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- Tasks: Lead the Royal Exchange Theatre, driving creative excellence and social impact.
- Company: Join the iconic Royal Exchange Theatre, a cultural powerhouse in Manchester.
- Benefits: Enjoy a dynamic work environment with opportunities for artistic collaboration and growth.
- Why this job: Be part of a bold artistic evolution and champion new talent in a vibrant community.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in the arts, strong financial acumen, and commitment to diversity.
- Other info: Applications close on 24th June 2025; don't miss your chance to make an impact!
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.
In 2026, the iconic Royal Exchange Theatre in Manchester celebrates 50 years of producing award-winning theatre, creating work that is ambitious in ideas, form and scale. Our breathtaking 759 seat theatre – a unique architectural and democratic space – sits at the centre of a fast-paced, diverse and expanding global city with artists, audiences and communities at the heart of everything we do. Our brave and bold programming, both on and off our stages, has been critically acclaimed and celebrated for its originality, relevance and artistic risk.
As we enter the next chapter of our artistic evolution, led by recently appointed Artistic Director, Selina Cartmell, we are looking for an ambitious, creative and entrepreneurial Executive Director to co-lead the organisation as Joint CEO. Our aim is to create a theatre of world-class excellence, a pioneering beacon for cultural and social change. The Royal Exchange will be a passionate theatrical powerhouse for theatre makers, empowering artistic growth through creative collaboration and partnership; nurturing new talent, investing in new ideas and championing artists at all levels to take risks and challenge their own practice, creating an environment for ambitious experimentation.
Working alongside the AD as Co-CEO, the ED will provide strategic vision and leadership for the Royal Exchange, ensuring the organisation delivers on creative excellence, social impact, and education and skills development for the people it serves, alongside its long-term success as a financially sustainable leading theatre with a strong local presence and a stellar national and international reputation.
The ideal candidate will be a proven leader in the arts or creative industries with experience of working closely with an Artistic or Creative Director. They will bring inspirational leadership to all, embedding an engaging, inclusive culture where all staff can thrive; they will have strong financial and business acumen, with an entrepreneurialism and experience of managing significant budgets and developing income streams, utilising strong advocacy and stakeholder skills. Candidates will also bring an understanding and experience of the role of creative learning, outreach and talent development, and have a demonstrable commitment to equality, diversity and widening access.
Applications should be received by noon on Tuesday 24th June 2025.
Executive Director & Co-CEO employer: Royal Exchange Theatre
Contact Detail:
Royal Exchange Theatre Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Executive Director & Co-CEO
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the arts and theatre industry. Attend events, workshops, or seminars where you can meet people who are already working in similar roles. Building relationships can provide valuable insights and potentially lead to recommendations.
✨Tip Number 2
Research the Royal Exchange Theatre's recent productions and initiatives. Understanding their artistic vision and community engagement efforts will help you align your experience and ideas with their goals during any discussions or interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your leadership style and how it fosters an inclusive culture. Think of specific examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your ability to inspire teams and promote diversity within an organisation.
✨Tip Number 4
Familiarise yourself with current trends in the arts sector, particularly around funding and audience engagement. Being knowledgeable about these topics will show your commitment to the role and your readiness to tackle the challenges faced by the Royal Exchange Theatre.
We think you need these skills to ace Executive Director & Co-CEO
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Thoroughly read the job description for the Executive Director & Co-CEO position. Make sure you understand the key responsibilities and the qualities they are looking for in a candidate.
Tailor Your CV: Craft your CV to highlight relevant experience in leadership roles within the arts or creative industries. Emphasise your achievements in financial management, strategic vision, and team leadership.
Write a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should reflect your passion for theatre and the arts. Discuss how your background aligns with the Royal Exchange's mission and values, and provide specific examples of your leadership style and successes.
Proofread and Edit: Before submitting your application, carefully proofread all documents for spelling and grammatical errors. Ensure that your application is polished and professional, as this reflects your attention to detail.
How to prepare for a job interview at Royal Exchange Theatre
✨Showcase Your Vision
As a candidate for the Executive Director & Co-CEO position, it's crucial to articulate your strategic vision for the Royal Exchange Theatre. Be prepared to discuss how you would lead the organisation towards world-class excellence and social impact, while also nurturing artistic growth.
✨Demonstrate Financial Acumen
Given the importance of financial sustainability in this role, ensure you highlight your experience managing significant budgets and developing income streams. Be ready to provide examples of how you've successfully navigated financial challenges in previous roles.
✨Emphasise Collaborative Leadership
The role requires working closely with the Artistic Director, so showcase your ability to foster an inclusive culture and engage with diverse teams. Share experiences where you've successfully collaborated with creative leaders to achieve ambitious goals.
✨Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
The Royal Exchange values equality and widening access, so be prepared to discuss your commitment to these principles. Provide specific examples of initiatives you've led or participated in that promote diversity within the arts and creative industries.
