Executive Director (0.4 fte - c. 16 hours pw)

Job Summary Arts Gateway MK is a small mixed arts organisation with wide-ranging ambitions. We`re appointing our first Executive Director to bring together and develop our creative hub Arts Central (85 studios), our venue The Box Arts Club, MK Literary Festival and costume/equipment hire service, CARC. Job Description Executive Director, Arts Gateway MK Strategic Leadership & Vision Develop and implement a long-term strategy, to support the local arts community Lead the organization through growth, development, and change Represent Arts Gateway MK at local…

Job Summary

Arts Gateway MK is a small mixed arts organisation with wide-ranging ambitions. We`re appointing our first Executive Director to bring together and develop our creative hub Arts Central (85 studios), our venue The Box Arts Club, MK Literary Festival and costume/equipment hire service, CARC.

Job Description

Executive Director, Arts Gateway MK

Strategic Leadership & Vision

• Develop and implement a long-term strategy, to support the local arts community
• Lead the organization through growth, development, and change
• Represent Arts Gateway MK at local and national levels

Team Management

• Lead, manage and support employees and contractors, with clear objectives and resources
• Foster a collaborative and positive working environment
• Oversee performance management, and professional development

Statutory Policies & Risk Management

• Ensure that H&S, safeguarding, equalities, inclusion and data policies/procedures comply with relevant legislation
• Oversee risk management for the organization;
• Ensure regular reviews of operating practices, to maintain a safe environment for staff, residents, and visitors;

Property Management:

• Oversee management of AGMK premises to ensure premises are well-maintained and compliant

Financial Oversight & Sustainability

• Oversee AGMK’s financial health, budgeting, financial planning and resource allocation
• Lead fund-raising through grants, sponsorships, donations, and partnerships
• Regularly report finances to the Board

Operational Management

• Oversee operations and services
• Ensure staff have what they need to deliver
• Lead implementation of AGMK`s policies and procedures

Stakeholder & Community Engagement

• Maintain strong relationships across the sector
• Engage with stakeholders on AGMK initiatives
• Act as AGMK spokesperson, ensuring visibility and reputation

Program & Service Development:

• Develop and evaluate programs that meet local needs
• Ensure the delivery of high-quality services, across studios, workshops, events, and exhibitions
• Seek innovations to keep AGMK’s offering fresh and relevant

Governance & Reporting

• Work with Trustees to ensure robust governance and sustainable growth
• Regularly report on performance, finances and impact

Job Requirements

We seek someone with

• Experience in senior leadership, ideally within the arts, cultural or nonprofit sectors
• Success in fundraising, grant acquisition, budgeting and financial oversight.
• The ability to manage complex issues, solve problems and drive results with skills in

Leadership, bringing experience of inspiring teams to achieve

Managing risks in the light of health and safety, safeguarding, equalities, inclusion and GDPR regulations, in community and arts spaces

Finance, with experience in budgeting, grant writing, and securing diverse funding

Managing and maintaining premises including safety standards and legal compliance

Overseeing day-to-day operations, including staff and programmes

Communication and advocacy, to represent the organization, promote the creative sector and build relationships with stakeholders.

Job Responsibilities

Oversee the direction and success of AGMK, acting as the main internal and external interface between Trustees, staff, stakeholders, existing and potential customers

Play a key role with Trustees in providing strategic leadership and vision to the organisation, helping to set priorities, outlining programmes and enabling the resources needed for delivery

Oversee finances, cash flow, funding sources, and necessary actions for organizational viability.

Lead and support employees and contractors, review relationships, and suggest improvements for effective and sustainable operations.

Regularly review opportunities and risks, particularly around use and availability of premises, and propose strategic and operational mitigation.

Regularly report on AGMK`s impact, achievement of its objectives and how AGMK presents to its audiences