Chief Executive

The Chief Executive reports to the Board and has overall responsibility for the success of Northern Stage. They ensure that opportunities to generate essential income are maximised and that the resources of Northern Stage are managed effectively and efficiently in pursuit of our mission, aims and values. They lead on strategic planning, stakeholder management and advocacy. They are the custodian of the reputation of the company and strive to embody it.

The Chief Executive has line management responsibility for the Artistic Director, as well as the Interim Deputy Chief Executive, the Finance Director and the Heads of Department. The Chief Executive has a particular role to enable and support the Artistic Director in their development and the delivery of the artistic vision, strategy and programme, within agreed income and expenditure commitments.

On all matters relating to the artistic vision, strategy and programme, the Artistic Director reports to the Board as well as to the Chief Executive. They attend all Board meetings to represent and be accountable for the essence of the company’s work and the income and expenditure responsibility that go with that. The Chief Executive works in close collaboration with the Artistic Director to realise the theatre’s artistic ambition, so that the broad artistic and engagement programmes reflect Northern Stage’s commitment to diversity, inclusion, environmental sustainability, ambition and excellence, whilst ensuring the financial well-being of the company.

Together, the Chief Executive and the Artistic Director nurture and influence the organisational culture of Northern Stage to ensure that it is in harmony with the ethos of the work that appears on our stages.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership

Envision Northern Stage’s future development and success, both medium and long term, and work collaboratively with the board, stakeholders and staff to plan and drive strategic change to address current and future challenges successfully

Develop and oversee the delivery of Northern Stage’s financial strategy and business plan to deliver the mission, vision and values of the company and meet the changing needs of the communities we serve, communicating these internally and externally.

Lead a strong, co-ordinated, empowered and effective senior management team providing dynamic and inspirational leadership and a clear sense of purpose and direction to the wider organisation, in partnership with the Artistic Director

Work closely with the Artistic Director and senior management team to deliver a high quality and relevant programme which balances artistic, financial and operational needs, maintaining oversight of programming strategy.

Drive the commerciality of the business, ensuring Northern Stage is maximising all opportunities to generate income across the full range of its activities.

Lead the efficient, effective and professional management of all resources.

Understand external trends that impact the industry and region and bring that insight to decision making and the strategic development of Northern Stage.

Act as the custodian of Northern Stage’s reputation, working personally and through others to enhance our reputation with all stakeholders.

Organisational Strategy
Support and collaborate with senior management colleagues to:
Oversee the development, delivery and profitability of all commercial trading activities through Northern Stage Enterprises Ltd

Represent Northern Stage in complex and/or sensitive co-production arrangements and rights acquisitions, and on all major co-production projects.

Oversee the development of marketing and audience development plans to ensure the artistic mission and financial health of Northern Stage is supported by a dynamic approach
to audience growth and diversification and informed by the artistic strategy

Ensure an imaginative and effective approach to developing Northern Stage’s brand.

Oversee the development and implementation of a communications strategy for all aspects of Northern Stage’s work
Champion continuous improvement in the delivery of a high-quality experience for audiences, artists and other visitors extending a world-class welcome and promoting best
practice in customer service.

With the Artistic Director, ensure that Northern Stage’s outreach, learning and community work is strategic, impactful and serves local communities, including those currently underserved.

Formulate and oversee the delivery of a clear fundraising strategy and oversee its implementation and delivery, playing a visible leading role as appropriate.

Oversee the development and delivery of the environmental strategy and plan

For full details please visit our website.

For an informal, confidential discussion about the role, please
contact Mary Caws at [email protected]