At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead cultural initiatives and advocate for the arts in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Lancaster Arts, a vibrant arts organisation linked to Lancaster University.
- Benefits: Opportunity to shape cultural leadership and engage with diverse communities.
- Other info: Inclusive recruitment process encouraging diverse applicants.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the arts and support innovative projects in your community.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership experience in the cultural sector and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Two Chair opportunities – cultural leadership, strategic insight, governance, advocacy, and collection development.
Lancaster Arts is a dynamic and ambitious combined arts organisation, embedded within Lancaster University and supported as an Arts Council England NPO. Its programme spans contemporary performance, music, visual art, commissions, artist residencies, Creative Gatherings and public programmes across the Nuffield Theatre, the Great Hall, the Peter Scott Gallery, campus spaces and locations across the wider region.
Lancaster Arts has a long-established reputation for the creation, development and presentation of cutting-edge contemporary arts. Its work brings together artists, researchers, students, communities and audiences through programmes that are socially engaged, internationally relevant and rooted in a commitment to social and environmental justice.
Lancaster Arts is now seeking to appoint two exceptional Chairs to support the next phase of its development:
- Chair of the Lancaster Arts Board: The Lancaster Arts Board is an Advisory Board providing strategic guidance, advocacy and critical support. The Chair will work closely with the Director, Vice-Chair and Board members to help guide Lancaster Arts’ strategic priorities, champion its values and strengthen its visibility, profile and connections across Lancaster University, the cultural sector and civic life.
- Chair of the Peter Scott Gallery Charitable Trust: Peter Scott Gallery Charitable Trust is the registered charity responsible for the Peter Scott Gallery, a distinctive and valued part of Lancaster Arts and Lancaster University. The Gallery is an Accredited Museum and holds a rich and varied collection spanning thousands of years, from ancient Egypt and Greece to contemporary art, including works by major artists such as Barbara Hepworth, L. S. Lowry and Terry Frost. The Chair of the Trust will provide thoughtful leadership, uphold strong governance, support financial resilience and act as an ambassador for the Gallery and its ambitions. Working closely with the Curator, Director of Lancaster Arts, fellow Trustees, Lancaster Arts Board and university colleagues, the Chair will help ensure the Trust continues to thrive and that the collection is developed, interpreted and shared with ambition and care.
To succeed in either role, you’ll bring:
- A strong track record of leadership in the cultural sector or a closely related field.
- A strategic outlook and the ability to convene diverse stakeholders across the arts, Higher Education, civic life and cultural relationships.
- Skilled facilitation and communication, with the confidence to support inclusive, purposeful and mutually supportive Board discussion.
For the Chair of the Peter Scott Gallery Charitable Trust, prior experience as a Trustee is particularly important, ideally with experience of chairing Boards, committees, meetings or events. You will also share Lancaster Arts’ commitment to inclusion, environmental responsibility and socially engaged arts practice, and bring the credibility, networks and enthusiasm to act as an ambassador and connector for Lancaster Arts, the Peter Scott Gallery and their wider communities.
Closing dates: Thursday 13th August 2026. Interviews with Lancaster Arts / Peter Scott Gallery Charitable Trust: from 1st September 2026 onwards.
We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. We do not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, colour, ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation, age, veteran status, or other category protected by law. Peter Scott Gallery Charitable Trust particularly encourages expressions of interest from disabled, D/deaf and/or neurodivergent people and those from Black, Asian and ethnically diverse backgrounds.
Charisma is committed to inclusive and accessible recruitment processes. If you have any reasonable adjustments or wish to apply for this role under the Disability Confident Scheme, please contact our Operations Teams.
Chair in Lancaster employer: Lancaster Arts
Lancaster Arts is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that champions creativity and social engagement within the arts sector. Located at Lancaster University, employees benefit from a collaborative environment that fosters professional growth and encourages diverse perspectives, making it an ideal place for those passionate about cultural leadership and community impact. With a commitment to inclusion and environmental responsibility, Lancaster Arts provides unique opportunities to shape the future of contemporary arts while connecting with a wide range of stakeholders.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chair in Lancaster
✨Get Involved with Local Causes
Start connecting with local nonprofits or social impact projects in your area. Attend their events, offer to help out with community initiatives, or just drop by to chat about their mission. This way, you’ll not only learn about the work they do but also make meaningful connections that could lead to volunteer opportunities.
✨Leverage Social Media for Social Impact
Platforms like Twitter and Instagram are goldmines for discovering volunteer opportunities in the nonprofit sector. Follow organisations you’re passionate about, engage with their posts, and keep an eye out for their volunteer calls. It’s a great way to show your interest and dedication!
✨Utilise Volunteer Matching Platforms
Sites like VolunteerMatch or local community boards are perfect for finding short-term and long-term volunteer roles. These platforms can connect you with causes that align with your passions and skills, and often allow you to browse opportunities tailored to your interests.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website
When you spot an organisation you like, don't hesitate to visit their website and check out their volunteer section. Many nonprofits have dedicated pages for volunteers where you can apply directly – and we’ve found that this route often leads to quicker responses and more personalised interactions!
We think you need these skills to ace Chair in Lancaster
Some tips for your application 🫡
Share Your Passion for Social Impact:When you're applying for a volunteer role at a nonprofit like Lancaster Arts, don’t just list your skills. Show us why you're passionate about social impact! Use your cover letter to tell a story about what drives you and how you've been involved in similar initiatives. Personal connections to the cause can really make your application stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to showcase any previous volunteer work or projects that demonstrate your commitment to social impact. Whether it’s fundraising, community outreach, or project management, detail your contributions and the results achieved. This kind of experience is invaluable in the nonprofit sector and can help us see your potential!
Get Creative with Your CV:In the world of nonprofits, a standard CV might not cut it. Consider using a more creative format that showcases your personality while maintaining professionalism. Use headings like 'Community Engagement' or 'Social Impact Projects' to highlight your experiences related to the role. Remember, we want to see what makes you unique!
Keep It Community-Focused:Make sure your application emphasises collaboration and community. Volunteer roles are about working well with others and contributing collectively towards a common goal. In your cover letter, mention any teamwork experiences or community projects you've been part of, and how you contributed to their success. This shows that you’re ready to jump into the collaborative spirit here at Lancaster Arts.
How to prepare for a job interview at Lancaster Arts
✨Know Your Passion
Dive deep into the mission of Lancaster Arts and understand the issues they tackle. When they ask about your motivation to volunteer, share specific experiences that link your passion to their cause—whether it’s local community work or a broader social impact.
✨Bring Your Skills to the Table
Highlight any relevant skills that can aid in their projects, such as fundraising, project management, or community organising. Be prepared to share examples of how you’ve used these skills in past volunteer roles or relevant experiences.
✨Get Ready for Scenario Questions
In non-profit interviews, especially for volunteer roles, you might get scenario-based questions. Think about times when you've encountered challenges in team work or community engagement, and how you resolved them—this shows your problem-solving abilities.
✨Show Your Commitment
Since this is a volunteer role, they’ll likely want to see your commitment to the cause over an extended period. Be ready to discuss how much time you can dedicate, any special skills you can bring, and your eagerness to learn and grow with the organisation—this excites them to have you on board!
