience of leading an organisation through a period of growth and transition.
- A proactive approach to digital transformation and innovation.
- Experience in Administration and/or HR.
Important Dates
- Application Closing Date: 10am on Monday 30th June 2025.
- Interviews: Week of 7th July
- Start Date: TBC (Estimated 1st August 2025).
How to Apply
Send your CV and a cover letter to info@be-united.org.uk. If you need this information in an alternative format, just let us know by emailing info@be-united.org.uk— we’ll be happy to help.
Interested in learning more before applying? You’re welcome to arrange a conversation with Be United’s Chief Executive Officer or a Board Member. Simply email us to set up a chat.
Please note: Any applications received without both CV and cover letter will not be considered.
Chief Executive Officer (Maternity Cover) employer: Job Traffic
Contact Detail:
Job Traffic Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Executive Officer (Maternity Cover)
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the arts and cultural sector. Attend events, workshops, or seminars where you can meet key stakeholders and potential collaborators. Building these relationships can give you insights into the organisation and its needs.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with Be United's current projects and initiatives. Understanding their strategic direction will allow you to speak knowledgeably about how your vision aligns with theirs during any discussions or interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience in leading organisations through change. Highlight specific examples where you've successfully implemented strategies that align with the values of excellence, equity, and empowerment.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your understanding of digital transformation in the arts sector. Be ready to share innovative ideas on how Be United can evolve digitally, as this is a key responsibility of the CEO role.
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Executive Officer (Maternity Cover)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Cover Letter: Make sure your cover letter specifically addresses the key responsibilities and competencies outlined in the job description. Highlight your experience in arts, culture, and community development, and demonstrate how your leadership style aligns with Be United's values.
Showcase Relevant Experience: In your CV, emphasise your previous roles that involved strategic leadership, financial management, and governance. Use specific examples to illustrate your achievements and how they relate to the responsibilities of the CEO position.
Highlight Communication Skills: Given the importance of communication in this role, ensure your application reflects your excellent written and verbal communication skills. Consider including examples of successful stakeholder engagement or collaboration in your past roles.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application demonstrates attention to detail and professionalism, which are crucial for a senior leadership role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Job Traffic
✨Understand the Organisation's Vision
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand Be United's mission and values. Familiarise yourself with their 2025-28 Business Plan and think about how your leadership style aligns with their goals in arts and community development.
✨Prepare for Strategic Discussions
As a CEO candidate, be ready to discuss strategic planning and implementation. Think of examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led an organisation through change or growth, and be prepared to share your vision for Be United.
✨Showcase Your Financial Acumen
Given the financial management responsibilities of the role, be prepared to discuss your experience with budgeting, financial forecasting, and income generation strategies. Highlight any successful funding applications you've written in the past.
✨Demonstrate Collaborative Leadership
Be ready to talk about how you foster collaboration within teams and build partnerships with stakeholders. Share specific examples of how you've mentored staff and encouraged a culture of communication and teamwork in previous roles.
