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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 make a real difference in the 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!
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.
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 in leadership roles. Building these connections can provide valuable insights and potentially lead to recommendations.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the Royal Exchange Theatre's recent productions and initiatives. Understanding their artistic vision and community engagement efforts will help you articulate how your experience aligns with their goals during 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 and engage teams, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Research current trends in the arts and creative industries, especially regarding financial sustainability and audience engagement. Being knowledgeable about these topics will show your commitment to the role and your readiness to tackle challenges head-on.
We think you need these skills to ace Executive Director & Co-CEO
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, take the time to thoroughly understand the responsibilities and expectations of the Executive Director & Co-CEO position. Familiarise yourself with the Royal Exchange Theatre's mission, values, and recent projects to tailor your application effectively.
Craft a Compelling CV: Your CV should highlight relevant leadership experience in the arts or creative industries. Emphasise your achievements, particularly those that demonstrate your ability to manage budgets, develop income streams, and foster an inclusive culture.
Write a Strong Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for theatre and your vision for the Royal Exchange Theatre. Discuss how your experience aligns with their goals of creative excellence and social impact, and provide specific examples of your past 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 and commitment to quality.
How to prepare for a job interview at Royal Exchange Theatre
✨Understand the Vision
Familiarise yourself with the Royal Exchange Theatre's mission and recent projects. Be prepared to discuss how your vision aligns with their goals for artistic excellence and social impact.
✨Showcase Leadership Experience
Highlight your previous leadership roles in the arts or creative industries. Provide specific examples of how you've successfully managed teams, budgets, and projects that demonstrate your ability to co-lead effectively.
✨Emphasise Financial Acumen
Be ready to discuss your experience with financial management and income generation. Prepare to share strategies you've implemented in the past to ensure financial sustainability while supporting artistic initiatives.
✨Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
Demonstrate your understanding of equality, diversity, and widening access in the arts. Share examples of how you've fostered an inclusive culture in previous roles and how you plan to continue this at the Royal Exchange.
