Executive Director of Audiences and Development

Welsh Language Commitment: This advert and the full job description are available in both English and Cymraeg. Candidates are welcome to submit applications and participate in interviews in either language.

Building the Opera Company of the future. We are at a defining moment in our history. Welsh National Opera Cenedlaethol Cymru was born in the post-war spirit of democracy, fueled by a national passion for human connection through song. In its 80th anniversary year, we are committed to reimagining the company as a contemporary opera company, fit for the 21st century, rooted in Wales but international in its ambition. We want to reimagine what opera can be today, positioning WNOCC as a pioneering, brave and joyful force in the UK’s live arts ecology. We want to champion increased diversity on our stages and in our audiences and prove that opera is the dynamic art form of our time.

In this next chapter, we seek an exceptional Executive Director of Audiences and Development to join our executive team, overseeing both the development & fundraising and marketing & communications teams, working alongside our fellow Directors to grow our audiences, deepen relationships, and secure the resources that will power our future. With the right team alongside us, we believe this is possible.

Essential Criteria

• Strategic Leadership & Vision: Visionary, innovative and entrepreneurial leadership style, with the ability to build, integrate and inspire multi-disciplinary teams. A proven track record of developing and delivering organisation-wide strategies that grow audiences, increase income and support long-term sustainability. Personal and professional credibility that commands confidence, with proven resilience and stamina to sustain performance under pressure. Strong strategic judgement, with a track record of collaboration and experience influencing and securing commitment from internal teams and external stakeholders. Creative, with a commitment to generating fresh, contemporary ideas and developing the potential of colleagues, while maintaining a strong focus on delivering practical outcomes and agreed goals.
• Income Generation & Financial Management: Experience in creating cross-organisational strategies to grow audiences and revenues. A track record of achieving and exceeding revenue targets across multiple income streams. Knowledge and experience of future-facing approaches to audience development and donor acquisition. Ability to lead the evolution of the WNOCC brand and content generation to better reflect a contemporary, dynamic arts organisation. Strategic oversight of box-office performance, audience expansion, and fundraising targets, combined with robust financial planning and reporting skills. Demonstrable leadership in data-driven strategy, leveraging contemporary business intelligence and analytical methodologies to enhance audience insight and revenue forecasting.
• Leadership & Collaboration: Demonstrated experience as an inspiring leader of teams, with the ability to develop skills and talent and effectively manage individual and team performance. Demonstrable awareness of UK audience and consumer dynamics, the philanthropic landscape and the policy framework influencing the performing arts and wider creative economy. Exceptional ability to identify, build and nurture partnerships that further WNOCC in its mission & values.
• Communication & Stakeholder Engagement: Understanding of GDPR legislation in relation to audience data and fundraising activity. Exceptional presentation and communication skills, with demonstrable experience in preparing and presenting strategies and presentations to Boards, senior corporate decision-makers and government officials. Strong stakeholder management skills with the ability to build and maintain positive relationships and networks, including with senior government officials, high-level donors and corporate sponsors.

Desirable Criteria

• Senior management experience within the Arts & Culture sector.
• A demonstrable interest in opera, theatre and classical music.
• Experience using Tessitura CRM, or a comparable audience and fundraising CRM system.
• Knowledge of leading sustainability initiatives in the arts sector, including the Theatre Green Book or comparable frameworks, and their strategic implementation.
• Proven commitment to embedding diversity, belonging, inclusion, and equality within organisational strategy, aligned with the company’s mission to eliminate barriers for marginalised communities within the cultural sector.
• Ability to communicate in Welsh, or an active commitment to learning the language as part of professional growth and audience engagement responsibilities.

Our Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion: We recognise that talented people sometimes hesitate to apply unless they meet every requirement. Research shows this is particularly true for women, LGBTQIA+ individuals, disabled and neurodivergent people, and those from working-class backgrounds. If this feels like your ideal role, even if your experience does not align perfectly with every criterion, we encourage you to apply anyway. Your perspective and experience could be exactly what we need to help build the opera company of the future.

Reasonable Adjustments: WNOCC is committed to an accessible and inclusive recruitment process. If you need any adjustments to support your application or interview, please email recruitment@wno.org.uk. We are committed to supporting you at every stage of the process.

Guaranteed Interview Scheme (GIS): WNOCC operates a Guaranteed Interview Scheme for applicants who meet the essential criteria and who self-identify as a Person of the Global Majority, a disabled person, or as neurodivergent. Eligible candidates can request consideration under the scheme by emailing recruitment@wno.org.uk. Further details are available in the job description.

International Applications: Candidates based in the UK or internationally are welcome. WNOCC may support Skilled Worker visa applications for successful candidates, subject to Home Office requirements and financial capability. Applicants requiring sponsorship are encouraged to indicate this within their application.

How to Apply: For further information, please download the full job description. If you would like an informal conversation about the role, require reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, or find the online application form inaccessible, please contact: recruitment@wno.org.uk.