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- Tasks: Lead the Lyric Hammersmith Theatre, shaping its strategic vision and ensuring artistic excellence.
- Company: Join one of the UK's most significant producing theatres with a rich 130-year history.
- Benefits: Be part of a vibrant community-focused organisation with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the cultural sector while promoting equity and inclusion.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership experience in the cultural sector with strong financial and governance skills.
- Other info: This role offers a chance to thrive in a dynamic environment committed to diversity.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
Lyric Hammersmith Theatre is one of the UK’s most significant producing theatres and the creative heart of West London. With a proud history spanning 130 years, the Lyric combines ambitious, high-quality theatre-making with a deep and longstanding commitment to its local community. From bold new work and distinctive revivals to award-winning creative learning through Young Lyric, the organisation places artists, young people and audiences at the centre of its work. The Lyric’s building is a vibrant civic space, alive throughout the day with performances, participation, learning and connection, and makes a vital contribution to the cultural, social and economic life of Hammersmith & Fulham and beyond.
Responsibilities
- Co-lead the organisation alongside Artistic Director and Joint Chief Executive, Rachel O’Riordan, at an exciting and ambitious moment in its development.
- Set and deliver an ambitious strategic vision that balances artistic excellence, financial sustainability and civic purpose.
- Take lead responsibility for finance, operations, governance, fundraising, commercial activity and organisational development.
- Work in close partnership with the Artistic Director to ensure a collaborative, values-led approach to leadership, decision-making and delivery.
Person specification / Qualifications
- Experienced and collaborative senior leader with a strong track record of delivering ambitious organisational goals within the cultural sector.
- Substantial experience of financial management, business planning and governance.
- Ability to work effectively with Boards, funders and external partners.
- Sound understanding of producing theatre, public funding and mixed-income models.
- Ability to lead and inspire teams in a fast-paced, dynamic organisation, with a strong commitment to equity, inclusion and sustainability.
This is an opportunity to provide leadership at a pivotal moment, ensuring The Lyric continues to thrive as an artistically adventurous, socially engaged and financially resilient organisation.
Deadline
The deadline for applications is 5pm on Friday 6 March 2025.
Diversity, equality and inclusion
The Lyric values and promotes diversity and is committed to equality and opportunity for all. We are working actively to be an anti-racist organisation. Everyone who works with us is required to comply with and actively promote our Equality Policy, and no job applicant or member of our workforce will receive less favourable treatment on the grounds of age, disability, gender, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnerships, pregnancy and maternity, race, religious belief, sexual orientation, class or socio-economic background, trade union activity or political activity or opinion.
The Lyric Hammersmith Theatre has made a commitment that all applicants with disabilities who meet the essential criteria for this job will be invited to interview. We may use positive action, in cases where candidates are equally qualified, to increase the employment of under-represented groups at the Lyric.
The Lyric Hammersmith Theatre is proud to be a Disability Confident Committed Employer and supports parents and carers working in theatre.
Executive Director / Joint Chief Executive employer: LYRIC HAMMERSMITH
Contact Detail:
LYRIC HAMMERSMITH Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Executive Director / Joint Chief Executive
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the theatre industry. Attend events, join forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to folks on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on opportunities at places like the Lyric.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion for the arts! When you get the chance to chat with someone from the Lyric or during interviews, make sure to express your love for theatre and community engagement. Share your ideas on how you can contribute to their mission of artistic excellence and social impact.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those interviews! Research the Lyric Hammersmith Theatre thoroughly—know their history, recent productions, and community initiatives. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you’re genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We want to see your application directly. It’s the best way to ensure it gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Lyric family and contributing to its vibrant culture.
We think you need these skills to ace Executive Director / Joint Chief Executive
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know Your Audience: Before you start writing, take a moment to understand the Lyric Hammersmith Theatre's mission and values. Tailor your application to reflect how your experience aligns with their commitment to artistic excellence and community engagement.
Be Authentic: Let your personality shine through in your application. We want to see the real you! Share your passion for theatre and how your unique background can contribute to the Lyric's vibrant culture.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Make sure to showcase your leadership experience in the cultural sector. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to manage finances, operations, and governance effectively, as these are key responsibilities for the role.
Follow the Application Process: We encourage you to apply through our website. Make sure to follow all instructions carefully and submit your application before the deadline. Double-check everything to avoid any last-minute hiccups!
How to prepare for a job interview at LYRIC HAMMERSMITH
✨Know Your Theatre Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the Lyric Hammersmith Theatre’s history, mission, and recent productions. Familiarise yourself with their community initiatives and how they engage with local audiences. This shows genuine interest and helps you connect your vision with theirs.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As an Executive Director, your leadership approach is crucial. Be ready to discuss your collaborative style and how you’ve successfully led teams in the past. Share specific examples of how you’ve balanced artistic goals with financial sustainability, as this aligns perfectly with their needs.
✨Prepare for Financial Discussions
Given the role's focus on finance and governance, brush up on your financial management skills. Be prepared to discuss your experience with budgeting, fundraising, and working with boards. Highlight any innovative funding models you've implemented that could benefit the Lyric.
✨Emphasise Diversity and Inclusion
The Lyric values diversity and inclusion, so be ready to talk about your commitment to these principles. Share experiences where you’ve fostered an inclusive environment or worked on projects that promote equity. This will resonate well with their organisational values.
