Strategic Arts Trustee – Lead Bold, Accessible Opera

Trustees

Term: 4 years, up to 2 terms

Remuneration:
Voluntary role (reasonable expenses reimbursed)

Location:

London and Greater Manchester

Time Commitment:
Approximately 6 Board meetings, 1 Away Day and committee meetings as required

Closing date: 4th September 2026

English National Opera (ENO) is one of the UK's most iconic cultural institutions, dedicated to creating extraordinary encounters with opera on stage and beyond. We are seeking two Trustees to join our Board at a defining moment in ENO's journey, as we continue our evolution as a truly national opera company rooted in both London and Greater Manchester, reaching audiences across England and internationally.

Working closely with the Chair, fellow Trustees and Executive Leadership Team, you will help steward the next chapter of ENO's artistic future under the leadership of Chief Executive Helen Shute, Artistic Director Annilese Miskimmon and Music Director Designate André de Ridder.

• Contribute to Board discussions on ENO's artistic direction, strategic priorities and long-term ambitions.
• Support ENO in delivering bold, accessible and world‑class artistic experiences for audiences across the country.
• Act as both an advocate and critical friend, helping ensure ENO remains artistically ambitious, creatively relevant and financially sustainable.
• Bring independent judgement, insight and challenge to Board decision‑making.
• Support the Board in fulfilling its governance responsibilities and charitable objectives.

• Strong connections and networks across the arts and creative sectors nationally and internationally.
• Either a significant background in opera and operatic leadership, or executive‑level leadership experience within the wider arts and cultural sector, including music, theatre, dance, festivals, visual arts or other creative disciplines.
• Strategic leadership experience and a track record of contributing to organisational development and change.
• A commitment to ENO's mission, values and the communities it serves.
• A collaborative, values‑led approach and commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.

These are rare opportunities to help shape the future of England's National Opera Company at a pivotal moment in its history. At ENO, we know that confidence gaps and structural barriers can discourage talented candidates, particularly women and those from underrepresented backgrounds, from applying unless they meet every requirement. We are committed to building an inclusive, diverse and representative Board, and warmly encourage applications from anyone who believes they can make a meaningful contribution.

If you are excited by this role and ENO's mission, we would love to hear from you. We value potential, lived experience, transferable skills and a willingness to grow in the role as much as direct experience.

If you require any reasonable adjustments, please let us know.

For an informal confidential discussion, please contact our recruitment advisers at Gatenby Sanderson:

Michelle Sander, Senior Researcher: michell

Rebekah Herz‑Bauman, Partner: rebekah.her