Main Purpose of the Role The Director is the strategic and operational lead of NRTF, responsible for the organisation's vision, management, performance, and long-term sustainability. They ensure delivery against NRTF's mission and business plan, champion rural touring at a national level, and act as the primary liaison with Arts Council England, stakeholders, and the wider sector. Working closely with a proactive Board of Trustees, the Director provides leadership on governance and compliance in line with UK Charity Law and NRTF's Articles of Association, ensuring the organisation operates with transparency, accountability and good practice. The Director is a visible ambassador for rural touring, building strong relationships across the cultural sector, advocating for members, and promoting the role of rural touring in ensuring that creativity and culture thrive in every community. Person Specification Essential Proven senior leadership within arts or cultural organisations. Commitment to rural/community engagement. Strong understanding of the UK arts funding landscape, especially ACE. Demonstrable experience in finance, HR, governance, and fundraising. Experience in project delivery. Strategic thinker with exceptional communication skills. Experience of working and engaging with key stakeholders. Experience working with or supporting a Board of Trustees. Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Evidence of original thinking, idea making and bold ambition. Caring and positive leadership style. Desirable Awareness of the ethos, principles and practice of rural touring. Knowledge of community arts and engagement, and/or cultural networks. Experience in legal compliance and company secretary responsibilities. Understanding of contemporary cultural policy and advocacy. Experience in digital communications, social media, and PR. Strategic Leadership Finance and Fundraising Membership and Sector Support Project and Event Delivery Communications and Advocacy HR and Operations Governance and Legal How To Apply NRTF is an equal opportunities employer committed to equality, diversity, anti-racism, and anti-ableism and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. Equal opportunities mean that everyone should have an equal chance to apply and be selected for posts, to be trained or promoted equally and fairly.Job Summary
Job Description
Job Requirements
Job Responsibilities
Deliver NRTF's Business Plan, oversee programmes, build stakeholder relationships, align with ACE, and secure sustainability through innovation and partnerships.
Lead financial planning, reporting, and fundraising, ensuring compliance and developing new income streams.
Support and engage members, respond to needs, foster community, deliver initiatives, and represent NRTF nationally and internationally.
Provide oversight of projects and events, including the Annual Conference, and build partnerships to strengthen rural touring.
Lead communications and advocacy, act as spokesperson, increase visibility, manage marketing, and build strategic partnerships.
Oversee recruitment, HR, contracts, staff management, and organisational infrastructure.
Support the Board, manage meetings and compliance, and act as Company Secretary.Useful Links
How to Apply
Please go to our website and download the Job Pack (plain text version available) for further information. Please note that the deadline for applications is Monday 29th September at 12pm.
We invite applicants who want to learn more about NRTF, both the organisation and the team, to attend an informal conversation with current Interim Head of Operations, Jo Purseglove. These conversations will have no impact on shortlisting decisions and an appointment can be made by emailing [email protected] with a preferred timeslot during the following sessions:
Tuesday 16th September – 12.30pm to 4.30pm
Monday 22nd September – 10am to 2pm