Chief Executive Officer

Job Summary

As CEO, you will lead our organisation’s strategy, ensuring that we continue to deliver on our mission to help young people find and use their voice. You will oversee the team’s efforts to deepen our reach and impact, maintaining First Story’s position as England’s leading creative writing charity.

Job Description

• Salary £57,500 – £61,000 (dependent on experience)
• Full-time (open to discussing 0.8 FTE during the interview stage)
• 25 days’ annual leave plus public holidays, up to 3 days’ paid leave during office closure over holiday season, and day off on your birthday
• Hybrid and flexible working
• Based in London (or open to candidates based in the same region as any of our hubs – East Midlands, Yorkshire or North West)

The CEO will take responsibility for the overall strategy of the organisation, ensuring that we continue to deliver on our mission to help young people find and use their voice. The post-holder will ensure that First Story remains England’s leading creative writing charity for young people and will take overall responsibility for leading the team to deliver on our strategy to deepen our reach and impact on the lives of young people and in creating opportunities for writers.

Our new CEO will be someone who understands the arts and cultural sector and the critical role that creative writing plays in inspiring and encouraging the next generation. You will have experience of working with multiple stakeholders in the arts, including team members and artists, and will have experience of leading a team and raising funds from a range of sources to support creative projects.

This is a particularly exciting time to join First Story. The organisation is more ambitious than ever, delivering on our 2021-2026 Reach and Impact strategy. We have recently won a grant from The Mercers’ Company to focus on oracy in our Young Writers’ Programme and are building on the momentum of our recent 15th anniversary. We will soon be developing our strategy for 2026 and beyond, and so this marks an exciting opportunity for the new CEO to shape the organisation’s future.

Closing date: Wednesday 30 October 2024

• First Interviews: 7 November 2024
• Second Interviews: 12 November 2024

Job Requirements

• Proven leadership in charity management, either in the arts or broader charity sector.
• Strong strategic thinking and planning abilities.
• Willing to be hands-on and detail-oriented in charity operations.
• Skilled in managing and developing high-performing teams.
• Demonstrable leadership, emotional intelligence, and ability to coach staff and manage collaborations.
• Experience in sound financial management and operations.
• Proven fundraising experience, particularly with trusts, foundations, or major donors.
• Ability to develop/manage partnerships and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders.
• Understanding of charity governance and experience working with a board of trustees.
• Strategic understanding of the current challenges and opportunities in creative writing or the arts.
• Committed to First Story’s mission and values.

Job Responsibilities

Strategy and Leadership:

• Define First Story’s long-term vision with the board and implement a strategic plan.
• Explore opportunities to deepen the charity’s impact and reach.
• Foster an inclusive culture and prioritize staff wellbeing.
• Oversee finances, working closely with the Treasurer and Finance Committee.
• Ensure efficient charity operations.

Fundraising and Stakeholder Engagement:

• Lead partnerships with authors, funders, and media.
• Oversee fundraising efforts, ensuring targets are met.
• Serve as First Story’s ambassador, promoting its mission.

Team Management and Governance:

• Lead staff to reach their potential and manage board governance.
• Ensure informed decision-making and statutory compliance.

Programming:

• Support creative programming and effective delivery.
• Ensure impact assessment and feedback to funders.

Branding and Communications:

• Shape the organization’s voice and maintain strong branding.