Director (CEO)

The Role 

The Director is the Chief Executive of The Roses Theatre Trust, responsible for delivering the organisation’s strategic, artistic, operational, and financial success. 

Reporting to the Board of Trustees, the Director will: 

• Provide creative and strategic leadership for the organisation. 
• Deliver a bold, diverse, and financially sustainable artistic programme. 
• Develop and produce a ground-breaking pantomime every Christmas through inclusive, narrative-led storytelling 
• Champion our mission to enhance community wellbeing through creativity. 
• Advocate and represent The Roses Theatre Trust to communities, artists and audiences building a collaborative, inclusive culture for the town, region and sector. Model the organisation’s culture, promote business excellence, and encourage an open, challenging and accessible learning environment. 
• Bring excellent financial and commercial acumen building the longevity of the business. 
• Lead the organisation with transparency, care, and ambition. 

Location: Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire (some hybrid working negotiable) 

Hours: Full-time  

Salary: circa £50,000 depending on experience 

Reports to: Board of Trustees 

Contract: Permanent 

Key Responsibilities 

Strategic Leadership & Vision 

• Deliver, review, and evolve the business strategy in line with organisational vision and strategic priorities. 
• Provide inspiring leadership to departmental managers and staff, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, inclusivity, and care. 
• Embed a robust organisational infrastructure including effective risk management, KPIs, governance, and legal compliance. 
• Build a dynamic and entrepreneurial organisational culture that embraces growth, creativity, and adaptability. 
• Lead the cultural sector in the town by effectively chairing the Tewkesbury Culture consortium and driving forward shared cultural ambitions. 
• Develop and lead on strategic partnerships that support The Roses deliver its vision and mission. 

Organisational Development & Governance 

• Work closely with and report to the Board of Trustees and ensure discussions and decisions are well informed. Alongside the Board of Trustees, Chairs, and across teams, create, update, implement and evaluate the company’s strategic business plan and manage risk. 
• Ensure The Roses operates as a healthy, compliant and future-focused organisation. 
• Oversee HR and health and safety, ensuring best practice in staff wellbeing and equity. 
• Lead on capital development planning, digital transformation, and sustainability initiatives. 
• Work closely with the Board of Trustees, preparing reports, attending meetings, and contributing to strategic discussions. 

Artistic & Programme Leadership 

• Collaborate with departmental managers to develop and deliver an ambitious, inclusive, and high-quality programme of live performance, film and participatory activity. 
• Deliver a regionally distinctive and commercially-successful Christmas pantomime. 
• Foster artistic innovation and support new creative talent. 
• Position The Roses as a cultural leader locally and nationally. 

Creative Health & Community Impact 

• Work with producers to develop pioneering creative health and wellbeing and children and young people programmes. 
• Lead on The Roses’ strategic role in placemaking, community cohesion, and public health. 
• Build partnerships with public and third-sector bodies including the NHS, schools, and local authorities. 

Financial Leadership & Risk Management 

• Ensure the financial sustainability of the organisation through strong budget management, oversight of financial reporting, and effective use of resources. 
• Creation of the annual budget and three-year business plan. 
• Ensure commerciality is delivered across the organisation by exploring new income streams and business development opportunities. 
• Monitor and oversee annual budgets and review the financial, structural, staffing, employment strategies in close collaboration with the senior management team. 
• Oversee organisational risk management, maintaining, and regularly reviewing a comprehensive risk register to ensure strategic, financial, operational, and reputational risks are identified, monitored, and mitigated. 

Fundraising & Stakeholder Management 

• Lead and manage all fundraising across the organisation. 
• Collaborate with the Development Manager to develop and deliver fundraising strategy.  
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with funders, donors, trusts, and foundations and other key stakeholders. 

Marketing, Communications & Advocacy 

• Collaborate with the Marketing Manager to deliver compelling audience development and brand strategies. 
• Raise the profile of The Roses regionally and nationally. 
• Act as a passionate public ambassador for the organisation across media, networks, and partnerships. 

Person Specification 

Experience & Skills 

• Proven experience of executive leadership in the arts, culture, or charitable sectors and creating inspiring business plans that grow income and reputation 
• A strong track record in delivering organisational growth through strategic programming and placemaking. 
• Demonstrable experience of nurturing collaborative teams to deliver cultural change and social impact 
• Demonstrable experience in financial and operational management. 
• Strong fundraising experience and ability to secure and steward public and private support. 
• Experience building and leading high-performing, diverse teams. 
• Confidence with governance, legal, and compliance matters. 

Attributes 

• Passionate about creativity, community, and inclusive leadership. 
• Entrepreneurial mindset and appetite for innovation. 
• Excellent communicator and public advocate. 
• Strategic thinker with the ability to make sound evidence-led decisions. 
• Committed to equity, sustainability, and long-term impact. 
• Warm, resilient, and collaborative leader.