At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead daily operations, finance oversight, and governance for a dynamic organisation.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking charity focused on arts and community development.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hands-on leadership experience, and the chance to shape the future of the organisation.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity for career growth in a vibrant, values-driven environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the arts sector while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Strong operational, governance, and finance experience; team management skills are essential.
The Deputy Director (Operations & Finance) is a new position in the organisation that will lead the day-to-day running of the organisation, bringing together operations, HR, governance, finance oversight and property management under clear, reliable leadership. Working closely with the Director and deputising in their absence, you will line-manage teams across finance, buildings, studios and administration, and act as Company Secretary to the Board of Trustees.
Beyond keeping the organisation running well, you will play a central role in what comes next including delivery of our 3–5-year strategic business plan, securing a permanent home for the charity, developing Not Another Art School as a scaled income stream, and supporting our pathway toward Arts Council England NPO status. This is a hands-on, generalist leadership role. You will need to be equally comfortable reviewing a lease, running a Board meeting, troubleshooting an IT system and supporting a member of staff sometimes all in the same week.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES- Lead governance and compliance acting as Company Secretary, coordinating Board activity, managing statutory filings, and overseeing health & safety, GDPR, and HR frameworks.
- Oversee day-to-day operations across studios, galleries, offices, and project spaces.
- Lead on all HR processes recruitment, contracts, appraisals, and staff support for a team of ten.
- Manage financial oversight alongside the Finance Manager: budgets, cash flow, management accounts, year-end, and funder reporting.
- Develop and manage property relationships lease negotiations, landlord liaison, new site acquisition in line with agreed strategy.
- Support fundraising applications and funder compliance, and contribute to building diversified income across earned revenue, trusts & foundations, and public funding.
- Drive delivery of the strategic business plan, including NAAS development and ACE Illuminate audience data preparation.
You don't need to come from the arts sector, but you do need to be operationally excellent, values-driven, and genuinely excited by what TBFAF is becoming. We are looking for someone with strong experience running operations in a small organisation, solid understanding of governance and finance, confidence managing teams, and the breadth to hold a wide remit without dropping the ball. Experience in property or facilities management, HR management, and familiarity with fundraising applications are all desirable, alongside arts, charity, or cultural sector experience and experience working with Boards of Trustees.
Deputy Director employer: The Bomb Factory Art Foundation
Join a dynamic and values-driven organisation as a Deputy Director, where you will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of our charity. With a strong emphasis on employee growth, we offer a collaborative work culture that encourages innovation and creativity, alongside competitive benefits and opportunities for professional development. Located in a vibrant community, this position not only allows you to lead essential operations but also to contribute meaningfully to the arts sector while securing a permanent home for Not Another Art School.
Contact Details:
The Bomb Factory Art Foundation Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Deputy Director
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your industry, especially those who work in operations and finance. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings that aren't even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation's mission and values. Show us how your experience aligns with their goals, especially around governance and compliance. We love candidates who are genuinely excited about what we do!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to discuss your operational excellence and how you've managed teams in the past. We want to hear about your hands-on approach and how you’ve tackled challenges in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our team and contributing to our exciting future.
We think you need these skills to ace Deputy Director
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight how your experience aligns with the Deputy Director role. We want to see how you can bring your operational excellence and values-driven approach to our organisation.
Showcase Relevant Experience:When detailing your past roles, focus on your experience in governance, finance, and team management. We’re looking for someone who can juggle multiple responsibilities, so give us examples of how you've done this before!
Be Authentic:Let your personality shine through in your application. We’re excited about what TBFAF is becoming, and we want to see your genuine enthusiasm for the role and the impact you can make within our team.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensure you’re considered for this exciting opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Bomb Factory Art Foundation
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you thoroughly understand the key responsibilities of the Deputy Director role. Familiarise yourself with governance, finance oversight, and HR processes. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you're ready to take on the challenges of the position.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams and operations in previous roles. Highlight your experience in leading diverse teams and handling multiple responsibilities, as this role requires a hands-on approach to leadership across various functions.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific situations, like troubleshooting an IT issue or negotiating a lease. Think through potential scenarios beforehand and prepare your responses to demonstrate your problem-solving skills and operational excellence.
✨Align with Their Vision
Research the organisation's strategic business plan and values. Be prepared to discuss how your experience and vision align with their goals, especially regarding securing a permanent home and developing income streams. Showing genuine excitement about their mission can set you apart.
