Deputy CEO and Creative Director

We are looking for a Deputy CEO/Creative Director to work alongside the CEO/Creative Director to contribute to the artistic vision, creative, entrepreneurial and strategic leadership of the charity.

For over 40 years, the organisation has co‑created inclusive, artistic opportunities with diverse communities, enhancing wellbeing and celebrating culture and heritage.

We call this Art for a Reason.

• Position: Deputy CEO / Creative Director
• Location: Manchester/Hybrid (3-4 days in the office, with one day being a Wednesday)
• Hours: Full time, 37 hours per week
• Salary: £43,869 plus a 7.5% employer pension contribution
• Contract: Permanent
• Closing Date: Wednesday 8 July at 5pm
• Interview Dates: Thursday 16 & Friday 17 July

In this pivotal role, the Deputy CEO/Creative Director is responsible for working alongside the CEO/Creative Director to contribute to the artistic vision, creative, entrepreneurial and strategic leadership of the charity. Line managed by the CEO/Creative Director, you will lead on daily operations including governance, fundraising, marketing, embedding EDI across all aspects of the company’s operations and contribute to artistic programming to achieve our project objectives and strategic targets.

You will deputise as ambassador for the organisation and foster strong stakeholder relationships and will build relationships with the current major funders including the Arts Council England (the charity is not an NPO), Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) and the Garfield Weston Foundation. On occasion, you may be required to deputise for the CEO/Creative Director.

We are looking for a leader with a proven track record in creative/cultural leadership, who can contribute to the implementation of an artistic programme, oversee complex budgets, and foster productive relationships with a Board of Trustees. Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion are embedded in the work with communities experiencing inequality, exclusion or barriers to participation.

Join a dynamic participatory arts charity based in Rochdale, dedicated to using creative practice as a catalyst for social change. For over 40 years the organisation has co‑created inclusive, artistic opportunities with diverse communities that enhance wellbeing and celebrate culture and heritage. Through a range of initiatives from Art for Wellbeing to community‑led festivals, the team provides opportunities for people to explore their heritage, find their voice, and experience the transformative power of the arts.

The vision is for a world where everyone has access and opportunities to create, participate and belong.

We particularly encourage applications from individuals who live in Rochdale and/or identify as being of the global majority, disabled, neurodiverse and/or LGBTQ+ or non‑binary communities. The successful candidate will be offered the post subject to an enhanced DBS check and references.

You may also have experience in areas such as Programme Coordinator/manager, Learning and Engagement, Director, Creative Director, Operations Director, CEO, Director of Creative, Joint CEO, Deputy CEO, Assistant CEO, Chief Exec, Assistant Chief Exec, Deputy Chief Exec.