Chief Executive Officer in Carlisle

Prism Arts is an inclusive Cumbrian arts organisation and charity. Since 1987, we have worked alongside learning disabled and neurodivergent (LD/ND) people to create ambitious, high-quality artistic work that enables people to express their experiences, ideas and creativity. Through workshops, residencies, productions and long-term creative programmes, we create opportunities for LD/ND people to develop skills, build connections and make work that is seen, valued and respected.

We are entering an important phase in our development. The next Chief Executive will lead Prism through a period of growth, strengthening our financial sustainability, increasing our influence and helping secure a long-term home that supports our future ambitions.

Our Vision

A society where learning disabled and neurodivergent people can express their experiences and insight creatively, making powerful, high-quality work that is shared, recognised and respected.

Job Purpose

The Chief Executive Officer is accountable to the Board of Trustees and is responsible for implementing the strategic direction set by the Board. The CEO will provide leadership and management of the charity's operations, staff, finances and external relationships, ensuring the charity achieves its charitable objectives while operating in accordance with legal and regulatory requirements.

Working strategically with the Board of Trustees and Senior Management Team, the Chief Executive will lead organisational development, financial sustainability, governance, partnerships and external relationships. The postholder will ensure Prism remains focused on its purpose while strengthening its long-term resilience, developing new opportunities for growth and leading the search for a suitable, accessible and sustainable permanent home. The Chief Executive will champion Prism's commitment to equity, justice and the leadership of learning disabled and neurodivergent people, ensuring learning disabled and neurodivergent people increasingly shape the future direction of the organisation.

Main Responsibilities

• External Relationships, Positioning, Growth & Future Home: The Chief Executive will build and maintain strategic relationships with local authorities, Arts Council England, funders, commissioners, partners and other key stakeholders, representing Prism within local, regional and national networks and forums. They will strengthen Prism's profile and reputation as a leading arts organisation working with learning disabled and neurodivergent people, developing partnerships and collaborations that increase the organisation's impact, influence and long-term sustainability. The postholder will identify and secure opportunities for organisational development, strategic investment and growth, while leading the development of the case for a suitable, accessible and financially sustainable long-term home for Prism. As a visible and credible ambassador for the organisation, they will champion Prism's mission, values and ambitions across the cultural, charitable and public sectors.
• People Management & Development: The Chief Executive will line manage senior staff and maintain overall responsibility for organisational performance, staff wellbeing and organisational culture. They will foster a positive, inclusive and collaborative working environment, supporting effective leadership and management practice across the organisation. The postholder will ensure that staff are appropriately supported, developed and equipped to deliver organisational objectives, while promoting a culture of learning, accountability, reflection and continuous improvement.
• Governance & User Leadership: The Chief Executive will support the Board of Trustees to provide effective governance, strategic oversight and accountability, ensuring trustees receive timely, relevant and accessible information to support informed decision-making. The postholder will work to strengthen board membership, confidence, effectiveness and succession planning, while ensuring that Prism meets all legal, regulatory and charitable obligations. They will also play a key role in developing opportunities for learning disabled and neurodivergent people to influence how the organisation is led and governed, supporting Prism's ambition to become increasingly user-led. The Chief Executive will ensure that organisational policies remain current, compliant and reflective of best practice.
• Mission, Impact & Organisational Focus: The Chief Executive will hold responsibility for Prism's mission, strategic direction and theory of change and ensure that organisational priorities remain aligned with the charity's vision, values and purpose. Working closely with the Creative Director, they will support the delivery of high-quality artistic and social outcomes, ensuring participant voice, lived experience and leadership inform both strategic and operational decision-making. The postholder will oversee evaluation, learning and impact measurement, using insight and evidence to guide future development, while fostering a culture of reflection, innovation and continuous improvement across the organisation. The Chief Executive will hold overall responsibility for the organisation's financial oversight, including budgeting, forecasting, cashflow management and financial planning. They will develop and maintain a resilient business model that supports Prism's long-term sustainability, growth and impact. Working closely with the Fundraising Manager, the postholder will develop and deliver an ambitious income-generation strategy, building and maintaining a pipeline of grants, commissions, sponsorships, partnerships, donations and earned income opportunities. They will lead the identification of new investment opportunities and sustainable sources of income, ensuring effective stewardship, reporting and compliance across all funding streams. The Chief Executive will provide the Board with a clear understanding of the organisation's financial position, risks and opportunities, ensuring that financial resources are aligned with strategic priorities and support the organisation's future development and growth.
• Safeguarding - Designated Safeguarding Lead: The Chief Executive will act as the organisation's Designated Safeguarding Lead, ensuring that safeguarding policies, systems and practices are robust, compliant and subject to regular review. They will maintain a visible and trusted presence for participants and their families, promoting a culture in which safeguarding is understood as a shared responsibility across the organisation. The postholder will ensure that all staff understand and fulfil their safeguarding responsibilities and that best practice is embedded throughout Prism's work.
• Operational Leadership & Organisational Development: The Chief Executive will provide operational leadership where required, particularly during periods of organisational change, growth or development. They will lead the development and continuous improvement of organisational systems, processes and infrastructure, ensuring that the charity has the capacity and capability to deliver its strategic objectives effectively. The postholder will oversee data collection, monitoring and reporting processes to evidence impact, support learning and inform decision-making across the organisation. They will ensure effective health and safety compliance and promote a culture of good governance and organisational responsibility. The Chief Executive will also undertake such other duties as may reasonably be required within the scope and responsibilities of the role.
• Working with the Senior Management Team: Prism has an established Senior Management Team. The Chief Executive will provide strategic, financial and organisational leadership, enabling the wider team to deliver excellent creative work while ensuring the organisation is sustainable, resilient and positioned for future growth.

For more information plus the person specification, please refer to the full job description available on our website.