Chief Executive

Severn Arts is an ambitious, evolving arts charity and one of the national Music Hubs for Herefordshire and Worcestershire. We are looking for people who want to ensure the creative sector flourishes, and that the value of the arts is recognised as a contributor to society, and to creating confident, empowered communities.

In our new Chief Executive, we seek a leader with the experience and ambition to build on the momentum we have, to strengthen organisational resilience, grow audiences and foster relationships with partners and stakeholders. The successful candidate will work with the Senior Leadership Team as we embark on a new 3-year Business Plan cycle to design and implement innovative and creative strategies that align with our strategic aims.

The new Chief Executive will be instrumental in advocating for the work we do, growing the business, and promoting the opportunities Severn Arts brings to children and young people and the wider community of Worcestershire.

Severn Arts has been through significant transformational change since its inception and has accomplished a great deal through diversifying into large-scale project delivery, community engagement and music projects aimed at providing access for all to high-quality experiences that are sustainable and life-affirming. We are in year two of a new three-year business plan period and the potential to grow our offer and increase our impact is great. Joining at this time in our history would enable the right candidate to have significant influence in taking the charity forward.

Main purpose of the role: To provide leadership to the organisation working with the Senior Leadership Team to develop, deliver and evaluate our agreed strategic business plan; promote growth and sustainability, and foster a positive, inspiring work environment that empowers our teams to deliver our vision and goals.

• Lead the charity’s vision, values and strategic direction working closely with Trustees to ensure a resilient, ambitious organisation that connects communities through creative endeavour and engagement.

• Support the Chair of Trustees to ensure that the Board and sub committees are equipped and informed, enabling effective and appropriate governance.

• Drive the successful development of income generation through successful fundraising and partnership development to ensure Severn Arts’ sustainability.

• Work with and support the Director of Operations and Resources to develop and implement an informed financial plan and be accountable for the annual budget.

• Build and maintain key relationships with stakeholders locally, regionally, and nationally and be an ambassador and spokesperson for the organisation.

• Work and negotiate with strategic funding partners to ensure that outcomes and KPIs are aligned and delivered for the benefit of our audiences and users and for the long-term sustainability of Severn Arts.

• Provide leadership across the organisation and ensure Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Access is embedded into all aspects of our work, team, and offer.

• Ensure a joined up, supportive working environment that sets out clear values, encourages creativity and contributions from everyone and enables the staff team, volunteers and our Board to flourish and thrive.

• Overall responsibility for adherence to all company policies and working practices.

This post is subject to a criminal record check under the arrangements established by the Disclosure and Barring Service.