Executive Director​/Co-CEO

Job Summary

Community Arts North West (CAN) is seeking an exceptional Executive Director/Co-CEO to help lead our next chapter.

Working in equal partnership with our Artistic Director, you will provide strategic and operational leadership, ensuring the organisation’s financial, organisational, and governance foundations are as strong and forward‑thinking as its artistic practice. Together, you will shape CAN’s future vision while leading an inclusive, resilient, and values‑driven organisation.

We are looking for an experienced leader from the arts, cultural, or voluntary sector with a strong track record in financial management, fundraising, organisational development, and governance. You will bring experience of securing income from a range of sources, including Arts Council England, Trusts and Foundations, and other strategic partners, alongside a practical understanding of charity regulation and compliance.

As Co‑CEO, you will cultivate a collaborative and transparent organisational culture, lead a dedicated team, and build strong relationships across local, national, and international networks. Above all, you will share our commitment to creativity, inclusion, and social justice, and be excited by the opportunity to use your leadership to support positive change through the arts.

You will bring experience of securing income from a range of sources, alongside a practical understanding of charity regulation and compliance. You also have experience of:

• Working in a senior leadership role within the arts or charity sector.
• Financial oversight, including budget setting, monitoring accounts, and ensuring long‑term financial sustainability.
• Managing funding relationships.
• Building a healthy, inclusive team culture, with strong people management skills and the ability to lead, develop and motivate staff.

Working in equal partnership with our Artistic Director, you will provide strategic and operational leadership, ensuring the organisation’s financial, organisational, and governance foundations are as strong and forward‑thinking as its artistic practice.

• Strategic leadership and representation (joint responsibility)
• Financial oversight (lead responsibility)
• Fundraising (lead responsibility)
• Project reporting (lead responsibility)
• HR, people management and safeguarding (joint responsibility)
• Governance (joint responsibility)
• Marketing and communications (lead responsibility)