At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead daily operations, finance oversight, and governance for a thriving arts charity.
- Company: The Bomb Factory Art Foundation, a vibrant non-profit supporting over 140 artists.
- Benefits: Join a passionate team, make an impact, and grow your career in the arts sector.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity to drive strategic growth and support a diverse artistic community.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic organisation shaping the future of art and culture in London.
- Qualifications: Strong operational experience, team management skills, and a passion for the arts.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
The Bomb Factory Art Foundation (TBF) is a non-profit, artist-led charity creating space for art and culture to thrive. Founded in a former munitions factory in Archway in 2015, the organisation now operates three galleries and affordable studios across London, supporting a diverse community of over 140 artists. We welcomed over 17,600 visitors to our exhibitions in 2024/25 and are growing in income, in sites, and in ambition. We are now looking for the person who will help us make that growth sustainable.
THE ROLE
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.
WHO WE'RE LOOKING FOR
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.
TO APPLY
Please send a CV and a cover letter no more than a page of A4 explaining why this role interests you and why you are the right person for it by an email via the button below with the subject 'Deputy Director Application'.
Deputy Director Policy in London employer: The Bomb Factory Art Foundation
The Bomb Factory Art Foundation is an exceptional employer, fostering a vibrant work culture that champions creativity and collaboration within the arts sector. Located in the heart of London, we offer our employees meaningful opportunities for professional growth, including involvement in strategic initiatives and community engagement, all while supporting a diverse network of over 140 artists. Join us to be part of a dynamic team dedicated to making art and culture accessible and thriving.
Contact Details:
The Bomb Factory Art Foundation Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Deputy Director Policy in London
✨Get Involved Locally
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We think you need these skills to ace Deputy Director Policy in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for the Cause:In the nonprofit sector, it's super important to demonstrate genuine passion for the mission of The Bomb Factory Art Foundation. Use your cover letter to showcase any personal experiences or volunteer work that connects you to their social impact initiatives. This emotional connection can really help your application stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:When crafting your CV, be sure to include any relevant projects or roles that showcase your skills in social impact. Whether it's community organising, fundraising, or advocacy, highlight what you've done and the difference it's made. Don’t just list tasks; quantify your achievements and the outcomes of your efforts.
Tailor Your Documents to the Role:For a full-time role like Deputy Director Policy, ensure your CV and cover letter specifically address the responsibilities outlined in the job description. Use their language to describe your skills and experience, making it easy for the hiring team to see how you fit into their vision.
Emphasise Teamwork and Collaboration:Nonprofits thrive on teamwork, so make sure to emphasise your collaborative experiences. Whether you've worked in a team setting, partnered with community organisations, or facilitated group projects, highlight these experiences in your application. Show them you understand the importance of working alongside diverse individuals to achieve shared goals.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Bomb Factory Art Foundation
✨Show Your Passion for Social Change
When we’re prepping for interviews in the nonprofit space, it's vital to demonstrate our genuine passion for social impact. Be ready to discuss not just your skills and experiences but also why you care about the mission of The Bomb Factory Art Foundation. Sharing personal stories or insights can really make us stand out.
✨Highlight Project Experience
We should focus on specific projects we've worked on that align with the goals of social impact. Whether that’s a community initiative, volunteering, or a class project, having solid examples that showcase our role and the outcomes will resonate well with the interviewers.
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Let’s brush up on tools and methodologies commonly used in the nonprofit sector, like project management software or outcome measurement frameworks. Being able to speak fluently about these will show that we’re not just passionate but also knowledgeable and ready to hit the ground running.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that evaluate our problem-solving skills in real-world social issues. Think about how we’d handle challenges in the nonprofit environment and prepare stories that demonstrate our critical thinking and adaptability. Role-playing with a friend could help us feel more confident!
