Executive Director

Job Summary SCRUM Theatre is seeking an ambitious and experienced Executive Director to lead our growing, values-driven arts organisation and charity. Job Description Our Executive Director will be a driving force in ensuring the long-term sustainability of SCRUM Theatre, leading our strategic growth, fundraising, and operational development while maintaining the values at the heart of the organisation. We are looking for someone to be a key leader in the charity's overall strategy, and be responsible for its operational oversight. This includes financial sustainability, fundraising,…

Job Summary

Job Description

Our Executive Director will be a driving force in ensuring the long-term sustainability of SCRUM Theatre, leading our strategic growth, fundraising, and operational development while maintaining the values at the heart of the organisation.

We are looking for someone to be a key leader in the charity’s overall strategy, and be responsible for its operational oversight. This includes financial sustainability, fundraising, governance, staff leadership, and partnerships. SCRUM’s Co-Leads currently lead in these areas and will be working closely with the Executive Director to form a dynamic and supportive executive team. Together, this team will work with the Board of Trustees to shape the organisation’s future, ensuring SCRUM remains an essential and dynamic hub for theatre-makers.

SCRUM’s organisational structure is modelled on European theatre companies, and this is a unique executive role within a democratic collective. Major strategic decisions will require a mandate from the team, and in turn, they will look to you for leadership, guidance, and consultation to deliver their projects.

We are in the ‘start-up’ phase of our growth as a charity, and we are looking for a confident, collaborative leader who is excited to grow with our organisation. You will be offered mentorship from an Executive Director of a leading London theatre.

We are interested in candidates from a variety of professional backgrounds. You could be…

• A general manager in a small theatre company
• A producer in an arts organisation who wants to step up
• A leader in a charity or other organisation who is looking to move into theatre

This is not an exhaustive list. We are looking for a great strategist with a flair for finance, with an entrepreneurial spirit and a great appetite for collaborative working.

This will be a freelance contract for 4 days a week, with a probation period of 6 months. We plan to move all staff contracts to PAYE as soon as it becomes financially possible.

Job Requirements

Required Skills

• Experience in developing and implementing strategic plans for growth and sustainability.
• Strong leadership skills, with experience managing teams and fostering a positive organisational culture.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills with funders, partners, and policymakers.
• Deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities within the theatre sector, particularly in independent and artist-led organisations.

Desired skills

• At least 3 years in a senior leadership role in the arts, charity, or cultural sector.
• Knowledge of charity governance, financial regulations, and best practices in organisational management.
• Proven track record in financial management, fundraising, and revenue generation.

Job Responsibilities

Please see our attached document for a detailed list of responsibilities. Broadly, the responsibilities can be grouped under the following areas:

• Strategic leadership and governance
• Financial and fundraising leadership
• Operational and team leadership
• Stakeholder and industry engagement
• Artistic and programme support

Please don’t feel you have to excel in every single area — we’d also love to hear what you’d like to grow into, and how this role will fit in your growth trajectory. We want to encourage applications from a variety of professional backgrounds, and are looking for candidates who are willing to rise to the challenge.