Chief Executive & Creative Director

Job Description

Dance City is seeking an inspiring Chief Executive & Creative Director to lead the organisation into its next chapter, following its 40th anniversary year. This is a pivotal leadership role, combining creative vision with strategic and operational oversight, and will shape the future of dance in the North East, nationally and beyond. Working closely with the Board of Trustees and Senior Management Team, the Chief Executive & Creative Director will lead Dance City's vision and strategy, strengthen financial sustainability, grow audiences and partnerships, and ensure the organisation continues to deliver high quality, accessible dance experiences both within its building and across the region. While experience in dance is beneficial, it is not essential; we are particularly interested in candidates with strong leadership, advocacy and relationship building skills.

Dance City is in a strong position, with a dedicated team, a well established reputation and an ambitious programme. Like many arts organisations, we are navigating a challenging funding and policy landscape, and this role will be key in ensuring the organisation remains agile, sustainable and responsive to change, while continuing to champion the value of dance for audiences and communities.

The role is offered on a full time, permanent basis, with a salary of £65,000-£67,000 per annum plus benefits, based in the North East, with some hybrid working.

Dance City is committed to equity, diversity and inclusion and actively encourages applications from people under represented in arts leadership, including women, disabled people, and those from Black, Asian, ethnically diverse, LGBTQ+ and international backgrounds (with the right to work in the UK). Accessible application formats and adjustments are available at any stage of the process.

Job Requirements

The successful candidate will be an inclusive and experienced leader with a proven track record in senior roles within cultural or arts organisations, and strong networks across the creative industries. They will have a deep understanding of the cultural landscape, including political, legal, financial and social contexts, and a clear commitment to inclusion, equality and best practice in dance. They will bring experience of leading organisational change, building partnerships, and generating income through fundraising and public investment, alongside strong financial literacy and charity governance knowledge. The role requires a compelling advocate and communicator, confident in representing the organisation and inspiring stakeholders, with experience of working effectively with a Board. Desirable experience includes leading a diverse arts programme in a building based organisation, managing national or international partnerships, and overseeing significant public funding programmes.

Job Responsibilities

• Lead on Dance City's vision, values and organisational objectives and ensure the relevance and sustainability of its creative programme.
• Ensure there is alignment between Dance City's creative ambitions and its business needs and that all activity is delivered to the highest possible standards to plan and within budget.
• Grow the organisation's earned income and shape and set targets for initiatives embracing commercial ventures, corporate partnerships, public funding, trusts and foundations and individual philanthropy.
• Be accountable to the board and to funding bodies, and for the responsible stewardship of Dance City.
• Ensure a strong profile and reputation for the organisation and for dance practice locally, regionally, nationally and internationally.
• Initiate, develop and sustain partnerships with existing and potential funders and key stakeholders.
• Lead and enable the senior team; motivate, inspire, and support the development of the wider staff team.