Executive Director of Audiences and Development | Welsh National Opera in Cardiff

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Executive Director of Audiences and Development Welsh National Opera

Join Welsh National Opera at a pivotal moment in our history as we seek an exceptional Executive Director of Audiences and Development to help secure the resources that will power our future.

• Location: Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff

We want the next 80 years of WNOCC to showcase the company as a pioneering, brave and contemporary arts organisation within the UK live art ecology, searching for increased diversity on both our stages and in our audiences, questioning what opera can be in the modern world.

In the face of accusations of elitism and cultural remoteness, we want WNOCC to become the compelling argument that opera is in fact THE dynamic art form of our time. With the right team alongside us, we believe this is possible.

Bringing all audience, donor and giving relationships under one leadership position offers WNOCC the opportunity to nurture customers from initial reach and attendance through to loyal donors and major philanthropic giving.

Who we are

Welsh National Opera, Opera Cenedlaethol Cymru, was originally created by a group of amateur singers, driven by the post-war spirit of democracy and the Welsh grassroots obsession with the human voice in song. Now in its 80th Anniversary year, we are using this moment as a launchpad for a new form of opera company. Contemporary and courageous. Rooted in Wales yet international in ambition. Radical, responsible and sustainable.

We want to reimagine what opera can be today, positioning WNOCC as a pioneering, brave and joyful force in the UK’s live arts ecology. We want to champion increased diversity on our stages and in our audiences and prove that opera is the dynamic art form of our time.

About the role

This is a newly created role in an executive leadership position with responsibility for developing significant new strategies across audience engagement and development.

You will oversee both the development & fundraising and marketing & communications teams, leading a step-change evolution of the WNOCC brand and expanding fundraising across all its forms. You will champion the audience as of equal importance to the art itself, be prepared to try different approaches and take measured risks in devising new ways to engage and support the Co-General Directors/CEOs in strategic planning and delivering their vision for a future-facing and contemporary WNOCC.

Who we are looking for

As Executive Director of Audiences and Development, you will have a passion for interactive engagement with WNOCC’s audiences and communities, experience leading on stakeholder management planning and delivery and be able to inspire and motivate a newly integrated team through a period of change.

You will bring:

Strategic leadership and vision

• Visionary, innovative and entrepreneurial leadership style, with the ability to build, integrate and inspire multi-disciplinary teams.
• A proven track record of developing and delivering organisation-wide strategies that grow audiences, increase income and support long-term sustainability.
• Personal and professional credibility that commands confidence, with proven resilience and stamina to sustain performance under pressure.

Income generation and financial management

• Experience in creating cross-organisational strategies to grow audiences and revenues
• A track record of achieving and exceeding revenue targets across multiple income streams.
• Knowledge and experience of future-facing approaches to audience development and donor acquisition.

Leadership and collaboration

• Demonstrated experience as an inspiring leader of teams, with the ability to develop skills and talent and effectively manage individual and team performance.

Communication and stakeholder engagement

• Understanding of GDPR legislation in relation to audience data and fundraising activity
• Exceptional presentation and communication skills, with demonstrable experience in preparing and presenting strategies and presentations to Boards, senior corporate decision-makers and government officials.

If you would like to know more about this role please contact Alastair Mitchell

Welcome from the Co-General Directors/CEOs

We are at an extraordinary moment in the Company’s journey. Welsh National Opera, Cenedlaethol Cymru, was originally created by a group of amateur singers, driven by the post-war spirit of democracy and the Welsh grassroots obsession with the human voice in song.

Now in its 80th anniversary year, we are using this moment as a launchpad for a new form of opera company. Contemporary and courageous. Rooted in Wales yet international in ambition. Radical, responsible and sustainable. We are reimagining what opera can be, guided by four principles that shape our vision.

The company has enjoyed tremendous success in the last few years, from multi-award-winning shows to increased box office targets, our world-standard chorus, orchestra technicians and craftspeople, to our hugely influential Wellness programme.

We want the next 80 years of WNOCC to showcase the company as a pioneering, brave and contemporary arts organisation within the UK live art ecology, searching for increased diversity on both our stages and in our audiences, questioning what opera can be in the modern world. In the face of accusations of elitism and cultural remoteness, we want WNO to become the compelling argument that opera is in fact THE dynamic art form of our time.

With the right team alongside us, we believe this is possible.

Warmest wishes,

Accessibility information

WNOCC is taking positive action to address the under-representation of people of the Global Majority, disabled people, and those who are neurodivergent within its workforce, in line with the Equality Act 2010.

We offer both people of the Global Majority and disabled/neurodivergent applicants the option to request that their applications be considered under the terms of our Guaranteed Interview Schemes.

• Applicants must demonstrate that they meet the essential criteria for the
• Selection decisions will always be based on merit against the published criteria
• Eligible candidates will be guaranteed progression to an interview.

This approach strengthens fairness and widens access to leadership opportunities.

WNOCC is committed to running an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. If you require adjustments at any stage of your application or interview, we encourage you to let us know.

Adjustments may include but are not limited to the following:

• Application materials in alternative formats
• Interview questions shared in advance
• Extra time for interview questions or assessments
• Written copies of questions (including via chat for virtual interviews)
• Access to interpreters, including Welsh Language and British Sign Language

We consider all reasonable adjustment requests individually and will work with you to provide appropriate support wherever practicable.

Recruitment selection processes are based on evidence of competence stated in the person specification and in relation to our values.

Timetable

Closing date: 9 a.m. Monday 23rd November 2026
Candidates informed of outcome: Friday 27th November 2026

We are in the process of confirming interview dates. Once confirmed, we will update the site and contact those who have applied.

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