Strategic Chair Opera Charity – Lead & Advocate

Hurn Court Opera, a small but vibrant Charitable Incorporated Organisation, wishes to appoint a new trustee with the potential to take over as Chair of Trustees following the retirement of the current chair in 2027.

The Chair provides leadership, setting the tone for decision-making and ensuring high standards. The Chair guides the team in setting HCO's strategic direction, facilitating the focus on longer term objectives as well as short term delivery.

The Chair is also HCO's main spokesperson, representing it at events and external functions and promoting its interests. Engaging with supporters, as well as HCO's commercial and music partners, is therefore a key part of the role. This will range from talking with Patrons and Friends at HCO events to maintaining a strong relationship with partners such as The Grange Festival, Arts University Bournemouth and performance venues, to helping to develop a wider network of commercial donors.

The Chair of Trustees should be an experienced charity trustee with appropriate leadership skills.

As HCO's primary focus is on supporting the vocal stars of tomorrow, an interest in classical music and operatic perfomance is important. Also important is the desire not only that tomorrow's vocal stars get good quality, paid performance opportunities but also that HCO's audiences have chances to see and hear high quality operatic performance in their local areas and at a reasonable price.

Hybrid

Hurn Court Opera (HCO) currently has four trustees plus three additional board-level volunteers and a marketing contractor, making up the Management Committee. The HCO family also includes our President, international opera star Sir Simon Keenly side, approx 30 generous Patrons and 80 Friends and, currently, a volunteer professional fundraiser who is advising on fundraising strategy and tactics.

With a reputation for high quality performance by the opera stars of tomorrow, HCO aims to maintain its leading position in the Hampshire, Dorset and South Wiltshire area and strengthen its financial stability.

The new Chair of Trustees will lead the organisation through the next stage of its development, with a particular focus on these aims.