At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and support a theatre charity focused on social change and community engagement.
- Company: PlayingON, a dynamic UK theatre charity making a real difference.
- Benefits: Opportunity to shape impactful programmes and work with passionate individuals.
- Other info: Hybrid role with a chance to influence the future of socially engaged theatre.
- Why this job: Be a pivotal leader in using theatre for social justice and community growth.
- Qualifications: Experience in board leadership, governance, and strategic thinking required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
PlayingON, a UK based theatre charity which creates socially engaging work with marginalised and care-experienced communities. Through trauma-informed, co-created theatre, we support connection, growth and change while building ambitious sustainable programmes with long-term impact.
What difference will you make?
You will support PlayingON, its executives, its board and its project teams achieve its longer term sustainability and grow its societal impact.
What are we looking for?
- Board leadership & facilitation: Able to chair meetings confidently, manage different personalities, guide discussion constructively and help trustees reach decisions.
- Strategic leadership: Someone who can think long-term, help shape organisational direction, spot risks/opportunities and support growth from a project-based charity into a more sustainable organisation.
- Governance knowledge: Understanding how charities and boards operate - accountability, trustee responsibilities, compliance, decision-making and good governance practice.
- Executive support & challenge: Comfortable acting as a critical friend to the CEO/Executive supportive, but also able to challenge appropriately and hold strategic oversight.
- Relationship management: Strong interpersonal skills; able to build trust across trustees, staff, funders, partners and stakeholders.
- Fundraising / financial confidence: Likely needs experience with funding strategy, financial oversight, income diversification or introducing useful networks and opportunities.
- Change management: Experience helping organisations through transition, scaling, consolidation or periods of development.
- Sector credibility & advocacy: Someone able to represent the organisation externally, raise its profile and champion its mission credible within arts, social justice or public-sector spaces.
- Values-led leadership: Emotionally intelligent, collaborative and aligned with socially engaged practice and inclusion-focused work.
What will you be doing?
The Chair will work closely with the CEO / Artistic Director and Executive Director to support the organisation through its next phase of growth, helping to strengthen governance, sharpen strategic focus and champion our mission at a senior level. This is a pivotal leadership role, offering the opportunity to shape the direction of an artistically ambitious charity working at the intersection of theatre, social justice and public services.
We are looking for a Chair who brings:
- Senior level leadership experience, with the confidence to chair meetings effectively and foster inclusive, productive discussion.
- A strong understanding of good charity governance, or the ability to develop this quickly.
- Strategic thinking skills, with experience of organisational growth, change or consolidation.
- The ability to build trusting relationships with executive staff and fellow trustees.
- A commitment to PlayingON’s mission and values, and a belief in the power of theatre and creativity to effect social change.
- Experience of fundraising, income diversification or financial oversight within the charity or cultural sector.
- Knowledge of one or more of PlayingON’s key areas or work (e.g. care-experienced young people, education, probation, mental health or youth justice).
- Networks that could support PlayingON’s development, partnerships or profile.
Strategic Board Chair: Theatre for Social Change employer: PLAYING ON COMMUNITY INTEREST COMPANY
PlayingON is an exceptional employer that champions social change through the transformative power of theatre, offering a collaborative and inclusive work culture. With a strong commitment to employee growth, we provide opportunities for strategic leadership and governance development, ensuring that our team members can make a meaningful impact in the communities we serve. Located in the UK, our organisation values emotional intelligence and creativity, making it a rewarding place for those passionate about arts and social justice.
Contact Details:
PLAYING ON COMMUNITY INTEREST COMPANY Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Strategic Board Chair: Theatre for Social Change
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the theatre and charity sectors. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to folks on LinkedIn. The more connections you make, the better your chances of landing that strategic board chair role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your leadership skills! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, share specific examples of how you've successfully led teams or projects. Highlight your experience in governance and strategic thinking to demonstrate you’re the perfect fit for PlayingON.
✨Tip Number 3
Be prepared to discuss your vision! Think about how you can help PlayingON grow and make an impact. Have some ideas ready about fundraising strategies or partnerships that could elevate their mission. This shows you’re not just interested in the role, but genuinely invested in their cause.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at PlayingON. Don’t forget to follow up after applying; a little persistence can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Strategic Board Chair: Theatre for Social Change
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your passion for theatre and social change shine through. We want to see how much you care about our mission and the impact we can make together!
Tailor Your Experience:Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in board leadership and governance. We’re looking for someone who can confidently chair meetings and guide discussions, so share examples that showcase your skills in these areas.
Be Authentic:Don’t be afraid to show your personality! We value values-led leadership, so let us know what drives you and how your approach aligns with our commitment to inclusion and social engagement.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss any important details about the process!
How to prepare for a job interview at PLAYING ON COMMUNITY INTEREST COMPANY
✨Know Your Stuff
Familiarise yourself with PlayingON's mission and values. Understand their work with marginalised communities and how theatre can drive social change. This will help you articulate how your experience aligns with their goals.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of your board leadership and facilitation experience. Be ready to discuss how you've managed diverse personalities in meetings and guided discussions towards constructive outcomes.
✨Demonstrate Strategic Thinking
Think about the long-term vision for PlayingON. Be prepared to discuss potential risks and opportunities you see for the organisation, and how you can support its growth from a project-based charity to a sustainable entity.
✨Build Relationships
Highlight your interpersonal skills and provide examples of how you've built trust with stakeholders in previous roles. Emphasise your ability to act as a supportive yet challenging presence for executive teams.
